Debra Feldman
Debra Feldman, the JobWhiz, is nationally recognized for her expertise in designing and building connections for clients to Network Purposefully, enabling senior executives to swiftly identify their next career challenge through warm personal referrals. As a candidate’s personal talent agent, Debra introduces leading professionals to hiring managers at prescreened target companies. Expedite your career ascent with the innovator Forbes Dubbed Part Sleuth, Part Networker, the industry’s premier career matchmaker. Contact Debra at www·JobWhiz·com
It can come near the beginning of an official job interview or sneak up before the meeting is about to close, but under any circumstance, poised professionals are always ready to answer the most important question that su rfaces in a serious dialogue between decision-makers and prospective employees. Exact phrasing varies but the meaning is clear: "What will it take for you to join our team?" or "What is it going to cost to get you here?"
Does the very thought of being in such a situation make your hands clammy, your heart race and your stomach to churn? Would you prefer any punishment rather than confront this? Unfortunately, part of accepting a job offer frequently entails negotiating the terms of employment. Get prepared and save yourself some last minute angst. Here are a few tips to help you face the inevitable with confidence and armed with good advice.
Tips on How to Answer: Advantage Candidate
1. Do your homework. Be prepared with figures and facts demonstrating your value to the prospective employer. Know your worth in the market. Research what comparable positions with similar responsibilities command in your industry and in your locale.
2. Tell the hiring manager or HR representative that your goal is fairness. You want to be compensated commensurate with what your colleagues are paid for comparable responsibilities, and you want to be rewarded for superior performance.
3. Show that hiring you is not an expense but a smart investment. Prove that you will be able to add to the bottom line through increased sales, cost reductions, revenue gains, enhanced productivity, etc. Have tables or charts to illustrate the impact your expertise will have. Use actual data if available.
4. Never reveal an exact number for your desired salary or what you are currently making. Give a range that will allow you more room to negotiate for bonuses, benefits, time off, etc. because no two jobs are the same, no two candidates are alike. See Tip # 6 below.
5. Have a bottom line in mind. What is this opportunity worth to you? What will you give up? What can you exchange to make the numbers work? Is there a necessity, must have, uncompromising need? Then, be willing to be flexible on the rest. Think about time off vs. salary, educational opp ortunities vs. conference attendance, etc.
6. Remember that this should be a win-win for you and your future employer. Make sure they understand that you want this job and you are confident that if they also agree that you are the right choice, together yo u can make this happen. Take the focus off the dollars and put it on the chance to have an impact, find solutions, move forward, etc.
7. Work this out with your future boss rather than their HR staff person. Only your future boss knows what they need and w ill go to bat to get this deal together for you. It's their budget — show them your "other" skills right from the beginning with your abilities to negotiate for yourself!