Frustrated with salary offersI have been receiving interview requests for new job positions. Unfortunately, most of the jobs involve moving. I have a bachelors and masters, both from top programs. The offers I have been receiving have been about the same of what I make now, and I feel they do not take into account my masters degree, which is frustrating. I feel this because they just say well, this is the standard that we offer, etc. This masters degree came with experience relevant to the position, plus I have several years of other relevant working experience . Any thoughts on how to handle this? Thanks. Unless the employer requires your level of education and experience, they aren' t going to pay for it. And if you run into this continually, you need to reassess your salary expectations (that is, your job is no longer worth what you think it is) or look at positions that have more responsibility/duties (which should equal more pay). Not to sound harsh about this, but I think you have to also look at this from the employer' s point of view. Why would an employer be willing to pay extra for a higher level of education, at least in the employer' s opinion, that the job doesn' t require? If the job can be done as well by someone with just a bachelor' s degree, why would an employer agree to pay more to someone who has an advanced degree that' s not necessary to the job? If I were you, I' d be focusing on how well my actual work experience, training, skills, and past job performance match the requirements of the job. The closer your qualifications match the requirements of the job, the more likely you are to receive and offer that' s closer to the top of the employer' s budgeted range. Unfortunately, an advanced degree doesn' t automatically equate to higher salary offers, particularly for jobs that don' t necessarily require it. Other than salary negotiations? Not really. However, you should check out the base salaries stipulated by law, taking into account the level of the degree you posess. In my country, a BA owner earns TWICE as much as a person having no such degree. Nevertheless, a master degree owner is at the same level with the BA. I understand what you mean. I guess it' s not as clear cut because they are research positions where some seem pleased with my degree and education in that field is valued. However, it is true that it is not necessary for the position, though it will add value to the position since I did learn practical things as well. Thanks. I have to ask this: In what country is a base salary for a private sector job stipulated by law? Obviously, we' re not talking here about US minimum wage laws, I presume. So, let me understand. You think you' re worth more than every employer you' ve talked to thinks you' re worth? My suggestion on how to handle it is to seriously reevaluate your worth in the marketplace. This involves more than just you, but also your field, your geographic location, the market in your area, the "centers of gravity" for research in your field, etc. I don' t know if I' ve made myself as clear. Perhaps my confusion of salary comes from hearing during the interview that they are pleased with my credentials and then not having it taken into account. And, that in this field the salary varies a lot, so it' s hard to really know what my expected salary should be. I have had offers that ranged by up to $40,000 difference but I am hoping for something more in the exact area I want and closer to home and the offers for that I have received so far have been about midline and I just wanted to make sure I wasn' t being lowballed by these specific offers. I never said it was every employer, but I didn' t say it was not either, so maybe that' s why you thought it was everyone. I have reason to feel that I am worth a certain amount based on the information you mentioned and other offers, and I am honestly just trying to make the best step for myself here; not just have puffed up expectations of what salary I think the world should give me just because of a simple piece of paper that shows I have this degree. And guess what, I don' t think it' s such a bad thing to want to expect more based on what are relevant skills. If I don' t get exactly what I want, at least I know I tried. I can understand what you all are saying, and I will take it to heart. I just want to do the best thing. | |
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