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Question about applying for a job
Dennis Smith
Member Posts: 577 ✭✭✭✭
Well, I'm back in the job market [:(] The plant where i worked finally bit the bullet.
Every place I've ever worked had "top pay" for each job. Beginners started at 80% of top pay and worked their way up. But I'm finding that's not the case anymore.
Some places that I've checked into ask for "salary requirements". They hire people based on the answer, and pay checks are kept secret.
I've never played that game before, so i'm a babe in the woods. Can anyone offer pointers or tips on the best way to play the game?
Every place I've ever worked had "top pay" for each job. Beginners started at 80% of top pay and worked their way up. But I'm finding that's not the case anymore.
Some places that I've checked into ask for "salary requirements". They hire people based on the answer, and pay checks are kept secret.
I've never played that game before, so i'm a babe in the woods. Can anyone offer pointers or tips on the best way to play the game?
Comments
If you lowball to try and get hired, and then start harping for raises, that will most likely not go over too well.
But what do I know,.........been self employed for 17 years.
Good Luck!
Tell them that U really like this job[^] your applying for and money does not matter[:0]
Tell them how hard U are willing to work[8D] and that u will fight the devil for this job[}:)]
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Do your very best to avoid telling them what you want. When they ask what you want say "How much are you willing to offer??"
Good luck.
Doug
Well, I'm back in the job market [:(] The plant where i worked finally bit the bullet.
Every place I've ever worked had "top pay" for each job. Beginners started at 80% of top pay and worked their way up. But I'm finding that's not the case anymore.
Some places that I've checked into ask for "salary requirements". They hire people based on the answer, and pay checks are kept secret.
I've never played that game before, so i'm a babe in the woods. Can anyone offer pointers or tips on the best way to play the game?
If you are skilled tool and Die there is work available
bpost1958, I worked as a tool and die machinist for a couple of years. Wasn't really my cup of tea, though.
Most of my work has been as industrial maintenance mechanic. It may be time for a career change, as I'm getting too old and fat to climb in the ceilings and squeeze under machinery any more...[V]
When an applicant gives a salary figure only 3 things can happen and 2 of them are bad.
1) you say the number they were thinking (very rarely happens)
2) you say a lower number than they're willing to pay, and get it
3) you say a higher number than they're willing to pay, and get turned down based on that
I don't ever mention $. ALWAYS let them bring it up. When they bring it up, first you have to know what the going rate is, and how your skills and experience stack up against that rate. Can you find out the average salary for a similar position, then are you average? You just need to do some leg work to prepare for that question.
From the employer's point of view, I always respond better to an informed, intelligent answer.
Thanks for the replies, everybody. Once again, you have all been very helpful.
bpost1958, I worked as a tool and die machinist for a couple of years. Wasn't really my cup of tea, though.
Most of my work has been as industrial maintenance mechanic. It may be time for a career change, as I'm getting too old and fat to climb in the ceilings and squeeze under machinery any more...[V]
Dennis;
What part of the country are you from? In my area, good maintenance mechanics make between $17-$24/hr. Sister plants in Texas pay $24-$30. A good lateral career move would be to planner/scheduler or material coordinator, since it requires knowledge of craft work and computer skills.
Heavy industry will soon be busting their butts trying to find skilled mechanics and electricians because the generation comming up does not want to work in the dirt/noise. However, it may be too late for us old-timers.
Don't suck lemons, make lemonade. That "too old" is actually "A wide range of experience".
You can answer:
I understand that a respectable company, such as yours, would want to provide fair
compensation for the experience and skills we have discussed. Wouldn't you agree? *
Truthfully, my first concern is whether, after a few years here, I will feel that I accepted a career with the right company. Salary is important, but it is only a part of overall job satisfaction. Haven't you experienced similar feelings?
You don't want someone who's trying to change the world, but rather, a skilled technician
who can understand a wide range of problems, find, and execute efficient solutions.
Doesn't your company currently have in place a salary range, depending on experience?
If we feel it is a good match for each of us, and your terms are within my range, depending on the responsibility you desire from me, I'll probably be comfortable with what your company feels is an equitable salary. ***
* Prelude to asking him the company's range.
** It all comes down to money, but conditions and benefits might be a deciding factor.
*** You have not committed, but left it for him to say his range.
Before you submit the application/resume', call Human Resources and ask them what the pay "range" for the position is. You can also contact the State Employment Service - they will know what the range is and will tell you. You might even ask the Employment Service to give you a referral, and that will give you what the pay is.
Do your very best to avoid telling them what you want. When they ask what you want say "How much are you willing to offer??"
Good luck.
Doug
Don't know where you live, but no company (other that the Walmart types) around here will tell you what their pay range is. And they do not post their jobs in the State Employment offices either so that would not work either. I have contractors working in my office, doing the exact same job, with the same basic qualifications, that have salaries $28K apart. You just have to apply and negotiate it for yourself.
Maybe I am just a crafty devil.
Doug