Had a recruiter call me yesterday

[Captain Hindsight]

I'm finishing up my masters degree in a few months and yesterday I got my first phone call from a recruiter at a company in St. Paul Minnesota. We talked for a bit and the he asked me a few questions but I had no idea how to answer what my expected salary should be. I've done a few google searches but can find a good way to estimate it. I've never worked outside of the intern/ cashier role so I didn't even know where to begin.

 

Any tips from my fellow Bills fans?

[The Poojer]

I usually keep it simple...a pint at my local tavern is $5, if i have 3-4 pints a couple times a week that comes to $40 a week for beer expenses...multiply that by 52 and that is the minimum salary i accept...sometimes i add about $20/week for hoagies or wings or pudding, depending on how much i think i will like the job....hope that helps.

 

I'm finishing up my masters degree in a few months and yesterday I got my first phone call from a recruiter at a company in St. Paul Minnesota. We talked for a bit and the he asked me a few questions but I had no idea how to answer what my expected salary should be. I've done a few google searches but can find a good way to estimate it. I've never worked outside of the intern/ cashier role so I didn't even know where to begin.

 

Any tips from my fellow Bills fans?

[BringBackFergy]

What is your Master's degree in??

[The Dean]

I'm finishing up my masters degree in a few months and yesterday I got my first phone call from a recruiter at a company in St. Paul Minnesota. We talked for a bit and the he asked me a few questions but I had no idea how to answer what my expected salary should be. I've done a few google searches but can find a good way to estimate it. I've never worked outside of the intern/ cashier role so I didn't even know where to begin.

 

Any tips from my fellow Bills fans?

 

Congrats on the Masters degree.

 

I remember being asked the same question in my interview for my first real job outside of academia (and bartending). It can be a real head-scratcher. In general, I tend to think that you can't really price yourself out of consideration. If you ask for way too much, they will just offer you less. But for your fist job, I understand you want to seem as though you have a clue. "$500,00 a year. And you're lucky to have me," Of course, you certainly don't want to ask for too little

 

So, this is where the question gets into specifics. If you have had no luck with Google, then it must be a pretty unique kind of job. So you might get better information, if you share some of the details of that first job. If you don't care to do that, I don't blame you. But you will get fairly generic answers, I think.

[KD in CA]

Congrats on the Masters.

 

I'm surprised you can't find some basic info on the web, there are a number of good salary sites. Help us out with some info on your location, degree, experience, etc. and I'm sure OTW can accurately peg your market value.

[Gary M]

I'm finishing up my masters degree in a few months and yesterday I got my first phone call from a recruiter at a company in St. Paul Minnesota. We talked for a bit and the he asked me a few questions but I had no idea how to answer what my expected salary should be. I've done a few google searches but can find a good way to estimate it. I've never worked outside of the intern/ cashier role so I didn't even know where to begin.

 

Any tips from my fellow Bills fans?

 

Doesn't your school have a placement office that would have info like that?

[Sanners]

Check out glassdoor.com

[Captain Hindsight]

 

 

Doesn't your school have a placement office that would have info like that?

Not something I thought of but I can ask

 

As to my degree is called Sustainable Systems here is the link http://www.rit.edu/gis/academics/ms-sustainability/

 

I also have my LEED AP in BD+C. It's a green building certificate. I'm sure that's what got me the phone call yesterday

 

The position title was a Sustainability Specialist at an engineering firm. My friends have told me as low as 50 and as high as 80

 

I told him I just wanted to compensated fairly for my education and certifications.

Edited September 3, 2014 by Captain Hindsight

[Gugny]

yes ... glassdoor.com and salary.com

 

Try both and come up with a 10K range.

 

In my first round corporate HR phone interview, the salary question came up less than 3 minutes into the call. I gave a 10K range based on my research (glassdoor and salary.com).

 

In my second round HR phone interview, I was told that my range was "in their sweetspot," and the position's salary would likely end up in the middle.

[ExiledInIllinois]

Doesn't your school have a placement office that would have info like that?

 

If they did and could answer the question, how would we all know about it?

 

Congrats Cap't!

