Interviewing for a position above my current role and I'm confused regarding its salary range.

Anonymous

July 7,2022 at 6:49PM UTC

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Interviewing for a position above my current role and I'm confused regarding its salary range. I've researched the salary for this region and I've seen a range of more than $200K on the usual websites.

I've worked for larger cities and similar levels so I would have a better idea in those locations. I accepted a pandemic position to make ends meet but now want to return to a higher-level role and salary that matches my experience.

I'm living in a small city so I don't want to request too much for the area. If asked, I request a range or the budget allocated for the position.

That being said, they often flip the script and request your numbers so I want to be prepared. Online research isn't providing further details or clear answers. Does anyone have a site they use that provides accurate information for a VP position?

Creating an average from all the sites, seems to be $187K for the area. Does that sound feasible or should state a range of 150-185K if asked to be safe? I don't want to shortchange myself but at the same time, the industry could warrant a less than average range. Thank you!

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Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 7,2022 at 7:14PM UTC
While doing research on similar positions in other companies can be helpful, what really matters is what the salary range is at that particular company.
Like you said in your post, if the recruiter asks you what you're looking for (and they should - I talk about compensation with all my candidates on our first call) ask "what is the salary range?" You can also ask if they have a target.
Say the salary range is $80k to $120k - HR typically doesn't let an offer go out above the midpoint of the range, so $100k. The target might be $95k.
If the recruiter presses you for a number, you can use your range of $150 to $185k - I think that's a broad enough range where you're not lowballing yourself or pricing yourself out. You could also say something like "I really can't give you a number at this time, I'd need to learn more about the benefits, bonus structure and salary range before I can determine that but I'm open to hearing your best offer."
AnonymousJuly 7,2022 at 9:18PM UTC
Thank you, Joan. Knowing this additional information is helpful and I appreciated your advice! I checked the company first and the only salaries listed were for lower-level positions which provided a gauge on to what higher steps would receive. I then added my details to a salary calculator for my region. It said average is $187 but upon further review, I think it's more towards the 140-160 range for this industry. We're entering the third interview and salary hasn't been a conversation yet so I'm assuming it might on the lower end and that's why I want to be careful. I decided to push back regarding needing more information before stating a salary but having a range is helpful in case pressed to answer.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 8,2022 at 4:22PM UTC
GOOD LUCK and keep us posted!
AnonymousJuly 7,2022 at 7:19PM UTC
I would say "I am looking fir mid to high market range" and if they want you to quote a number tell them $200k is the market range in xxx region. And then add, what is your salary band for your region?
That should get the conversation moving. Many recruiters would rather die than offer you the range out of the gate. They seem to insist that the first move be the candidate. Which I've always thought was ridiculous.
AnonymousJuly 7,2022 at 9:22PM UTC
Good idea, Anonymous. The problem I'm facing is that three salary calculators provided different midpoints for the region.: 140, 160 and 187K. I decided on the $140 plus range if they required an answer. Due to the industry I feel it will be on the lower end of the range. I appreciated your advice!
Kristie WhiteJuly 7,2022 at 8:09PM UTC
The one who first mentions money sets the stage - that's why they are asking you to give them the numbers first. If they give you their numbers first, then they may overpay someone who was willing to work for less. So do your research, develop a range and give them the range. Then tell them where you expect to fall within that range based on the scope of management, your skills and experience, and the local or national market (whichever applies.) I have cross-reference data from Glassdoor.com, LinkedIn, Indeed, as well as specific sites related to tech work to gain ideas about market ranges. Then find out what the cost of living range is for your local area by doing additional research. For example, $200k in California or NYC is very different from $200k in North Carolina. I once overhead a conversation on a plane between several friends. Apparently, one of them was moving to CA for a new job and getting a big raise. Her friends asked her what she was going to do with all of that extra money? She said, "Pay rent!"
AnonymousJuly 7,2022 at 9:25PM UTC
Thank you, Kristie. That's my concern and I would rather them mention a range first and I confirm that it's acceptable. If I move forward to the offer stage, I'll have leverage. I worked previously in NYC so I fully understand your paying rent remark! Fortunately, I'm in a more reasonably priced location now but that also impacts salaries for the region.
AnonymousJuly 8,2022 at 8:58AM UTC
Ask for a budget. As a person who interviews others, there is ALWAYS a budget. And go from there. Don’t be the first one to state your range.
Megan LeasherJuly 8,2022 at 12:53PM UTC
I second this! Budget drives everything.
AnonymousJuly 10,2022 at 10:56AM UTC
Based on the data you collected and average determined always ask for 20k over what you really want, so that when they negotiate down it is from that higher amount