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How do you know what amount to set for your salary?

What are the interviewers actually asking? How do you know if something isn't enough as an entry-level position?

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Tonya’s Answer

I would suggest exploring the internet the position you are interviewing for and see what they typically pay in your area.
Interviewers often ask questions relating to your behavior about how you would handle specific situations. They want to get an understanding of your personality and morals. Be honest and you should do great.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice. Keren
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Leigh’s Answer

Numerous reliable platforms can guide you in determining a suitable salary for your desired position and location. Websites like Glassdoor, Payscale, and Salary offer valuable insights. You can customize your search based on your industry, geographical preference, experience, and the typical qualifications for the job.

In California, unlike other states, employers are required to disclose the salary range for a position. Generally, they aim to offer a starting salary around 85% of the midpoint of this range. For instance, if the salary range is $80k to $100k, the midpoint is $90k. The employer would then deduct 15% of the range (15% of $20,000 equals $3,000) and target a starting salary of $87,000, assuming you meet all the job's requirements. Your qualification level could affect this figure, so consider how well you match the job's requirements.

A crucial tip is to always negotiate your salary. Doing your homework can potentially earn you an additional $1 million over your career span! For more tips on effective negotiation, refer to the Forbes article titled "The Most Critical Reason You Need To Negotiate & How To Do It Effectively."
Thank you comment icon Thank you for taking the time to help. Keren
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Howard’s Answer

Do your homework before going to the interview. You can search for the job you are applying for and see what the average salary is for the job.
Then reflect on yourself. What are your expenses? What do you need to pay your bills? Do you have any education, skills, or experience in that job?
Know what you are worth, Salary is a negotiation. You want to make as much as you can. The company wants to pay as little as it can. You have to keep in mind that the company can only pay what its budget can afford. If you are just starting out you may get less money but will learn more about the job and the career. Then hopefully you will earn raises as you get more experience. Money is important and necessary to survive. But it is not the only thing. Do you like the job, do you like the company, do you like your coworkers? Make sure you are happy with whatever you do.
Thank you comment icon Thank you very much! Keren
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Murph,’s Answer

Before you go into the interview, do thorough research. Not only on the company but also the salary range for entry level positions for that particular job, in your area. I believe the website is salary.com. What are interviewers looking for? The best candidate, who is the best fit for the position. They want to hear how your experience matches the qualifications listed and how your special skills makes you the best candidate for the job. They also want to see energy, enthusiasm, confidence, the ability to get the job done, be a team player, be proactive and willing to ask questions and learn.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice. Keren
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Moises’s Answer

Hello there,

Think of the internet as your ultimate ally. One popular platform you might find useful is Fishbowl. It's a place where everyone's identity is kept secret, and you can only join using a school or work email. This is a great spot to ask all your burning questions about salaries or any other career-related topics.

Also, here's a handy tip for you. Even if you receive a job offer, don't hesitate to inquire about the possibility of negotiation. Even if the offer meets your expectations, it's worth asking if the salary is flexible. Remember, your valuable experiences and skills justify a higher pay. So, don't shy away from advocating for yourself.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Keren
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Kevin P’s Answer

Keren, negotiating a salary is always a tricky subject. On one hand you want to get the most you can get. On the other you don’t want to scare away a potential employer. So what to do and how to handle this.

Luckily there are some websites that gather salary information for you. You may have to create an account but there is a lot of good information about salary and company benefits so you can do your research.

On the other hand today’s age getting a job is already huge and getting into a good company is the name of the game. So some larger companies pay less because of security. So how to weigh these options.

First is what’s the minimum amount that will be acceptable. More or less pay the bills and the hobbies you have. Anything above that is a plus.

Next look at work life balance, the company itself is important too. What other benefits does the company offer. How far would you have to drive? Those things matter too.

Growth at the company can’t be ruled out. Can you move up company or is it in this one position and that’s it?

Once it’s all consider then you can consider if the salary is worth it. It’s not always about the dollar amount.
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Allison’s Answer

Hello Keren,

Excellent query! As the responses above indicate, the internet is undoubtedly a fantastic resource! Numerous websites can help you determine a competitive, or even reasonable, entry-level salary. Glassdoor is a platform I'd highly recommend. It provides the ability to explore hundreds of companies, along with reviews from current or former employees sharing their overall experiences. You can tailor your search on the site to entry-level roles such as "coordinator" or "assistant" in your desired field.

Moreover, it would be beneficial to inquire about the salary range for the job you're being considered for with your recruiter. This will provide insight into the company's specific pay scale for the role. It could range from $35K-$55K, and given that you're aware of your skills, you can then present yourself in a manner that demonstrates you deserve to be on the higher end of that scale. My suggestion is to always pose this question to a recruiter during initial interviews!
Thank you comment icon I appreciate you taking the time to answer this. Keren
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Katie’s Answer

I'd suggest asking the interviewer what the Company's budget range for the position is. While they aren't always forthcoming, I've had success using that method as a starting point more often than not.
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