How to Not Price Myself Out of a JobMy wife and I sold our house in Northern NJ and relocated to the Pittsburgh area both without jobs (she is originally from the area and we have friends here). I have not made less than $50K in the last 3 years while in NJ, however the Pitt area seems very financially distressed to the point where $35k looks like a great starting salary. My dilemna however is as soon as I mention previous salary, even if I do mention that I don't expect the kind of salary I am accostomed to and am willing to consider a fair offer, I can see the "next" on the interviewer's face. How do I get past this hurdle of the prospective employer holding my previous salary against me? I think I've been fair in asking in the $35-40k range. The only thing you can really do is really hammer from the outset of the salary discussion question what your anticipated salary range is and THEN follow-up by making it emphatically clear that although you were earning more in NJ you DO NOT expect that same level of salary in the Pittsburgh area. So, if you're asked how much you making, respond by starting with your lower anticipated salary range before mentioning what you were earning. Say something like, "Let me answer that by first making it as clear as possible that my present salary expectations are in the $X to $Y range..." Zat help? Paul W. Barada The Negotiation Expert | |
|
Career Tips
|