Tips for Meeting with a Recruiter
I’m aiming for a new job with a minimum salary of £35,000.
During our phone conversation, the recruiter mentioned considering a salary of £28-29,000 if the company offers training.
How can I clearly communicate that my minimum is £35,000? I’m open to around £32,000-34,000 for positions with strong training programs, but I want to ensure my in-person meeting is productive and doesn’t devolve into a low-ball situation. Any advice?
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 clearly and confidently:
Be Direct and Firm: Start the conversation by reiterating your salary expectations. You can say something like, “I appreciate the suggestion, but my minimum salary expectation is £35,000. For roles that offer extensive training, I would consider a range between £32,000 and £34,000.”
Highlight Your Value: Emphasize your skills, experience, and what you bring to the table. Be prepared to explain why you believe your minimum salary is justified based on your qualifications and market research.
Research the Market: Come prepared with data about salary benchmarks for roles similar to what you’re pursuing, especially in your industry or region. This can provide backing for your request and show that you’re informed.
Stay Positive: Keep a positive tone throughout the conversation. You can frame your expectations as a starting point for discussion rather than as a demand. For example, “I am really excited about the opportunities you mentioned, and I believe my experience aligns well; hence, I’m looking for a salary in the range I’ve mentioned.”
Be Open to Negotiation: While it’s important to stick to your minimum, show that you’re open to discussing benefits or other forms of compensation if the initial offer comes in lower than expected. This shows flexibility.
Practice Your Pitch: Before the meeting, practice how you’ll bring up your salary expectations. This can help you feel more comfortable and authentic when discussing the topic.
Request to Discuss Opportunities: Invite the recruiter to share more about the roles and how they fit with your expectations. This can open up a dialogue about the value of specific training opportunities and how they impact salary benchmarks.
Thank and Reiterate Your Interest: Regardless of how the conversation goes, express gratitude for their time and reinforce your enthusiasm for finding a role that meets both your professional goals and salary expectations.
By being clear about your expectations and backing them up with research and confidence, you’re more likely to have a productive meeting and set the stage for a successful job search. Good luck!