When can you ask a prospective employer what salary they will pay?

Zippidy

Hi,

I applied for a job in Germany two weeks ago. The career area is a profession, requiring a particular qualification, which I have. It's a skilled job.

Anyway, did a telephone interview and have now been invited over to Germany for a second interview. The company is paying for the flight.

My question is, when can I ask what the salary is going to be? It wasn't specified in the ad.

I think the going rate is between 2,900 and 3,500 per month, based on market research that I've done. Obviously I would prefer to be at the higher end of that scale.

Can I ask about it during the interview when they give me the opportunity to ask them questions?

Or should I wait until there is a firm offer on the table?

Can I negotiate with them? While I don't have much experience in this particular profession*, my qualification is rare in Germany and that makes me stand out. The job involves exellent English-language writing and editing skills, and I would be the only native English speaker in the company, if they hire me.

*I do have a broad range of work experience in the profession packed into to a small amount of time spent with a huge multinational. This experience, although brief, has impressed the German company.

I'm not a greenhorn, but neither have I ever been flown somewhere for a second interview before. And salary is really really important to me, because I have a bank loan to pay off, relocating is expensive, and I want to be able to be comfortable and save a little too.

I eagerly await all comments

RATM

What is the hiring process? Did they say that there is only one face-to-face interview in Germany? Or is there going to be a second round (or third in your case as you've already done a telephone interview)

If this is the second and final round then I'd say you should go to the interview in Germany and let it play out. This will be your second interview so by the end of it the company should have a pretty good picture of you and will have a fair idea if 1) You are able to do the job at the level they need you to and 2) Whether you yourself are a good fit to their culture.

If you meet those criteria they should begin to ask you about your salary expectations. So first research your salary- go find German salary surveys (my guess is there are a few) and look up what the average is being paid in the category that is closest to your job. Next you've got to think if your skill set is so specialised that it is worth more than the average.

If they ask at the end of your interview then you've got to reason it out for them. You can mention comparisons to similar jobs in the industry, or comparison to your current salary and how you would like a bit extra as you feel you can add a lot of value to them, how you possess a hard work ethic, and will be a valuable part of their team.

Have a salary range of a 3-4k in your head. Also if your job is as rare as you say then you could raise the possibility of a relocation allowance being paid. It should help you out with the 6 month rent bill you might have to pay upfront to a landlord when renting in Germany.

Zippidy

Thanks RATM,

This is the final interview. I've discovered that starting salaries for graduates in this part of Germany are typically over 8k per annum higher than for comparable jobs in Ireland. I have found out the average range like you suggested and I would be happy to take anything within a +/- 4k range.

I think I would feel a bit cheeky to ask for a relocation package, because I don't think I am worth quite that much - though the setup costs sound quite onerous alright. Still, for the type of salary I am looking at, it would be worth some short-term pain I think.

So, in general, your advice is as follows:

• Let them raise the issue of money in the first instance
• Know what the average salary is for similar types of jobs
• Be prepared to justify yourself if you want a little more

Is that a fair synopsis?

tenchi-fan

Zippidy, the interview is not the place to negotiate a salary. Wait until you get a job offer.

If you are asked what salary you expect, try to dodge the question, and if they insist then give a broad range e.g. "i understand professionals in this industry earn in the range 2,800 and 3,600. Obviously I expect a package which reflects my value to the company"..

Certainly do not bring up a relocation package at the interview :eek: If it's a panel interview, this request is bound to have a negative impression on at least one person and at the end of the day the people interviewing you probably are not even in a position to negotiate this deal.

I dunno, personally I never went into details of salary at the interview. Maybe things are different in Germany, try a few German discussion forum for tips on interview techniques for German employers.

Zippidy

Hi guys,

Just back. I took the advice of techni-fan and dodged the question while giving a broad range that reflected what professionals are paid. She ended up offering me €800 per month LESS than the minimum I was prepared to accept!! Before going over I had pretty much decided that that role wasn't for me (the company is just too small), but now that is confirmed in my mind. The interview was good experience, however.

Anyway, I played along, feigned that I was still eager, and was told that I will be contacted within two weeks with a decision.

My question now is this: in the email inviting me to Germany for the interview, I was told that the cost of my flight would be reimbursed. I paid €300 for the flight. It wasn't mentioned by either of us at the interview, and now I'm back in Ireland.

When should I send a polite email asking about the reimbursement? I could really do with the money back right now!

krissovo

Ask right away about the reimbursement, ask who you should contact about the claim and while your at you could practice negotiating the salary. Ask for a further €1200 and see if you can get what you wanted, it would be a good experience and you will find your value.

I work for a German company, salaries are very much dependent on the area much the same as here. For example a Munich role would pay far higher than a Hamburg or Berlin role. My office is based in Munich so I am lucky I get the Munich mentality for salary even though I am based in Ireland, my colleagues in The North of the country will earn at least a 1/3 less than me despite doing the same job.