Each week, Dr Kirstin Ferguson tackles questions on workplace, career and leadership in her advice column, “ Got a Minute? ” This week: TK, TK and TK. I am searching for a new role and m any advertised jobs don’t disclose salary. Instead, they ask me to share my salary expectation.
Can I ask the recruiter or employer to state what’s on offer first? I worry asking directly may shut down the discussion before it can evolve, likewise, if I state my current package, and it cannot be matched, I worry I won’t be considered. Be clear on the minimum salary you have in mind. Credit: Dionne Gain If you are speaking to a real person (as opposed to an online application) and you are asked about your salary expectation I would say something like, “Thanks for asking, since I am excited to learn more about the role and I am keen to make sure we are aligned on salary too.
Can you please let me know the salary range budgeted for the role?” That will hopefully put the question back to them. Eventually, you will need to be clear on the minimum salary you have in mind, but when you give them that idea you can also explain salary is not the most important factor for you. Reassure them you don’t want to be excluded from the process on that front and would prefer the opportunity to negotiate what will work best for everyone.
If you are applying online, it is definitely going to be much more difficult to have this conversation and, unfortunately, you may not be able to avoid giving t.