This blog entry is a little different. It is a summary of the electronic conversations
that took place over the course of the past month between a client and me. This client came to me after completing her
first interview with the company’s HR department.
Client: I have a panel
interview coming up and was wondering if you have any suggestions. I was also wondering
if you have any information on negotiating a salary. Any direction is greatly
appreciated! Thanks!
Me: Congratulations! Here is an article I have on panel
interviewing that I wrote it in 2011. The steps are the same today. Also as I go look for any negotiation articles
that I may have written, take a look at your job in Glassdoor.com and research the salary
that you'll be comfortable with. I'll be back.
Me: No I guess I never wrote anything about salary negotiation.
We have talked about it though. Women have a harder time with it than men for
sure. You need to look up your worth and use the middle to higher end of that
value as a starting point. That's the number that you are comfortable with. Of
course, you need to take other factors into consideration such as benefits,
vacation, possible increases after 6 months, etc. Here is a pretty good article
on the subject.Let me know how it goes!
Me: Here is a sample thank you note. If you don't get the
job (not like that will happen) I have a thank you note for that too. Remember to send each person on the panel a thank you note and make each note original to that person. thank you note 2.docx
Client: Thank you so much Nancy! About to start reading now.
A few hours later…
Client: I am soooo bad at negotiating. That is a great article.
Now I just need to find something to say to get there...
Me: Just say, when they give you a number that you don't like,
"Is this number negotiable?" or "Are you flexible with this
figure?" If they say no, then you're stuck and you'll need to ask about
possible increase after a six - nine month period. If they say yes, go with
your higher number and work your way down to a compromising point.
Client: Thanks Nancy. Is Glass Door accurate with salaries?
Me: Yes - the Occupational Outlook handbook also has salaries
but they are national. Glassdoor and Salary.com are good places to look.
A few days later…
Client: Hi Nancy - not sure that you will find it as interesting as
I did. I haven't seen a company be so detailed and specific about interviews.
Check out their career page and how they prep candidates with their guide.
Maybe it’s something that could add to your presentations.
Me: I will, thank you. I do talk in classes about the
importance of looking at the career or "our employees" pages.
Client: I have never prepared for an interview this much before. I
am claiming this job as mine it's perfect.
Me: Yay you!!!!! You'll be great!
A few days after the interview….
Client: No news is good news, right? It's killing me! If it’s not
meant to be then it won't but I really felt good about it.
Me: Did they say when they'd call you?
Client: I thought she said by today or early next week
Me: Oh OK. Then wait a week from today. Oh the torture!
Client: Oh ok! I am gonna stay
positive... Thanks
A week later…
Client: I have a second interview on Monday and will meet with two
people separately now I need to look for 2nd interview questions on your
site...
Me: Congrats! I think they may be more focused STAR questions.
Who is the interview with?
Client: My manager and the director of diversity
Me: Nice - you'll do fine. Maybe some of the work that
you'll be involved with is collaborating with the diversity department.
Me: You did a lot of diversity training at you former company. You'll just go in for another chat again. I'm
sure you read their website, About Us Tab/Our Employees and saw good stuff about
diversity that you can add to your interview. I'm so excited for you! Maybe they'll talk Super Bowl!
Client: Yes, I am hoping so! Thanks for always believing in me!
Me: I think this job has your name on it!
Client: Me too but afraid to get too excited!
Me: I know.... but after Monday it's smooth sailing!
Several days later….
Client: After being stuck in the lousy weather, I think it was a
great interview. My would-be manager told me that she enjoyed the interview it
was wonderful and I think the second director liked me as well. They said they
will be making a decision quickly so I think I should hear by this week. I will
keep you posted.
Me: That's great! It also shows them how brave and interested
you are to go in for an interview in this nasty weather.
A few hours later…
Client: Just a quick update! I got a call asking me if there was
anything that would sway my decision not to go with the company and if I had
any questions. They then talked salary. I went higher and she said she doesn't
think that would be a problem. She just needs to go talk to the managers about
my next steps. I think I got it but I don't want to be premature!
Me: That is excellent! I am SO happy for you (and them for
getting you)!!
Client: Is it safe to assume the job is mine yet?
Me: I'd say so but will have to wait until you have the offer
letter in your hands.
A few days later….
Client: I got the job!!!!!! Have to do
background and drug but I got it!
Me: Yeah!!!!! I knew you would!! Congratulations!!!
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