Employment Asking about pay in an interview

[coolbananas]

Hi all,

I am going for an interview at an accounting firm tomorrow. The job advertisement didn't specify a salary range. I have heard mixed views but I am just wondering if people think it is acceptable to ask about a salary range in an initial interview?

Also, what do you think would be a decent salary for an accountant with 2 years experience about to commence CPA? 50-60k?

Cheers.

 

[Simon_Nesbit]

As a quick reference point....

http://www.accountantschoice.com.au/Page.aspx?element=38&category=1

Depending how you read the situation (are they chasing you? current market conditions = who has the power) you are probably in the right spread.

 

[Simon_Nesbit]

Also, find a connection (any connection) with existing staff or peer competitors and try and ascertain what your competition is earning.

Let them bring up the isse of salary - when you answer, talk about "fair compensation" for the "value" you bring to the organisation - depending on the size and how well your skillset matches their needs, they may be prepared to "reach" to obtain your services. Focus on the net benefits you provide.

 

[slashin_velvet]

Hi all,

I am going for an interview at an accounting firm tomorrow. The job advertisement didn't specify a salary range. I have heard mixed views but I am just wondering if people think it is acceptable to ask about a salary range in an initial interview?

Also, what do you think would be a decent salary for an accountant with 2 years experience about to commence CPA? 50-60k?

Cheers.

Your target is maybe a little ambitious depending on your actual experience and skill. If your experience is in the field at a company with a good reputation, then your range is right, if not, then your basically starting at point one (I would expect to be asked why I hadn't started my CPA if i had 2 years experience under my belt).

In your initial interview, I wouldn't ask this question. The interview is for you to sell yourself to the company - you don't want to come across as only in it for the money. That being said, if you get called into a second and final interview, it would be a more appropriate setting.

 

[Simon_Nesbit]

sorry, misread op. thought you were 2 years into cpa.

Balance much further towards employer. I'd be putting off remuneration until furthre down the process.

 

[coolbananas]

Thanks guys.

I had the interview this afternoon and it went fairly similar to what simon_nesbit described. They bought the issue up about what my salary expectations were and I told them the range and about fair compensation, and what I could bring to the firm. The interviewer seemed happy with that.

I think it went really well! I will let you know how I go!

Thanks for all of your help.

Cheers.

 

[Sepoy]

How'd ya go in the end?

 

[TheBenchWarmer_]

Thanks guys.

I had the interview this afternoon and it went fairly similar to what simon_nesbit described. They bought the issue up about what my salary expectations were and I told them the range and about fair compensation, and what I could bring to the firm. The interviewer seemed happy with that.

I think it went really well! I will let you know how I go!

Thanks for all of your help.

Cheers.

Hopefully you get it. I haven't been interviewed in years, except for last March when I had one (as I was looking for a potential job change.)
I was stressing about the same thing.
Then they brought it up.

Best of luck.

 

[shittyman]

Hi all,

I am going for an interview at an accounting firm tomorrow. The job advertisement didn't specify a salary range. I have heard mixed views but I am just wondering if people think it is acceptable to ask about a salary range in an initial interview?

Also, what do you think would be a decent salary for an accountant with 2 years experience about to commence CPA? 50-60k?

Cheers.

I usually don't ask at all.

 

[MatthewS]

I usually don't ask at all.

I cant agree with that. If it is not stated in the ad or not mentioned by the interviewer you have a right to ask. We ALL do work for money in the end.

I agree that the first interview is not the time to be doing it unless asked. However it is more then acceptable to discuss in subsequent interviews.

 

[TRAWP]

You have every right to ask, end of the day if you aren't happy about your pay range then your not going to be happy in your role.

 

[Northworth]

I wouldn't ask IN the interview... it is for the post interview conversation - if you're in the hunt that is

 

[Sunny_]

I only ask when they're about to offer me the position. So they've decided I'm the best and one they want, and then I get a little more control. At minimum I require this amount (within reason of course). If you can't offer it, then beat it.

 

[Call Me Cake]

Before I started the job I have now, my main motivation was to get experience. Experience on your resume is invaluable in the long term, if you ever pursue a job in the future.

It was also in my contract that I would should never ask other colleagues what their wages are or salary is.

 

[SaintsManMat]

I have made it a habit if the salary isnt listed in the job ad, to ask when offered an interview

As it has happened to me at least 3 times in the past where i have gone to an interview, been offered the role only to find the salary is below my expectations (or it comes up in the interview)

SO now if i see a job i like i will apply, and if no salary was listed, i ask the salary on offer or tell them my expectations and then if its too low i thank them and move on, i havent wasted my time or their time...

 

[Pluggeroo]

If they ask in the interview what you expect, you should ask what the range is. Never offer a spread first as you may well be selling yourself short, and they get a good employee for peanuts.

Agreed that you need to know what the money is at some point. My current position, I waited til the second interview. I didnt quite get what I wanted in $$$, however the full use of a vehicle and a smartphone sealed the deal!