Edited September 3, 2014 by ExiledInIllinois

[The Dean]

Not something I thought of but I can ask

 

As to my degree is called Sustainable Systems here is the link http://www.rit.edu/g...sustainability/

 

I also have my LEED AP in BD+C. It's a green building certificate. I'm sure that's what got me the phone call yesterday

 

The position title was a Sustainability Specialist at an engineering firm. My friends have told me as low as 50 and as high as 80

 

I told him I just wanted to compensated fairly for my education and certifications.

yes ... glassdoor.com and salary.com

 

Try both and come up with a 10K range.

 

In my first round corporate HR phone interview, the salary question came up less than 3 minutes into the call. I gave a 10K range based on my research (glassdoor and salary.com).

 

In my second round HR phone interview, I was told that my range was "in their sweetspot," and the position's salary would likely end up in the middle.

 

I think a 10K range is about right for a ballpark salary requirement, asked WAY too early in an employment conversation, IMO. Like I said, unless you sound clueless about what the job normally pays (you don't seem to be clueless) you should be fine. Early in my career, I named a salary and got an immediate "fine". I still think I should have said something higher. Later in my career, I would name a number and then they would counter offer, and we would negotiate from there. Never had a prospective employer say, "That's more than we were budgeting, thank you for your interest. Good Bye."

 

But seriously, you will make your money so it shouldn't be an issue for your first job. Don't let the salary question throw you too much.

[shrader]

I think a 10K range is about right for a ballpark salary requirement, asked WAY too early in an employment conversation, IMO. Like I said, unless you sound clueless about what the job normally pays (you don't seem to be clueless) you should be fine. Early in my career, I named a salary and got an immediate "fine". I still think I should have said something higher. Later in my career, I would name a number and then they would counter offer, and we would negotiate from there. Never had a prospective employer say, "That's more than we were budgeting, thank you for your interest. Good Bye."

 

But seriously, you will make your money so it shouldn't be an issue for your first job. Don't let the salary question throw you too much.

 

I just started a new job in August and originally when I gave my salary requirement, my now boss chuckled a bit and told me "yeah, we can do better than that". They wound up giving me $10k more than my number. I wish all of these conversations went that way.

[KD in CA]

I think a 10K range is about right for a ballpark salary requirement, asked WAY too early in an employment conversation, IMO. Like I said, unless you sound clueless about what the job normally pays (you don't seem to be clueless) you should be fine. Early in my career, I named a salary and got an immediate "fine". I still think I should have said something higher. Later in my career, I would name a number and then they would counter offer, and we would negotiate from there. Never had a prospective employer say, "That's more than we were budgeting, thank you for your interest. Good Bye."

 

But seriously, you will make your money so it shouldn't be an issue for your first job. Don't let the salary question throw you too much.

 

And if they do have a hard cap, they will usually make that known so they don't end up wasting their time. Any job we hire for always has some flexibility on salary. A smart employer knows that it's better to pay an extra 20% to get the right person than go on the cheap and get the wrong one.

[SDS]

Answer:

 

"I'm not interested in talking salary right now. I need to make sure this is the right move for me professionally first. I'm confident if I am the right fit, that I will be compensated appropriately."

 

Hold your ground. Insist it will work out. When they make their offer, pause if given verbally, then ask for 10% above that because she will have given you a mid-range quote for what they will pay.

 

I did this when I got hired at Agilent and the HR person told me after it was all done, I was the best negotiator she ever tried to hire.

[Captain Caveman]

Answer:

 

"I'm not interested in talking salary right now. I need to make sure this is the right move for me professionally first. I'm confident if I am the right fit, that I will be compensated appropriately."

 

Hold your ground. Insist it will work out. When they make their offer, pause if given verbally, then ask for 10% above that because she will have given you a mid-range quote for what they will pay.

 

I did this when I got hired at Agilent and the HR person told me after it was all done, I was the best negotiator she ever tried to hire.

 

This can definitely work to get you the best $, but it can also backfire. I work at a big company and we have guidelines for salary that are pretty set in stone. My old boss would not take the time to interview someone until it was confirmed that the salary would work out.

