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Anyone have thoughts on the Compensation question?

These days it's almost impossible to get around disclosing salary/compensation expectations when working with Recruiters. In fact, most Career Websites have this as a required entry now.

With that said, I am in the thros of looking for a new job as my current company is declining quickly. I have had great discussions with recruiters, but now and then, the compensation question nails me. For example; I'm a senior Program Manager in Technology. I applied for an equivalent position at a Helathcare Company. I understand that sometimes you must go down, to move up, but the salary limits at this particular company were greater then 30% less then what I am making (and that's their ceiling).

So how does one effectively answer the question (especially in person) without putting themself out of the running?

jhack's picture

This is specifically addressed in the Interview Series (http://www.manager-tools.com/category/interviewing-series/)

Short version: Don't disclose to web sites, be honest with the hiring managers when you interview. If they ask what you're making, tell them. If they ask what your expectations are, tell them a reasonable range.

John

TomW's picture
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[quote="paizleygrl"]So how does one effectively answer the question (especially in person) without putting themself out of the running?[/quote]

If you want $70,000 and the job pays $35,000, are you really in the running anyway?

paizleygrl's picture

Good points from each of you. Two clarifications;

1. I am a Premium member, but have not purchased the Interview Series. mainly because by the time it was offered, I had been through most of the pod casts (although a couple of the modules were not release to general population, such as salary)

2. You are right, it salary is 60% less, then I'm not in the running.

The greater concern I have is that by disclosing salary upfront, I am immediately putting myself OUT of the running, not even getting a chance to discuss "compensation" versus salary.

I went back and found some of Marks threads on this, and did see the advice not to disclose on a website (when applying), however, you can't not disclose to a Recruiter, so I am looking for the appropriate way to stay in dialog without immediately shutting the door....

TomW's picture
Training Badge

[quote="paizleygrl"]1. I am a Premium member, but have not purchased the Interview Series. mainly because by the time it was offered, I had been through most of the pod casts (although a couple of the modules were not release to general population, such as salary)[/quote]

Of the 15 Interviewing casts, only the Resume one is freely available. The other 14 are not. What to Wear, Tell me About Yourself, Significant Accomplishments, and others are only available if you buy the series. If you've only listened to the free ones, there is a lot more to know.

jhack's picture

This topic has been covered previously, in some detail. Here:

http://www.manager-tools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2884

and here:

http://www.manager-tools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1105

John

PS: I highly recommend the interview series. It may be M&M at their best.