Posted on 04/16/2002 11:18:30 AM PDT by KantianBurke
This friday I've got an interview coming up for a job. As I'm right out of college and in need of employment I was wondering if any Freepers would be able to give me some do's and don't. Is there any one thing that'll get their attention? Anything I should do or say that would get me hired?
Just be straightforward and honest. "I'd really like to work here, Dad" has always succeeded for me.
/john
Article 1: What you need to know about Salary Negotiations
Find out what you're worth before the interview
A good way to find out the going rates for someone in your position would be to do a search on the major jobboards for similar positions and see what other employers are offering.
There are also dozens of WebSites now that list salary and compensation data, salary.com even allows you to get a Personal Salary Report that can tell you what you're worth in the city you live in. http://www.jobseekernews.com/r/sal/032802
* Don't be the first to bring it up. *
Never bring up pay issues during the first interview unless asked by the interviewer. The main goal of a first interview is to make them want to bring you back for a second interview. Making them want you allows you to negotiate more from strength later on in the process.
* Clarify the employer's expectations of you *
Buy knowing what the interviewer expects of you in the position you will have a much better understanding of what you will be doing, therefore giving you a much better handle on what types of compensation to seek. For example if the employer sees your position leading to director down the road and you are interviewing for the manager level, you can ask for more salary up front, since you'll probably being doing the work of a director from the beginning.
* What is it that you really want most? *
Would you be willing to trade a $1000 in base or so for an extra week of paid vacation? Do you really want stock options and a 75-hour workweek or the comfort of 9-5 hours and 15 minute commute. Knowing what is most important to you in advance of an interview will help you along both the interview process and salary negotiating process.
* Know how to respond to the question, "What are you making now?" * What you make now includes many different facets of compensation such as; base salary, bonus potential, paid vacations, tuition reimbursements, car allowances, differing health plan costs and much more. Do your homework!! Know what your true compensation is before the interview.
* Address what you are leaving behind *
Are you leaving a bonus on the table? What about 401k matches? Are they the same or do they differ? More often than not a company will make up these with a sign-on bonus, or guaranteed performance bonus of some sort or other provisions to "make you whole."
* Always negotiate your exit clause *
Depending on your level in the company you may be able to negotiate a severance package up front. While this may be hard for an individual contributor than someone in management, it is still a point to address. And yes it is hard to discuss you leaving the company before you have even started, so don't dwell on this point in the negotiation process.
* Keep things pleasant *
The best compensation negotiations are when it's a win-win for both parties, when each side feels they're getting what they want. The company gets a great new employee who will provide solutions to existing issues, and you get a new job where you can contribute and where you are compensated fairly and correctly. If you are working with a third party recruiter let them do the salary and compensation negotiations for you, as they can broach subjects for you that you can't, and can help keep the negotiations on a pleasant and even keel. After all you have to begin working with the employer come some Monday morning in the future.
* What's your deal maker / deal breaker *
Realize in most cases you can only go back with one-maybe two counter proposals. So know what your "deal maker" is. That one item that will make you say yes, that you have to have in order to work for this company.
* Get it in writing *
Typically known as an offer letter or letter of intent, most all companies will provide one if you ask. All this is a confirmation of the deal that the two parties have struck laying out all the points in writing so there are no disagreements down the road. The document should be signed by an officer of the company and include all the details: base salary, bonus potential, options, vacation, relocation package if any, etc.
Aside from that, the biggest mistake people make in interviews is trying to puff themselves up too much. Most interviewers will see right through that. Dress neatly, be on time, try to relax, and be candid.
This always worked with me.
Tell them you can help them downsize because you're willing to work 80+ hours per week for Third World wages.
"Convicted? No."
Keep in mind that the interviewer is the one with the problem: He or she has a job that needs to be filled. Have the attitude that you going to be the solution to his or her problem.
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