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Should I lower my salary expectations?

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Should I lower my salary expectations?

I am being laid off my current company. I work as an accountant and, in my most recent position, have acquired some very specialized knowledge. I have been searching for a similar position and have found several. A few of them say "CPA preferred" with a salary range given. Should I expect to be at the lower end of the salary range due to not having a CPA or should my experience make up for the missing credential.

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  1. Kate Hopkins

    Don't sell yourself short at the get go. As you go through the interview process, ask what criteria they use to make decisions about where someone comes in within the salary range they have provided. Some places have very defined criteria (# years experience in the field, specific certifications) that they use, but many are pretty fluid within the range. Make sure you reinforce how you stack up against their criteria during your conversations. Show your value. And always negotiate for as much as you can. Good luck.

  2. Anonymous

    Start with figuring out what you are worth in the market. LinkedIn and salary.com have some tools you can use that are based on where you live, your industry, and your job title. If the CPA credential is preferred, you likely will not receive the top of the salary band, but stick to the "market price" for the position.

  3. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    Sorry to hear you're being laid off. As with a lot of things in a job search, it depends. Mostly it depends on where within the stated salary band your compensation requirements fall.

    Not having a CPA should not necessarily decrease your earning potential - again, it depends - largely on the individual company. Some companies are all about degrees and certifications, others highly value experience. Considering it sounds like you're experienced and have specialized knowledge, that may well offset not being a CPA.

    Since you already know the salary range, I would target the mid-point - that's where many companies start experienced hires. How does that compare to what you're currently making? Is it a big enough bump? First place to start is to ask the recruiter what their target salary is and use that as a starting point. But please don't sell yourself short right off the bat or let anyone else make you think you should.

    Please let me know if you have any questions. GOOD LUCK!!

  4. Anonymous

    In a tight market, the people with "preferred" qualifications will edge you out. Your specialized knowledge could help you, but you may have to wait longer or be willing to move. I've made many interstate moves because my specialty is quite rare.

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