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People, there is a really super easy way to solve all your salary
consternation.
Before the interview, think of three numbers:
1. You're IDEAL, make you happy and feel properly compensated number.
2. You're lowball, will not take the job for less than that number.
3. You're negotiation number. This should be slightly above your ideal
salary.
Let's say you want to make $50,000. But you'll take a job for $40,000 if
the place is cool. You'd feel great with $55,000
So when the question comes up, how much were you making at your last job,
you say: "Oh, about $55,000." Even if you were making $32,500, because
you said **ABOUT** you're not lying. You're just not being specific. There
is a big difference between being vague and outright lying.
Also, the "total compensation" routine won't work. Nobody in HR thinks of
it in that way. You just sound like a gold-digger if you say "well, I
received a total compensation package of $90,000." A lot of HR people will
roll their eyes and toss you into the "El Dorkus" pile if you pull the
"total compensation" trick. Its a lame way to try and manipulate the
company into paying you more. Negotiate salary and benefits separately.
If the person presses you on the exact number, just smile and say "ABOUT
$55,000. And I'd like to stay close to that level." Again, you're not
lying, you're just controlling the situation.
Now, if you like the place and really want the job, say "ABOUT $50,000,
and I would like to stay at about that level, however I am willing to
negotiate my salary based on other benefits."
If the place sucks and you have no intention of working there, say
"About $75,000" or something well off your scale and hope that will shock
them into not considering you.
DO NOT walk into any interview without a good range of numbers in your
head. Skilled negotiators play upon people who are unprepared. It is why
car sales men never go right for the cost of the car. They distract you
with other numbers, so you get confused and lost and say yes when you
should walk away.
Places that want to probe you to get exact numbers are probably not places
you would want to work anyways. Just give them a range of salary.
Also, remember that not every company will pay you what you want no matter
how frickin wonderful you are. Some companies simply do not value tech
writers very highly and you are not going to change that. Just move along
to the next company.
If you control the process, you will get what you want. If you let others
control the process, you will be routinely disappointed.
Andrew Plato
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