By Orestes Sotta Recruitment Specialist
Interview questions about salary can be tricky. When you answer questions about compensation at your previous job(s) you need to be honest, because your salary can be verified by a prospective employer.
In my dealings with candidates on interview room I have found this question to be mostly challenging to candidates, not only in Tanzania but across East Africa. I have seen many candidates receive lower salaries than their value and others declined employment for “over pricing themselves”
When it comes to how much you want to make, it can be difficult to answer in a way that ensures you'll get paid a fair salary. Here are common interview questions about salary, advice on the best way to respond to salary related interview questions, and sample answers.
Also, be prepared, ahead of time, for salary negotiations with a prospective employer and take the time to research salaries and how much your worth.
How to respond?
Before you start talking pay (and salary negotiations) with a prospective employer, you need to find out how much the job (and you) are worth. You will need to take the time to research salaries. That way you will be prepared to get what you're worth and to get a job offer that's realistic and reasonable.
Salary Negotiations
Once you know what you should be earning, how do you go about getting it? Start by being very patient. When interviewing for a new position, do your best not to bring up compensation until the employer makes you an offer. If you're asked what your salary requirements are, say that they are open based upon the position and the overall compensation package. Or tell the employer you'd like to know more about the responsibilities and the challenges of the job prior to discussing salary.
Another option is to give the employer a salary range based upon the salary research you've done up front. Once you've received the offer you don't need to accept (or reject) it right away. A simple "I need to think it over" can get you an increase in the original offer.
And if you're ambivalent about the position a "no" can bring you a better offer too. I turned down a position I knew I didn't want, regardless of salary, and received three follow-up phone calls upping the compensation package. Be careful though, if you do definitely need that new job there's a risk that the employer may accept your declining the position and move on to the next candidate.
How to research Salary?
The best way is through asking current employees of prospective employer,but you can also research online as there thousands of website which offers free salary survey services,just a few visit: http://www.payscale.com/,http://www.salaryexpert.com/ and Salary Search | Indeed.com
Conclusion:
The bottom line don’t take this question for granted! Many candidates over or under price themselves!!Take time to evaluate your value and research salary range of a prospective employer, this can easily be done through your networks and connections or Tanzania Employer Association(TEA) can be of greater help as well.
About the Writer
Orestes Sotta is a Senior Recruitment Specialist with expertise across multiple verticals. Specializing in Full-Life cycle Recruitment, Talent Management, Strategic Sourcing, Employer Branding and Search Channels. Supporting a portfolio of clients across East Africa to attract and retain talents.
E-mail sotta@smartsms.co.tz
NB: All my consultation,Interview skills workshops and technical support to job seekers/candidates are offered FREE of charge,I only charge corporate clients for my services.
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