[BillsFan-4-Ever]

Just know that a lot of these "recruiters" are just looking for names to submit hoping that they get lucky.

 

When asked a salary your answer has to be That will depend on the location, "full time" or contract.

 

example - Rochester $60K vs DC $90K

 

Rochester "full time" $60K, contract $90K,

DC "full time" $90K, contract $120K,

Edited September 3, 2014 by BillsFan-4-Ever

[BuffaloBud]

Answer:

 

"I'm not interested in talking salary right now. I need to make sure this is the right move for me professionally first. I'm confident if I am the right fit, that I will be compensated appropriately."

 

Hold your ground. Insist it will work out. When they make their offer, pause if given verbally, then ask for 10% above that because she will have given you a mid-range quote for what they will pay.

 

I did this when I got hired at Agilent and the HR person told me after it was all done, I was the best negotiator she ever tried to hire.

 

We have a winner!! But, do your research and have your number in mind so if they come back with some low ball offer you can counter or walk.

[Beerball]

yes ... glassdoor.com and salary.com

 

Try both and come up with a 10K range.

 

In my first round corporate HR phone interview, the salary question came up less than 3 minutes into the call. I gave a 10K range based on my research (glassdoor and salary.com).

 

In my second round HR phone interview, I was told that my range was "in their sweetspot," and the position's salary would likely end up in the middle.

How is the retirement home stripper circuit treating you?

[Best Player Available]

i know this if is Honeywell or 3M both headquartered there. They will make the salary offer to you. Not the opposite.

With 3M my wife at the time said the salary offer is competitive but no way would She live in St.Paul.

She needed to work in the bay area in California and they obliged, at a satellite plant . If you are at the top of your class you have

Pull. Probably not much in the salary department though. Although these HUGE corps if they want you will

Offer very competitive starting salary's. if by chance it is one of the above corps I am sure they are not only paying your airfare, car and hotel but they will wine and dine you big time depending on your discipline.

[Jon in Pasadena]

But for your fist job, I understand you want to seem as though you have a clue.

Damn, you really are Love Corn.

[The Dean]

Damn, you really are Love Corn.

 

I am love corn. Nothing like getting that fist job, I always say.

[Chef Jim]

I'm sorry but I have to say it. You have a masters degree but your only practical experience in anything is as a cashier or an intern? For some reason that just amazes me.

 

Either your parents have big bucks or you're loaded with some serious student load debt.

[Captain Hindsight]

I'm sorry but I have to say it. You have a masters degree but your only practical experience in anything is as a cashier or an intern? For some reason that just amazes me.

 

Either your parents have big bucks or you're loaded with some serious student load debt.

Welcome to the new world of graduates. With a bachelors degree you are qualified for free labor and thats it. I know plenty of my friends have either had to work at a restaurant or a gym to make ends meet. These days you either work below your degree or get a masters.

 

And I have serious debt. Signed another big loan this morning

[Chef Jim]

Welcome to the new world of graduates. With a bachelors degree you are qualified for free labor and thats it. I know plenty of my friends have either had to work at a restaurant or a gym to make ends meet. These days you either work below your degree or get a masters.

 

And I have serious debt. Signed another big loan this morning

 

All depends on what your degree is and how marketable it is. I would imagine many hiring managers would much rather talk to someone with a bachelors degree with a decent amount of practical experience in their field than someone with a masters degree with zero or very little practical experience. But that's just me with my dinky associates degree in Culinary Arts.

 

Oh and when you do find work talk to someone about IBR (income based repayment) with regard to deferring some of your loans. PM me if you have questions. Unless of course they're private loans then you're **** out of luck.

Edited September 4, 2014 by Chef Jim

[drinkTHEkoolaid]

I'm finishing up my masters degree in a few months and yesterday I got my first phone call from a recruiter at a company in St. Paul Minnesota. We talked for a bit and the he asked me a few questions but I had no idea how to answer what my expected salary should be. I've done a few google searches but can find a good way to estimate it. I've never worked outside of the intern/ cashier role so I didn't even know where to begin.

 

Any tips from my fellow Bills fans?

 

SDS had fantastic advice.

 

Another way to weave more into it would be to look at your offer and expectations comprehensively.

