Those steps are certainly valuable, but theyre not enough.
This post originally appeared onThe Muse.
Too often, people lose money because they think through just one contingency.
What Are Your Salary Expectations?
It sounds like the hiring manager is letting you lead.
But in actuality, they want to gauge the very least youd be willing to accept.
Im confident that what youre offering is competitive.
Or spin the question right back around to them: Im flexible on compensation.
The position and growth potential are much more important to me.
Would you be willing to share the rough range you have in mind for this position?
How Much Are You Currently Making?
A common mistake applicants make is disclosing theircurrent salaryearly in the process.
Again, employers will use this to gauge if youd be willing to accept a low offer.
Therefore, the best response is to avoid giving an exact number.
Id like to discuss the responsibilities and then Im sure well agree on a salary thats appropriate.
Or, My current employer doesnt allow me to discuss compensation outside of the company.
Id like to respect their privacy.
(For future reference, I suggest putting N/A or an obviously incorrect number, like $1.
If you already listed your compensation, be ready to reframe that amount during the interview process.
Come up with solid reasons why your current salary isnt reflective of your true market value.
Whatever you do, dont confuse pivoting the question back or delaying it until the interview process with lying.
Unfortunately, We Dont Have Any Room to Negotiate
Sometimes, the number really isnt negotiable.
For example, if youre being hired into a start class, the offer can be nonnegotiable.
Even if they cant budge on take-home pay,other benefitscould provide a real monetary value.
I see that you have a tuition reimbursement program and I want to get my product management certification.
Instead see it as an invitation tospecificallydiscuss whatll come next.
I know that one of the most important things in this role is [key metric here].
Just as you prep for an interview, youll want to prep for your negotiation.
And that means more than thinking about your canned speeches, it means getting ready for a two-way conversation.
So team up, practice with a friend, and imagine how youll respond to the unexpected.
That way, youll avoid being caught off guardand be a lot more likely to hit your target number.
