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PHR vs SHRM vs AIRS? Which one should I pursue?
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PHR vs SHRM vs AIRS? Which one should I pursue?
Usually I get this in the first phone call with the recruiter. Therefore, I tend to say something along the lines of: "Before I disclose this information, I'd like to investigate the range of salary here and at other companies."
Usually the last HR call is when the job offer is coming in. I try to still not divulge. Instead, I show case what I've researched other companies offering for the same role in the same area. Whether that be from websites such as levels.fyi or in the location I am based I know friends/former colleagues who work in the other companies. Therefore I query them and showcase their knowledge. If the only details I can find are for different cities, then I research the difference in living costs between my city and the others. That way I can say you're offering this role in City X for 10k, their living costs are about 10-15% lower than my city. Therefore the offer I'd look at is around that percentage higher."
I usually make my salary expectations clear before I even get to an interview. A lot of times I'll get a recruiter on LinkedIn or something who messages me and my standard response is normally "Thank you for your interest, however I am currently not interested in interviewing for a new position unless the salary is at minimum more than X amount, because I am currently happy and compensated very well at my current position."
This usually weeds out anyone who would've offered less or similar to what I make, and limits my interviews to only positions that would be enough of an increase to be worth my while. Beyond that, I often make that X number about 30-50% more than my current salary, because honestly changing jobs is a hassle. If they're going to only offer me 5-10% more then it isn't worth moving, but I usually use those offers to argue salary increase where I currently work.
This also has gotten really good feedback at times. Recruiters seem very appreciative that I'm open and honest upfront and as a result don't waste their time or mine when the position is obviously not a good fit from the start. And if I do get through the interview process and they make an offer, I almost never say what my current salary is, but I do say what my other competing offers are. After all, they are competing to be my new position, not competing with my current position.
“I don’t think that’s relevant to the conversation. If you can share your salary range I will tell you if it fits my expectations or not”
“My current compensation is confidential. I signed a Non-Disclosure with my employer. Can you tell me what the role is budgeted for?”
Never disclose your salary as it may be used to offer a lower compensation. Every company should be able to give you a range of what’s budgeted for the role. Once you hear a range, just say you’re within that range in order to get into the interview loops. You can then negotiate later should the range be lower than you’re expectations.
“Well, first I’d like to discuss what I can bring to the table and what we can do together both based on my achievements, skills and performance as well as in the frame of the future goals we could reach and exceed together.”
“Well, I will be happy to answer that question but as of now it’s a bit premature. I will also need your standard pay band for this position at your firm in order to give your a number and to make a decision. Can you provide me such information? ”
If they keep asking for a range or number that’s part of the game. But if it gets heavy, you have 2 options:
1- you can assume that lowballing is part of their vulture and that’s okay yet it doesn’t fits your criteria.
OR
2- if its coming from HR: “well, I understand that you need a number yet I prefer we discuss it later.”.
That pay band or salary question is a trick to lowball. The first to answer it has lost.
„I am unable to disclose that number”
You respond with what your desired salary range is for the position. If they press you again, you say that information is confidential. If they won't let it go, then you know it's not worth your time continuing in the interview process.
🚩Depending on what state you’re in, plenty of states make it illegal to ask about pay history.
When you don’t provide this information, you leave open the possibility of them offering you less than your current salary…..I’ve literally had this happen 3 times over the past month,
You ask what budgeted range the job is being offered. HR typically does not post a position that has not been approved therefore there will be a range they are given.
My response to that is always, “I am looking for a position in the $XXXK-$XXXK range.” And make sure it’s a 20K range.
My answer if I am not interested by the conpany profile (if that a cold call): are we talking about my current poaition within your firm or are we dealing with whatI bring to the table and how we can value it?
My answer if I am interested: I never discuss that matter so early.
It's really not relevant to what their payscale is. I usually counter with can you tell me the pay range for the role?
That is an illegal question in most states. Your current comp is immaterial. What value you bring to them is the point.
You do realize that there’s no way for them to verify your income right? Whether you list a number or not. If they call HR, hr absolutely won’t release that information as it’s private. That being said I’m not advocating lying about your salary. Karma.
The best way to deal with this is usually a range. By giving a range, you don’t pigeonhole yourself into a box that you might later regret.
Admin1 - they are actually an extension of Equifax. You can download a free copy of all the salary information they have on file of you.
Start with your desired pay range, try to turn the conversation every time to desired pay range and why you believe you’re worth it, if they continue to press and insist/won’t move on until they get something, giving a range may help. I personally have no problems inflating the top end of that range to a realistic number, possibly a ‘what-I-think-I-should-be-paid-right-now-but-am-not’ figure! Employers shd not expect a really honest answer, esp if they won’t disclose their pay range to you!!!
Exactly, it’s a two way street. Most of the time when I’ve applied to jobs I don’t even know what the company is willing to pay until the second interview or so. For those companies I’m not willing to be transparent with my salary history. It’s what I call the great guessing game. They keep you guessing, you keep them guessing. 🤷♂️
Sometimes you find a job that will just post the range and in that cause I’m more okay with salary history questions or mentioning a specific number for my salary expectations.
I would rephrase and state your desired compensation. If you’re in a state like CA, they’re not allowed to ask current compensation.
"Competitive for the position"
"Before giving an answer, I'd like to know how much this position is budgeted for"
If they start dodging the above question or start waffling, then you know it's a poor fit.
Never say a number first.. always have the opposite one say a number.. simple
I just tell recruiters don’t bring me interviews unless they can pay X amount. It’s proven to weed out the BS companies that couldn’t afford you.