Asking the Salary of a New Job

Asking a new employer about the salary for a new position can be an uncomfortable conversation to have. 

Whilst some argue that an interview is not an appropriate place to get this information, it can be hard to know when it’s the right time to broach the subject. 

Being informed can save you and employers a great deal of time that would have been wasted preparing for interviews that will go nowhere and awkwardness later on after being offered a position. 

Here are some useful tips on getting around salary taboos.

• Do some research about similar positions in the same industry and get an idea of what is an appropriate salary would be. This way you are prepared for your response. If posing the question is too difficult, you will have a rough idea of what to expect

• Contact the company prior to the interview and request a job description. Hopefully, this will include the necessary information

• If you find confrontation difficult, a phone call prior to the interview could save you some time and effort. If you are uncomfortable leaving your name, request the information anonymously

• If all else fails, at the end of the interview when you are asked if you have any questions, politely request to know what the compensation package involves. Remind yourself that this information will affect you greatly, and therefore should be asked. Obtaining this information at the interview is often expected

Although the conversation might be unbearable, it is a necessary one to have. While all employers are different, it is not unreasonable to request this information before committing to a position.

Controlling Gossip In The Workplace

“I’m not usually one to gossip…BUT…”

It may seem to be an impossible feat to control what people say to each other at work, but an organisation which is riddled with gossip indicates a poor management style and can lead to low morale, poor working relations, and increased turnover.

But fear not! 

Here are some handy hints to manage the impossible...

Set an example - don’t get drawn into un-work related conversations.

Take a look from the outside in and ask yourself questions about your leadership style. Do you comment about your superiors? Do you tell others what you think should change at work? 

People learn from their leaders and if you are making comments like this, others will think it is acceptable. Try and change the conversation topic if you think it is gossip related and keep a professional mind-set at all times.

Leave your door open - keep an open mind to those who come to you with issues.

If your employees do not feel like they can come to you with a problem, they are likely to start complaining to each other about what is wrong and the gossip mill begins. 

Listen and consider individual ideas and comments then give clear answers to their queries. This is likely to earn appreciation and reduce speculation which in turn will help to reduce gossip.

Confront the issue and focus on solutions

When talking to employees about rumours ensure that it is not personal but rather an organisational value. Saying ‘Gossiping doesn’t have a place here as it effects to your productivity and we are professionals’ is better than ‘those who gossip are bad people and should go back to high school’ as this is not going to create a great working atmosphere. 

If you are involved or overhear a group gossiping, try asking everyone what they think could solve the issue. This will guide employees away from gossiping and towards a solution without being self-righteous.

Go by facts and figures

If you do feel that you can’t avoid the subject of gossip, verify the information you receive. If a piece of information is merely a rumour or gossip, the individual will not be able to provide specifics and you can press the issue. 

If this is your tactic just make sure you are not condescending to a point where you make the gossiper feel uncomfortable, but portray to them that you have doubts. This is likely to discourage the spreading of gossip in the workplace.

By practicing these techniques in your organisation you can lead a much more effective, happy, and productive workplace. 

It is important to remember though that “the only time people dislike gossip is when you gossip about them”… and so it is nearly inevitable to prevent, but you should do everything in your power to keep it out of the workplace and to prevent it from going too far.

6 tips for networking your way to better jobs

You’ve done the study, you’ve got the degree, you may even have some great looking experience under your belt. So why don’t you have the job? 

In all professional industries, your contacts can go a long way. It can help secure that coveted interview or even uncover hidden opportunities. With this in mind we'd like to share what we've found to be great starter tips to make sure your networking works!

Start from your inner circle and work your way out

Start by building on your existing connections. Strengthening the relationships you already have is a comfortable starting point if you are new to networking.

 

Connect with the extroverts

There is always that one person in our circle of contacts who seem to know everyone. Make a point of building your relationship with them. They are the networking enablers that connect the dots between you and that important opportunity.

 

Seek out those you wish to meet

Pursue interests, activities and events that are likely to attract the people you would like to meet. Reach out to someone who has your dream job and ask them how they got there. Put your face and key elements out there on forums and sites where career progression or connecting is important (like ours!).

 

Ask questions

Whenever you meet someone new, engage with them and ask lots of questions. Find out what they do, what their interests are and who they know. It doesn’t need to be the Spanish Inquisition – just express an interest in their life. You may discover a mutual passion or an interesting contact they can put you in touch with.

 

Be sincere

Take the time to build up your relationship with new contacts. Trust and meaningful connections only come with time and ongoing interaction. When you read an interesting article that you think they might like, send them an email. If you have an upcoming function they’d be interested in, invite them along. Is there someone you know that they should meet? Set it up. Small gestures and favours will add up. Networking is founded on mutually beneficial relationships: you have to give to receive.

 

Be considerate

Be flexible and work around their schedule. Arrange to buy them coffee near their office. Research them and tailor your conversation accordingly. Send them a thank you note telling them how they’ve helped you. Ask permission to use their name if they reach out to any contacts they may have mentioned. Respecting and appreciating that they are taking time out of their busy professional lives will leave a positive impression for any future contact.

Networking will go a long way in any field or career. It isn’t easy at first and you’ll probably feel uncertain or shy, but do it regularly and you will enjoy yourself and become a social pro!

Have you ever tried any different techniques that have worked? Or maybe found some tricky barriers? Let us know!