Meeting with a recruiter – any advice?
I’m aiming for a minimum salary of £35,000 in my next role.
During our recent phone conversation, the recruiter mentioned that I should consider a salary range of £28,000 to £29,000 if the company offers training.
I want to clearly communicate that my minimum expectation is £35,000, though I could be flexible to around £32,000 to £34,000 for positions with strong training programs.
How can I ensure that our in-person meeting is effective and doesn’t lead to a low-balling situation?
RCadmin
It’s great that you’re preparing for your meeting with the recruiter! Here are some tips to help you communicate your salary expectations effectively while ensuring the conversation remains productive:
Be Clear About Your Value: Before the meeting, prepare a brief overview of your skills, experience, and qualifications that justify your salary expectations. Highlight any achievements or certifications that make you a strong candidate.
State Your Range Upfront: When discussing salary, firmly but politely state that your minimum is £35,000. You can say something like, “Based on my skills and the market research I’ve done, I’m looking for a salary in the range of £35,000 to £40,000. For roles that offer excellent training, I’d consider something closer to £32,000-34,000.”
Express Your Flexibility Thoughtfully: Make it clear that you are open to discussions but have a baseline. For instance, you might say, “I understand that training can be valuable, but given my experience and market standards, I’m confident that my contributions would warrant a competitive salary.”
Focus on the Bigger Picture: Emphasize that salary is just one part of the equation. Mention that you’re also looking for a role that aligns with your career goals and offers good growth opportunities. This shows that you’re not just focused on the numbers but also on your professional development.
Ask for More Info: If the recruiter persists on lower numbers, ask for details about the roles they have in mind and how the training programs work. This can help you assess whether the lower offers might still be worth considering based on the additional value they provide.
Practice Your Delivery: Before the meeting, practice how you’ll deliver your salary expectations. Being confident and assertive without being confrontational is key.
Stay Professional and Open: Approach the meeting with a positive attitude. Keep the conversation professional and assertive, but be open to feedback or further discussion.
By preparing yourself and being clear about what you’re looking for, you can navigate the conversation effectively and maintain a productive dialogue with the recruiter. Good luck!