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Anonymous

09/08/20 at 7:53AM UTC

Career

Negotiation

Is it okay to tell your recruiter that you are in need of money when asked for the reason for expected salary? It would be really helpful if you reply. Thanks in advance!

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Anonymous

09/09/20 at 3:51AM UTC

Thanks Amy

Amy Fortney, PMP

2.27k

Business Strategist & Fractional COO. Doer.

09/08/20 at 7:10PM UTC

You don't need to (and should never) justify why you "need" your salary to anyone, especially a recruiter. They should be telling you the range for the position first, not what you're willing to accept. It's important to know what your lifestyle requires to make all ends meet, but that doesn't mean that's the amount you must ask to be paid. It's only connected in that you want to cover those costs and then some. Some people live very frugally and are paid well beyond what they spend because their experience and qualifications warrant that salary. Your value and the pay range for a job aren't necessarily the same thing. When it gets to the point where you are negotiating on a real job offer, give them a slightly higher number than you want so you have a position to bargain from without losing your shirt.

Anonymous

09/08/20 at 3:02PM UTC

Thank you peg.

Anonymous

09/08/20 at 2:46PM UTC

Yes you need to know your worth. You do not owe a recruiter an explanation for your reasoning. Also, DO NOT let a recruiter talk you down in salary - Own your power on this.

Barb Hansen

6.67k

Startup Product, Growth & Strategy

09/08/20 at 2:17PM UTC

If you are uncomfortable speaking about your salary or you feel like your salary requirements need explanation, remember this: "Your salary requirements are just another data point to the recruiter, just like your # of years of experience, your education, your work history" You would not feel uncomfortable about talking about your years of experience. You would not feel the need to add explanation to your educational background. Your salary requirements are yours. Do your research, know your value and speak your truth. There is no need for explanation or nerves (because the recruiter isn't looking for an explanation and your salary requirement is just another data point to them).

Anonymous

09/08/20 at 3:02PM UTC

Thank you Barb

Anonymous

09/08/20 at 1:17PM UTC

Thank you jaimeb

Jaimeb

09/08/20 at 12:57PM UTC

Never put it in terms of what you need. That doesn’t make it seem like you understand your value or the company’s needs. It should be in terms of the market value of the position and the amount of experience you have to contribute to the company. So say something like, “based on my research and the amount of experience you’re looking for, this is the amount that is appropriate for the current market and my x years of experience.”

Lady Pele

3.96k

Retired Project Manager

09/08/20 at 1:49PM UTC

I agree with Jaimeb. Look at salary.com, glassdoor.com, payscale.com, indeed.com, salarylist.com, salaryexpert.com and even www.bls.gov/ooh/ for industry standard salaries for your role and geographic area. Focus on your value to the company, not what they can do for you when speaking to the recruiter.

Anonymous

09/08/20 at 12:47PM UTC (Edited)

Thanks Nirupama

Nirupama Raghavan

382

Digital Strategy Consultant & Retail Expert

09/08/20 at 12:31PM UTC

Mimi's answer is great, but to be more direct, please don't talk about what you need. It's not relevant to them, and is one of the justifications that was traditionally used to pay men more than women--"they have a family to support". Instead, focus on the value you bring to them.