What do you say when someone asks you for a salary indication?
Suppose you enjoyed washing dishes in your local pub during your studies, but now you decide that it is time for your first 'real' full-time job. With a nice CV in hand, you will then apply for a position that you think suits you completely. The application runs smoothly until you are asked the following question: 'Can you provide a salary indication?' We can imagine that you were not fully prepared for that question and that you broke out in a sweat. That's why we'll tell you how to make sure you know what to answer next time.
More than a side job
First of all, you should know that you should see it as something positive that someone asks you for a salary indication. After all, it is a sign that people are willing to negotiate about salary. While the salary for a side job is usually fixed, you can now earn more than the minimum wage. At least, if you answer the question correctly. This may be the first time you are applying for a full-time job. In that case, it's time you learned to negotiate your salary!
Give a salary indication? Many people find it exciting!
If you find it exciting to negotiate your salary, you certainly don't have to worry about it. You're really not alone. Above all, you should see this as an opportunity, an opportunity to master negotiation. To achieve success in your career, you will have to learn this sooner or later. Are you the one who dares to take the leap, even though negotiating can be exciting? Then you can get a big lead over others. Of course, you can give a safe answer and say that the salary doesn't really matter to you, but you can also answer confidently.
The perfect salary indication: not too high, not too low
The reason why many people find it exciting to give a salary indication is that you are taking a certain risk. It is possible that you give too high a salary indication and are subsequently not hired by the company where you really want to work. The question, however, is whether that is so bad. The other option is to give a low indication, with the result that you do not get the salary you actually deserve and you sell yourself short. The bottom line is that you are shooting yourself in the fingers by not taking risks. It's okay to be rejected. The person who is most willing to walk away from a negotiation wins the negotiation.
How do you maintain control?
It is therefore okay to take a risk when giving a salary indication, but you must remain realistic. This means that it is best to find out in advance what is feasible. Make sure you know what others in a similar position earn approximately before you apply for a job. You can keep your education level and the experience you have already gained in mind. For example, if you have a higher education than average and perhaps even taken a course relevant to the position in question, you show that you are a valuable addition. A higher salary can then be justified.
