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You’ve managed to get an interview for your great job … the job interview turned out well, and you’ve established an excellent rapport with all the hiring managers … only a couple more minutes to go … Oh no! They just mentioned salary expectations!

This is where you will be glad that you simply did that research earlier. If you didn’t, and are not sure where to begin, follow this advice.

If the salary isn’t written in the position description, you’ll have to determine what the responsibility is definitely worth. Sometimes you will be asked to present your expectations as part of your employment cover letter, sometimes it will arise in an interview. But the key is to be prepared about this question, as it usually comes up.

Practically no 1 magic figure when attempting to determine salary for your particular position. This will depend on market conditions, the company, geographical location, size of the city alongside your own skills and experience compared to other applicants. So how should you uncover what a job is worth? Try to use a combination of different methods to get as best a range as possible. These can include:

• attempt to find similar advertised jobs which does state a salary range
• research salaries about the, using career web-sites, professional association sites and search engines (we’ve provided some initial points at the end with this article) – exactly what is the interest in your abilities?
• visit a local Human Resource Centre of Canada office
• talk with people in similar positions

What to do when you’re asked to present salary expectations within your job cover letter?

Many hiring managers ask applicants to present salary expectations within their cover letter. This is frequently carried out to screen out individuals who expect a greater salary than the employer is willing to offer. Try to respond by using a neutral statement, emphasizing that the opportunity is the most essential consideration in your own decision and that you would give thought to any reasonable offer. If necessary, supply a range of what you’re happy to accept rather than a fixed dollar amount.

Salary discussions through the interview

Never raise up salary during interviews. Always enable the employer bring it to the table. The same principles apply as above for cover letters. That being said, try and postpone income discussions until after an offer is done. Indicate you are open for negotiation but would prefer to wait until right after a hiring decision has been made. Again, if you believe that they’re really pushing for a figure, try to offer a range, not just a specific dollar amount and make them aware it depends on the entire package as well as benefits.

Don’t be concerned if salary is not discussed during the first interview. It likely will be in the 2nd or at the latest, once you get an offer! The truth is, salary is generally best left for discussion until right after the employer has decided that they wish to hire you. By this method, you minimize the potential risk of taking yourself out of the running.

Employers can often offer you a salary amount when a proposal is made. Take it slow to consider it; a couple of days is normally acceptable. Because they have decided they would like to hire you, you might be able to negotiate slightly. But you need to decide what you’re ready to accept, taking into account the prospects of receiving other offers, etc. Take all factors into consideration when making your decision, such as the level of responsibility, working conditions, opportunities for further education, salary, type of work, etc. Ask about extended health and dental insurance, education re-imbursement plans, vacation, etc.

Consider negotiating in some perks instead when the organization carries a rigid salary structure. Depending in the degree of the position and current economic conditions, consider asking in regards to a signing bonus, company car, paid professional development, access to a laptop for home use and/or stock options. A flexible work schedule and working from your home occasionally can even be possible. Note: in the event the economy is in a downturn, several of these perks will never be available (eg. signing bonuses) so make use of your judgement and common sense when deciding how much room you must negotiate.

Everybody is apprehensive (in other words, scared!) about negotiating for salary or benefits. You shouldn’t… it is quite common. But do make sure to remain professional about it! No matter what, do not be rude or arrogant. Think carefully in what makes you worth a higher salary versus the one they have offered, and be willing to articulate this to the employer. It’s during this time that you may be glad you did your homework.