So they’ve asked you back for a second and probably final interview.
You now know that you are on a very short short-list, possibly competing with just one other person for the job.
This is your opportunity to ‘nail down’ your requirements for you to accept the position.
Money,money,money
- Hopefully you have avoided telling them your current (or last) salary. This will put you in a stronger negotiating position.
- When you ask them about remuneration, and they have come up with a specific figure, don’t be shy in asking them if this is negotiable.
- If they haven’t mentioned a salary ask them what the ‘salary range’ might be.
- If the offer is too low tell them what you are looking for.
- You should generally, and realistically, be looking at 10-20% more than your current or last salary. More if your responsibilities are greater.
- Do you know, from your research, the going rate for similar positions elsewhere?
When should I call?
- Do not expect to be offered the job there and then but, once you have established your requirements to accept the job, (it’s not just salary - pin them down on days off, vacation, medical, use of car and all the various aspects that make up the job package) you need to know where you stand.
- Ask them when they feel they will be ready to make a decision - will they call you or should you call them?
- If they do not call within the stated period then wait 2-3 days (yes it’s difficult!) before you call.
- When calling tell them that their position is your first choice and show enthusiasm without appearing desperate.
- You could point out that you have put your other job enquiries on hold until you hear their decision.
- If it’s a ‘No’ be polite - you never know they might get back to you if it was a close call and the person that won doesn’t work out. Take the opportunity to ask them what you lacked that the successful candidate did not. Learn from the experience so you can do better next time.
- If it’s a ‘Yes’ - thank them and if you are unsure ask if you can call back the next day to give your answer.
Think before you leap!
- Don’t be so grateful at being offered the job that you overlook or ignore aspects that you are uneasy about. Could be salary, could be uncertainty about hours to be worked - anything. Get those uncertainties cleared up before you accept - it’s a two-way street and you need to know exactly what is expected of you. They need to know what you expect of them too.
- Follow your instincts, get good advice and, if you still have doubts - WALK AWAY!
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