Sooner or later, a recruiter is going to ask you about compensation. This isn’t a mere question. It’s the beginning of a negotiation. It’s an opportunity to determine if further conversations are worth your time. It’s an important fact-gathering moment.
Avoid the temptation to lowball. This is a new process for you. Use the naivete to your advantage by saying something like: “Well I’m used to government payscales and time-in-grade promotions so the salary question is uncharted territory for me.”
This is an honest response that puts the onus back on them to name a number. As much as possible, never be the first one to name a number.
Once they’ve told you theirs, start breaking it apart. Ask about the base salary, the restricted stock units (RSU) or equity, annual performance bonuses, signing bonuses, relocation allowance, medical insurance, paid time off (PTO), and other benefits. All of these components are open to negotiation and the cumulative effect will quickly eclipse what you’ve been earning as a civil servant.
It will be tempting to lessen your ask. Resist this urge! You shouldn’t accept anything below what you’re earning presently. A government job is an ideal BATNA situation, so leverage it to your advantage.
If you don’t value yourself, no one will. That doesn’t mean you push some astronomical sum or refuse to negotiate.
Even if you don’t want this role or end up not landing it, the compensation information arms you with the knowledge to be professionally aggressive with other potential employers.
You now know what you’re worth. So the next time you get broach the compensation topic with, “What is your budget for this role?” A great way to get the facts, proactively.
Not sure how to define your number? I can help. Click on the following link to let me share my strategy to ensure you get what you’re worth.