 

Say you want to learn more about the area the job is located, what the cost of living is like and how it compares to what you are used to, what about relocation services, benefits, vacation etc...

 

Get the best deal you can. If they are locked into offering you a specific salary range for the position maybe they can sweeten the pot elsewhere, an extra week vacation, company car, etc...

[The Dean]

SDS had fantastic advice.

 

Another way to weave more into it would be to look at your offer and expectations comprehensively.

 

Say you want to learn more about the area the job is located, what the cost of living is like and how it compares to what you are used to, what about relocation services, benefits, vacation etc...

 

Get the best deal you can. If they are locked into offering you a specific salary range for the position maybe they can sweeten the pot elsewhere, an extra week vacation, company car, etc...

 

For first job, even though the salary was reasonable (I really didn't know wht to expect---no Google back then and I got a job that I didn't even know existed), I asked for a 6 month evaluation to revisit salary. I really had no idea what the hell I was doing, but it worked out.pretty good for me. Got a sizable raise after those 6 months.

[ExiledInIllinois]

How is the retirement home stripper circuit treating you?

 

Damn that's harsh! LoL...

 

Take it easy on the poor fella.

[Mike in Syracuse]

Answer:

 

"I'm not interested in talking salary right now. I need to make sure this is the right move for me professionally first. I'm confident if I am the right fit, that I will be compensated appropriately."

 

Hold your ground. Insist it will work out. When they make their offer, pause if given verbally, then ask for 10% above that because she will have given you a mid-range quote for what they will pay.

 

I did this when I got hired at Agilent and the HR person told me after it was all done, I was the best negotiator she ever tried to hire.

 

SDS is spot on here as far as negotiation goes. It's standard procedure for HR to try to pin you down on a number. If you come in below what they already have budgeted for the position they'll happily pay you less. If you come in above you do run the risk of pricing yourself out of the position.

 

In addition to stressing that you want to be sure of the "fit", tell them that you would need to consider the total compensation package and that you'd prefer to save the salary discussions for later. We're in a new age where it isn't always about salary. Having great benefits, extra vacation and a comprehensive health plan is worth consideration.

[Wayne Cubed]

SDS is spot on here as far as negotiation goes. It's standard procedure for HR to try to pin you down on a number. If you come in below what they already have budgeted for the position they'll happily pay you less. If you come in above you do run the risk of pricing yourself out of the position.

 

In addition to stressing that you want to be sure of the "fit", tell them that you would need to consider the total compensation package and that you'd prefer to save the salary discussions for later. We're in a new age where it isn't always about salary. Having great benefits, extra vacation and a comprehensive health plan is worth consideration.

 

This.

 

When I switched jobs last year, when asked about salary demands I gave a number that was 10% higher than my previous job. They weren't able to go that high, but gave me a little more than I was currently on and they cut my hours from 45 to 35 a week, making my rate per hour actually higher and gave me 10 more days vacation than I previously got. That was just enough to sway me and I asked if my salary could be reviewed after 6 months, which they accepted and I am now making more than 10% higher than I asked originally.

 

I'm a lot happier on the lower hours and I still have vacation days left that I'm not sure what to do with.

[shrader]

For first job, even though the salary was reasonable (I really didn't know wht to expect---no Google back then and I got a job that I didn't even know existed), I asked for a 6 month evaluation to revisit salary. I really had no idea what the hell I was doing, but it worked out.pretty good for me. Got a sizable raise after those 6 months.

 

This is definitely a good thing to push for if possible. If it is a big company, HR is going to go out of their way to make sure you get the lowest amount possible, especially with zero experience. I was lucky enough with my first job to have my boss push for a 6 month evaluation (I was completely clueless at that point and didn't know to ask for one). They completely low-balled me on that starting salary, and really, with every salary I ever made at that place. Still, you have to start somewhere and if you can get that slightly earlier raise, every penny helps.

[Mark80]

"I would like to get paid whatever is appropriate for the position" is a perfectly acceptable response for someone who really doesn't have salary expectations. Let them make the offer first and decide whether you want to negotiate or not after that (and after they've offered you the job).

