Re-Tooling TBL

For several years TBL was a blog where I wrote about a wide variety of topics. Those postings are still in the Blog Archive and many are about professional development for engineers. I am now transitioning TBL to be a place where my current and former students can find information related to job searches.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

So - You are asked in an interview, what you expect for a salary? How do you answer?

My answer? - You don't.

This is a tough spot to be in. First of all, these people most likely have not yet decided to hire you. Your answer to the question can do one of two bad things - 1)If you answer too high, you lose the job before you got it. 2)If you answer too low, you could end up getting that offer and either taking a job for low pay or not taking a job you wanted cause they offered you the low price you stated!

Nope - my answer is don't answer. Instead, I would respond like this:

"I would hope to be offered a salary that is competitive for someone with my experience and skills in this market."

Now the ball is clearly in their court. When they decide to hire you, they will either make you an offer from which you can negotiate or ask you the question again. You are in a much better position to answer the question, once they have decided you are the person for the job.

TBL: Don't show your hand too early in the salary game.

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