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DaveJ

(5,023 posts)
Tue Mar 19, 2013, 11:40 AM Mar 2013

How do you answer how much you expect to get paid in a interview?

It seems like there was a time when an employer told you how much a job paid, and you negotiated from there. But today most jobs do not even tell you how much they pay, they ask you, then it feels like a game of chance when you try to give the right answer.

I have a couple theories, but I was wondering what most employers really expect....

Do they expect:

1) for you to give them the right answer that they wanted you to say.
2) for you to tell them the industry standard.
3) for you to say how much you think you're worth.
4) for you to tell them how much you need to pay the bills.
5) for you to tell them how much you need to pay the bills and retire in x number of years.

My theory is that number 5 is the "best" answer. If someone wants $40k/year to retire and plans to retire in 20 years, one must put away about 20k/year for 20 years. And if one's living expenses are say $40k, then one would say they need $60k. If you take into account raises over time maybe $50k. That seems reasonable to me.

I'd say 2 is the worst option because it seems pretentious. Number 3 is the second worst option because it depends on the company. I think 1 or 4 are the most likely to be the reality.

These are my guesses, though, Just wondering what employers really expect.

7 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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How do you answer how much you expect to get paid in a interview? (Original Post) DaveJ Mar 2013 OP
They don't care what it takes you to pay your bills. You may have run up a bunch of bad debt .... Scuba Mar 2013 #1
Actually, I'm asking on behalf of someone else. DaveJ Mar 2013 #2
You want to respond without giving an actual number yet sounds like you are eager for the position liberal N proud Mar 2013 #3
Ok, thanks. DaveJ Mar 2013 #4
Ask for a number you know they won't accept Paulie Apr 2013 #5
That makes sense -- I've been much too nice over the years DaveJ Apr 2013 #6
Maybe I'm jaded or unrealistic... discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2013 #7
 

Scuba

(53,475 posts)
1. They don't care what it takes you to pay your bills. You may have run up a bunch of bad debt ....
Tue Mar 19, 2013, 11:45 AM
Mar 2013

... I would advocate for a response along the lines of "the market rate; the range for this position is between X and Y. I believe I belong on the high end of that range because ...".

Good luck.

DaveJ

(5,023 posts)
2. Actually, I'm asking on behalf of someone else.
Tue Mar 19, 2013, 12:19 PM
Mar 2013

Lucky guy is getting laid off and will probably get a better job as a consequence in addition to severance. I'm not sure what my reward is for being a good worker.....

I have been asked before how much I need to pay my bills at an interview, but you might be right. Just wondering what is in the minds of employers when they ask. "Market rate" seems kind of obvious. Why would they ask if they wanted to just pay market rate?



liberal N proud

(60,944 posts)
3. You want to respond without giving an actual number yet sounds like you are eager for the position
Tue Mar 19, 2013, 03:31 PM
Mar 2013

In the initial interview it answers the question without eliminating you from the process. Later in the process, you can begin your salary negotiations.




DaveJ

(5,023 posts)
4. Ok, thanks.
Thu Mar 21, 2013, 07:42 PM
Mar 2013

I guess it's just a matter of being honest about what you need. But what if they planned on paying more? It's really a weird system they have going on, IMO. Just a guessing game.

Paulie

(8,464 posts)
5. Ask for a number you know they won't accept
Wed Apr 10, 2013, 01:58 AM
Apr 2013

But then say its negotiable as you always include benefits in the calculation.

More days off, employer contributions to retirement accounts, pensions, cheaper and better insurance, 10 minute commute vs 90 min, bonus potential, etc. The total package matters.

DaveJ

(5,023 posts)
6. That makes sense -- I've been much too nice over the years
Wed Apr 10, 2013, 07:42 AM
Apr 2013

It's all about total lack of concern for the other party, because clearly the other party has no concern for their workers.

On a side note... it's like... There is this guy at work who got hired a year after me, I taught him every single aspect of his job, on top of my own job. I mean everything he did I spent grueling years teaching him. He claimed to know all this stuff but he is missing the part of his brain that cares. My job was already more advanced than his, nevertheless I had to help him every single day perform basic job tasks. Well now he's getting laid off, a big severance check, vacation pay, and just got a job that pays 25% more. And then I found out he was already making 25% more than me, while I was basically doing his work, for 5 years -- on top of my own -- 5 years my employer has been reaming me and I've been staying under the context of respect for them! Thing is, I'm focused on hard work and technical skills, not fakery... but lies and deception get in the way of the work I do, but they certainly do pay off. I really need to stop being sympathetic. I've been such a fool.

discntnt_irny_srcsm

(18,576 posts)
7. Maybe I'm jaded or unrealistic...
Wed Apr 10, 2013, 08:54 PM
Apr 2013

...I've been consulting for quite a while. I try not to interview for jobs that aren't up front with their pay rate.


I would say #2 + 10%.

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