 

Also, don't be afraid to ask what the person who previously held that position was paid and base a number off of that.

Edited September 4, 2014 by Mark80

[The Dean]

This.

 

When I switched jobs last year, when asked about salary demands I gave a number that was 10% higher than my previous job. They weren't able to go that high, but gave me a little more than I was currently on and they cut my hours from 45 to 35 a week, making my rate per hour actually higher and gave me 10 more days vacation than I previously got. That was just enough to sway me and I asked if my salary could be reviewed after 6 months, which they accepted and I am now making more than 10% higher than I asked originally.

 

I'm a lot happier on the lower hours and I still have vacation days left that I'm not sure what to do with.

 

This is what I mean. You asked for more than they were offering, but got the job. Very rarely does asking for more than what is budgeted eliminate you as a candidate. Particularly when they are hiring someone fresh out of school. As long as you are in the ballpark for what the position pays (can pay) you should be fine. You can negotiate from there. And I love the 6 month review strategy.

 

The same might not work once you are more established and you ask for a salary well above what they intend to pay. That can tell them you are looking for a different position than what is being offered. Saves both sides time and trouble.

[Fan in San Diego]

Answer:

 

"I'm not interested in talking salary right now. I need to make sure this is the right move for me professionally first. I'm confident if I am the right fit, that I will be compensated appropriately."

 

Hold your ground. Insist it will work out. When they make their offer, pause if given verbally, then ask for 10% above that because she will have given you a mid-range quote for what they will pay.

 

I did this when I got hired at Agilent and the HR person told me after it was all done, I was the best negotiator she ever tried to hire.

 

Solid advice SDS.

[Kevbeau]

Welcome to the new world of graduates. With a bachelors degree you are qualified for free labor and thats it. I know plenty of my friends have either had to work at a restaurant or a gym to make ends meet. These days you either work below your degree or get a masters.

 

And I have serious debt. Signed another big loan this morning

Does RIT not require co-ops terms anymore?...or what that just for Bachelor's degrees? We hire a bunch of interns from GA Tech (they encourage, don't require co-ops) and in most cases it seems to work well for all parties.

[Captain Hindsight]

Does RIT not require co-ops terms anymore?...or what that just for Bachelor's degrees? We hire a bunch of interns from GA Tech (they encourage, don't require co-ops) and in most cases it seems to work well for all parties.

Undergrad only for co-ops and not for every program now from what I've been hearing. I went to UB for undergrad

[Cynical]

This is what I mean. You asked for more than they were offering, but got the job. Very rarely does asking for more than what is budgeted eliminate you as a candidate. Particularly when they are hiring someone fresh out of school.

 

In today's economic climate, a salary requirement that is higher than budgeted will get a prospect eliminated from consideration, even for the noobs out of school.

I am seeing salary requirements being requested as part of the cover letter with the rationale the requirement is being used as a filter.

Did not include a requirement in the letter? Eliminated, cannot follow direction.

Too high? Eliminated, too expensive. Too low? Eliminated, either the candidate is desperate, and/or did not spend enough time researching salary for the career.

 

SDS has the best solution. Get the employer to admit the job seeker is a viable candidate for the position.

This can be spun by job seeker as "if I am not a viable candidate, then there is no need to discuss salary/compensation."

 

Then ask the employer what they had budgeted for the position. Work from there.

[The Dean]

In today's economic climate, a salary requirement that is higher than budgeted will get a prospect eliminated from consideration, even for the noobs out of school.

I am seeing salary requirements being requested as part of the cover letter with the rationale the requirement is being used as a filter.

Did not include a requirement in the letter? Eliminated, cannot follow direction.

Too high? Eliminated, too expensive. Too low? Eliminated, either the candidate is desperate, and/or did not spend enough time researching salary for the career.

 

SDS has the best solution. Get the employer to admit the job seeker is a viable candidate for the position.

This can be spun by job seeker as "if I am not a viable candidate, then there is no need to discuss salary/compensation."

 

Then ask the employer what they had budgeted for the position. Work from there.

