Salary Issue

CatFromHue

I'm working on a contract at the moment and it's coming to an end.

I've been applying for other jobs, and even interviewed for one, and I'm asked (have been asked in the interview) what my salary expectations are. I answer with what I'm currently on now but the thing is it's quite a well paid job.

I'm ok with dropping down in salary, if needed of course, but just wondering how other people would I approach this?

In the interview I did they asked me what my expectations are, I answered with what I'm on now and got a kinda surprised OK from the interviewer. They got pretty quick to say they weren't going to proceed to the next stage afterwards but equally I don't think I did a great interview and do have a different background to what they were looking for too.

It's hard to gauge from job adverts what they're looking to pay as they don't mention it.

bee06

I usually say what I'm currently on and then say that I would be ok with a lower salary for the right opportunity.

jameshayes

the 'opportunity is more important to me than salary' line is always a good one

Mr. Loverman

You shouldn't expect a contract wage in a permanent job. If I interviewed someone and they said that to me (I expect my contract wage), I would think they are unreasonable and would not hire them.

A big part of the interview process (from the manager's perspective) is to get a feel for the person and decide if they are going to be easy to manage, etc.

Do you know what the non-contract salary generally is for your position?

Mrs OBumble

What you're on now is irrelevant, unless you're comparing like-with-like.

When you interview for a job, you should have some idea of the market rate for it as an employee. If you don't, then just refuse to name a figure - say your expectation is market-rate, and let them figure it out.

CatFromHue

Sorry I should clarify I'm on a contract but I'm not a contractor, I'm an employee of the company.

The job I interviewed was in a similar area and that's why I was a bit surprised at the response. I freely admit I didn't do a good interview so it could be well that's why they got back in the negative.

What I'm looking at now is jobs in different areas where I know the wages won't be as high so that's my conundrum but thanks for the advice there's a good few lines I can use mentioned to help me out.

Manach

Offhand,there are numerous agencies which give salaries for various professions. Whilst these seem to be rough reckonings, at least to mention these as industry ball-parks would provide a range for discussion.

stevenmu

You can always ask for feedback on why they decided not to proceed. Many places will only give you a very generic reply for obvious reasons, but you could ask specifically if salary expectations were a significant factor.