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 them an indication of expectations. If there is an option to say “flexible”, I would try that so you can at least defer the discussion. Loading At 46, I was made redundant from my role last year, after 10 years in the position.
It was a stressful job and, in some ways, it was a relief, especially as the severance package was quite generous. But I now find that I’m not even getting to the interview stage when I apply for similar positions. I really need to study to get up to date again, but I’m not sure I want to work in such a draining role again.
I think I’d like to do something more focused on helping others – perhaps in the public service – but most of those roles also require study. I find myself paralysed by indecision. Any advice? I am so happy you can reframe the redundancy to something which, even as difficult as it must have been, has given you the freedom to try something that will be better for your mental health and wellbeing.
It sounds like you have so many options it is difficult to narrow them down. I love your idea to focus on helping others, which can be done in many ways. While public service is one option, I wonder whether there are any particular types of people or causes you would like to help? Perhaps you could investigate working in the not-for-profit sector (in a paid role) where you could bring the experience you have gained over so many years to people who really need the assistance? I would work out the kind of work you want before you lock yourself into study.
If you found a sector that needs your skills, you could ask them what additional study would be most beneficial. Good luck! Loading I love my job, am paid well and work close to home. However, I work with women who are continually nasty.
I spoke to my boss and HR who said I was overreacting. I go home in tears most of the time; they are always questioning my phone calls and asking questions about my family and finances. They bring cakes in and won’t share them with me, and always leave photocopier jams for me to fix and make me restock the bathroom hand towels, even though I’m in a senior role.
I’m over it. Can a doctor write a certificate requesting I work from home? Should I involve Fair Work or see a lawyer? I am worried about our mortgage repayments if I leave, but my mental health is suffering..