 

I like SDS's solution, too. But using your own logic, the prospective employer could eliminate a candidate using that strategy as they didn't follow the directions and indicate a salary. I could see the same HR drone who tossed out an application that asked for a salary that was a tad too high (and of course, with all the appropriate language that should be included with any salary requirement) deciding the SDS approach was too vague and was an attempt to game the system (the HR drone's system, that is).

 

The big problem here is, much of this is being done by Human Resources, who IMO are, as a group, some of the most horrible people in any company. The are employment obstructionists. Maybe it is because my job was so unusual, they really had no clue how to evaluate resumes. I typically had to back door them, and contact the CEO or someone in upper management directly. If you can bypass them, you can pretty much talk to a prospective boss without worrying about games like this.

[KD in CA]

In today's economic climate, a salary requirement that is higher than budgeted will get a prospect eliminated from consideration, even for the noobs out of school.

I am seeing salary requirements being requested as part of the cover letter with the rationale the requirement is being used as a filter.

Did not include a requirement in the letter? Eliminated, cannot follow direction.

Too high? Eliminated, too expensive. Too low? Eliminated, either the candidate is desperate, and/or did not spend enough time researching salary for the career.

 

Yup. Hiring managers/HR get so many resumes that time simply doesn't allow for a thorough review of each one without some basic filters that can narrow down the pile; salary and degree being two of the easiest and most objective ones to apply. I've also used location -- if I know the commute is too long that's someone who is less likely to take the job or stay long term.

 

In the past I used a company that had an online tool (applying on Monster, etc would route you to the tool) that allowed you to ask candidates a series of multiple choice questions which you could weight in importance and come up with an aggregate score. Only those who exceeded your designated threshold would have the resumes passed on. Worked pretty well.

[Chef Jim]

Yup. Hiring managers/HR get so many resumes that time simply doesn't allow for a thorough review of each one without some basic filters that can narrow down the pile; salary and degree being two of the easiest and most objective ones to apply. I've also used location -- if I know the commute is too long that's someone who is less likely to take the job or stay long term.

 

In the past I used a company that had an online tool (applying on Monster, etc would route you to the tool) that allowed you to ask candidates a series of multiple choice questions which you could weight in importance and come up with an aggregate score. Only those who exceeded your designated threshold would have the resumes passed on. Worked pretty well.

 

This is where Linkedin can really help and using an outside recruiter helps as well. I went to an all day workshop at Linkedin a year or so ago and it was very interesting. As a hiring manager you work with the recruiter to really make it clear what you're looking for and searching on Linkedin works well (unfortunately we don't use it properly which is another topic). That way the candidates that eventually make it to the hiring manager are very well qualified. Allows the hiring manager to spend their time with qualified candidates vs sifting through all candidates to find the qualified ones.

[The Poojer]

here's one for you.

Got several calls and emails from a recruiter about a local job. We finally connected yesterday via phone. All of his messages and emails indicate a very weak grasp of the english language in both conversation and in writing. No biggie, i can look past all that, but more on that in a little bit. We discuss the position, I express interest, he says he will pass it along to the hiring manager. Few minutes pass, I get an email asking to forward my resume and salary requirements, I respond quickly.

Phone rings this morning at 7:48AM and he starts talking to me calling me by my last name, in all correspondence I have used my first and last name in the salutation, but he constantly calls me McCarthy and also does so in our email communications. So despite being a bit annoyed that he called before 8AM, I listen and he asks me to submit some 'writings' about the position and how I relate to the position. I ask him if my resume didn't already include all of that information, he says no, he needs 'writings'. I tell him that I will do my best to address it but that I do have a job I need to do, so hopefully I will have some 'writings' to him later today.

I get to work and call his number which is local just to see if it is a legit number(i already looked into the recruiting firm he represents) it eventually goes to his voicemail so it seems ok, I look him up on linkedin and it indicates he is local to the philly area, so no issues there.

The job is appealing to me, but I am not thrilled about how this person is handling the process, not sure if I should call the agency and express my displeasure in being called before 8AM, being called by my last name, the additional requests for 'writings'. I figure if I complain, my name gets immediately pulled from the candidate pull and while I am not 'actively' looking right now, i like to keep my options open if i see something interesting.....

What say you?