01-10-2007, 01:08 PM
There are two ways to go about this imo. First is the easy way. You just avoid the question casually and say that you're so interested in the job that you'll think about salary later. I did this a couple of times. The other way is to name your price. Not necessarily what you are making but what you want. If they ask what you are making, respond with I want to be making xxx amount.
Ok, so the advantage of number 1 is that you give them the upper AND you prove to them that you want the job... That you are excited about the work and salary is just a perk of you being able to do what you love. This will make them appreciate your attitude and will give you a clear advantage over someone who they just interviewed that asked for 10k more than they want to spend. The other advantage is, if you're getting paid less after you're hired, you're less likely to be let go... even if you're slightly less productive. When it comes down to money, it comes down to money. If a company needs to skimp, the people at the top go first. Laying off one person who makes 80k is easier than laying off two that make 45k.
The advantage to number 2 is that you are in control. You make them know that you KNOW what you want and if they want you... you'll get it. Disadvantage is, if they see someone equally excited about the job as you but who didn't make a big deal about salary, you know who would win.
I think overall, it really depends on how bad you NEED the job. When I left school for example, I really wanted to move to Chicago. I bargained hard for jobs in NoVa and ended up taking the lowest pay w/o bargaining to move to Chicago. It's up to you. Decisions decisions.
Ok, so the advantage of number 1 is that you give them the upper AND you prove to them that you want the job... That you are excited about the work and salary is just a perk of you being able to do what you love. This will make them appreciate your attitude and will give you a clear advantage over someone who they just interviewed that asked for 10k more than they want to spend. The other advantage is, if you're getting paid less after you're hired, you're less likely to be let go... even if you're slightly less productive. When it comes down to money, it comes down to money. If a company needs to skimp, the people at the top go first. Laying off one person who makes 80k is easier than laying off two that make 45k.
The advantage to number 2 is that you are in control. You make them know that you KNOW what you want and if they want you... you'll get it. Disadvantage is, if they see someone equally excited about the job as you but who didn't make a big deal about salary, you know who would win.
I think overall, it really depends on how bad you NEED the job. When I left school for example, I really wanted to move to Chicago. I bargained hard for jobs in NoVa and ended up taking the lowest pay w/o bargaining to move to Chicago. It's up to you. Decisions decisions.
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