Interview help please!
Discussion
I've recently applied for a role at another company which really excites me, however I'm a little unsure as to protocol on certain things in an interview as it's been at least 5years since I did one!
As per usual the salary advertised is 'competitive dependent on experience' I'm aware that I'm probably underpaid where am I but am still fairly young for a job at this level and have progressed pretty quickly. Ideally I'd like to be able to achieve a salary that fairly reflects the level of responsibility but don't want to shoot myself in the foot by revealing that I'm currently on a fair bit less than I'd like to be. If you were interviewing what you deem to be taking the Mickey in terms of a percentage? 15% 20%?
Is there any benefit in stating that my basic is higher than it actually is? My thoughts are that this is likely to be a slippery path and if I get caught out is likely to write off any chance of getting the job.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
As per usual the salary advertised is 'competitive dependent on experience' I'm aware that I'm probably underpaid where am I but am still fairly young for a job at this level and have progressed pretty quickly. Ideally I'd like to be able to achieve a salary that fairly reflects the level of responsibility but don't want to shoot myself in the foot by revealing that I'm currently on a fair bit less than I'd like to be. If you were interviewing what you deem to be taking the Mickey in terms of a percentage? 15% 20%?
Is there any benefit in stating that my basic is higher than it actually is? My thoughts are that this is likely to be a slippery path and if I get caught out is likely to write off any chance of getting the job.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Is it through an agent? I would ask them if they have a ballpark figure.
If not, I'd overestimate what I was currently on a little, then they're going to assume you'll only move for a little more. If they offer the job to you, they want you, surely a few K won't change that? You can always say no, or counter offer.
If not, I'd overestimate what I was currently on a little, then they're going to assume you'll only move for a little more. If they offer the job to you, they want you, surely a few K won't change that? You can always say no, or counter offer.
If it's an interview, I'd steer clear of salary conversation at all - something along the lines of if it's competitive for the role then you're sure you'll be able to come to an agreement should be sufficient for a first interview. Your future role has absolutely nothing to do with what you currently earn because it has nothing to do with what you currently do and who you do it for. If they want you enough to do the job, then they'll offer you something they think you'll take. Disclosing your current salary or lying can only go badly.
In my experience I would not mention salary, package or remuneration in an interview unless otherwise asked. Having interviewed quite a few people myself, I do find asking the question regarding salary expectation an interesting one, because it can say a lot about one's character.
Assuming your job is not extremely niche, it would be worth doing some research on the various job sites that are available to give you an idea of the typical range in salary that a similar role would command.
I always think it's best to talk salary with the recruiter (HR, agent, consultant etc.). They, like you, will be keen to secure the role. Make them work for you.
Do not ever undervalue yourself.
Assuming your job is not extremely niche, it would be worth doing some research on the various job sites that are available to give you an idea of the typical range in salary that a similar role would command.
I always think it's best to talk salary with the recruiter (HR, agent, consultant etc.). They, like you, will be keen to secure the role. Make them work for you.
Do not ever undervalue yourself.
Thanks for the responses so far guys. It seems that I was thinking along the lines which you're suggesting.
Just to confirm - the role was advertised on the companies website so no headhunter involved. Submitted my cv etc and have had the initial phone interview with the recruitment manager. Next step is an interview with the director I'd be reporting to.
I think really I'm just trying to cover my bases, I can't think of anything worse than stumbling over yourself giving an answer and then blurting out something daft!
To be completely frank the role interests me so much that the remuneration package honestly wasn't my first thought. Realistically though that doesn't pay the bills, and if I'm leaving a fairly secure well paid job I'd like to think I'd realise an increase in salary as well as improved job satisfaction.
To those of you who regularly interview if you asked the question on salary and we're told something along the lines of "my biggest considerations are how much I'm going to enjoy the job, what the people are like to work with and what the future prospects are for progression. As you're already a living wage employer I would assume that the package for a position at this level would be more than competitive."
I would add that it is a pretty niche role, furthermore it's a new role within the company itself so comparison is a little difficult. Having said that there are similar roles at other firms in our sector and I know within £5k or so what those positions demand.
Just to confirm - the role was advertised on the companies website so no headhunter involved. Submitted my cv etc and have had the initial phone interview with the recruitment manager. Next step is an interview with the director I'd be reporting to.
I think really I'm just trying to cover my bases, I can't think of anything worse than stumbling over yourself giving an answer and then blurting out something daft!
To be completely frank the role interests me so much that the remuneration package honestly wasn't my first thought. Realistically though that doesn't pay the bills, and if I'm leaving a fairly secure well paid job I'd like to think I'd realise an increase in salary as well as improved job satisfaction.
To those of you who regularly interview if you asked the question on salary and we're told something along the lines of "my biggest considerations are how much I'm going to enjoy the job, what the people are like to work with and what the future prospects are for progression. As you're already a living wage employer I would assume that the package for a position at this level would be more than competitive."
I would add that it is a pretty niche role, furthermore it's a new role within the company itself so comparison is a little difficult. Having said that there are similar roles at other firms in our sector and I know within £5k or so what those positions demand.
There is nothing to be gained from inflating your current salary. Be honest. Negotiating, should you be offered the role, is another topic. I agree with most of the posters here, leave it until the end of the process unless you are asked at interview. If so you'll need to have your answer prepared as it sets out your negotiating position.
I have never disclosed what my salary is/was at any interview or application form, when applying for any job.
My stock answer is "that information is confidential" and would not be revealed at anytime, unless it was necessary to convince any prospective employer that it was the minimum market rate.
My stock answer is "that information is confidential" and would not be revealed at anytime, unless it was necessary to convince any prospective employer that it was the minimum market rate.
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