I need to be very clear. I am not suggesting that discussing the salary is a good idea during a phone interview. Generally, you don’t talk about money until right at the end of the recruitment process when there is an offer on the table. However, you still need to find out what the job salary is.
The thing you still need to understand the salary band that you’re in. For example, a project manager in construction could be paid anything from $80k to $240k depending on the size and complexity of the role. You need to gain an understanding of the size and scope of the role, and who it reports to. The last thing you want to do is waste an employer’s time if the role is underdone or well out of your reach.
The Magic of Payscale.com
The best way to do this is to talk to the recruiter and get hold of the Job Description before your phone interview. If you can’t get hold of anyone www.payscale.com is an excellent resource. Go to the website and do the following:
- Select the ‘Get Your Pay Report’ button
- Select ‘Job Offer’
- Fill in the ‘Expected Job Title’, your ‘Years of Experience’ and ‘Location’
- Select either ‘Annual Salary’ or ‘Hourly Rate’ and general package criteria
- Add in any special conditions
- Fill in the information about your potential employer
- Your expected benefits
- Your Education
- Optional questions
The report will come back with a pay band that shows the expected salary of someone new to the job, the average salary and what a top salary end package looks like. The interesting thing about pay bands is when you’re recruiting someone new, you want to employ someone at the bottom end of the pay band. This means can reward employees and give them a raise as they become proficient at the job. That’s why the first offer is generally on the low end.
Other Things to Consider
You need to remember that they’re going to be paid more than the manager that you report to. Unless there is a really special set of circumstances such as you are a technical expert in your field.
Considering your personal finances is also important. In New Zealand, you can go to www.paye.net.nz/calculator to find out what your ‘take-home pay’ will be after taxes and other deductions.
Your employer will not be remotely interested in your personal outgoings and expenses; however, if you are going to accept a lower pay package (especially if you have dependents) you will need to think about how you will change your lifestyle.
What to Say When Asked About Your Ideal Salary?
If the interviewer asks you what sort of salary package you are expecting, just ask what the salary band is. Then agree that it’s in the range that you are looking for and leave it at that. Try not to give a specific number as you lock yourself into positional bargaining process and may lose out on earning potential.
If they push you for a number try saying ‘I know [Company] looks after their employees and recognises the value that they bring to the company. I don’t think I can give you a number yet, as I still need to learn more about the role and its responsibilities.’
Summary: How Do You Find Out What Your Potential Salary Is?
When it comes to finding out what the job salary is for your new role, do the research. Try to get hold of the job description to see if there is a pay band and use websites like www.payscale.com. Be ready to answer the ‘what salary package are you expecting’ if it’s asked during your phone interview and understand how your take-home income could affect your lifestyle.