I just had an email back today from a candidate saying: « The most important first to know the salary level …. ». Interesting approach, though not one I would recommend when starting a constructive discussion. Do you wonder why?
While you are evaluating a new position (or negotiating with anybody for that matter), do not make the mistake and think only about your potential gain, but carefully think through why the company should hire you and how the will asses you and your abilities. What value do you bring them? If you can communicate these and assure them in their jargon and their mind set that you can get the job done, you will most lightly succeed.
Below a few thoughts and questions to reflect on.
Why will they hire company you?
Bringing along direct value through clients
Professional experience, done before
Similar background to managers (culture, education, languages, previous employee)
Personality & network – already know some of the team
You interview well, humble, precise answers with examples and numbers to back up
Budget range, they feel your input is worth your salary.
Why may they not hire you?
They have been burnt by similar profile as yours before
You over estimate you abilities ask for too much vs your input
Appear arrogant while name-dropping and trying to please too much
You interviewed badly, body language, rambling on about irrelevant things, not answering questions; inappropriate examples and inaccurate numbers
Unfortunate timing, third party involvement (anything can happen).
Questions you need to ask yourself about the role and your fit
What is my motivation for this job?
Am I going to be sufficiently challenged?
Is the work I am going to be working on interesting to me?
Are my ideas going to be respected and valued?
Is this kind of work environment good for me to excel?
Does this role provide the opportunity to develop my career?
Is the job content in line with what I want to be doing?
Make sure you understand what you will be working on and your role.
Is the work I am going to be doing marketable?
Will the work/life balance be in line with what my lifestyle demands?
After the interviews, evaluate
Did the people I interviewed with seem happy in their roles?
Did you get a sense of passion for the work from the people you interviewed with?
Were they excited about what they were working on?
Did you pick up on any negative attitudes?
Can I feel comfortable questioning why they do things they way they do?
Do they encourage new ideas?
When I decide to change jobs again, is the work I am doing and the company I am working for respected in the job market?
Are the company’s values and corporate philosophy in line with mine?
How many times have I seen people wanting to fit into “ Cinderella’s shoe”. It is much better to be face the honest facts and realistically evaluate your abilities to the requirements. If you are not matching at least 80%, (lacking more than one out of five key requisite), there will be many others who will, so it’s really not worth your while to pursue. When the right job comes up, you will know, and then put your heart into it. Appreciate your comments.
