I submitted a resume in response to a linkedin job posting last night and got an email from the recruiter today. Email asks: why do you want to leave your current position, and what are your salary requirements.
Any advice on how to answer these in writing?
If it is helpful, my honest answer to the first question would be because I hate my job and no longer want to work for a law firm because it is awful. This job would be very different from what I currently do -- I am currently a litigator representing clients in a particular industry, and this would be more regulatory/creating documents used in that industry.
With respect to compensation, my honest answer would be that I know I would take a pay cut, and would be willing to do so to a certain extent (maybe 20% less than what I currently earn?) but it isn't something that I'm excited enough about to take less than that. I have no idea what people in this position would earn. If the recruiter knows the legal industry, she should have an idea of my salary history from my resume. But I don't know if she knows law firms.
Is this person specifically a legal recruiter? Isn't everyone who works for a firm basically looking to get out for similar reasons?
I would hesitate to put a number in writing re: salary requirements. Can you skirt it and say you would like to gain a better understanding of what is competitive for that industry?
Is this person specifically a legal recruiter? Isn't everyone who works for a firm basically looking to get out for similar reasons?
I would hesitate to put a number in writing re: salary requirements. Can you skirt it and say you would like to gain a better understanding of what is competitive for that industry?
She's an internal recruiter for the company, so I'm not sure how well she knows the industry. But I think that first question is a duh!
I would prefer to skirt the comp issue as much as possible
Guys, how's this? [Will DD so please don't quote] I'd like to add another sentence about learning more about comp, but I'm struggling with the words. Thoughts?
that's a good response v - especially the 'adjustment in compensation' part. very diplomatic and unspecific (perfect).
glassdoor is a really good salary resource, IMO. i was really surprised to find reported salaries from the orgs i have been shopping/creeping, maybe you can find your answer there? not sure if it is a canadian resource (or one of those resources that is more heavily used here), but it's worth a try.
We always refer to Glassdoor.com for H's jobs and see what the salaries and culture comments are like...it's not always exactly on the mark as far as a niche kind of position Mr. Pom is usually in, but you can kind of extrapolate the range of what they pay by the info posted. I thought your response hit all your important points but gave room for negotiation.
Maybe edit something like this:
I understand that compensation at companies is structured differently from compensation at law firms. I am willing to consider an adjustment in salary for the right opportunity and to also consider the full scope of the offer and other benefits as a complete package.
I think your answer is great, but as an FYI, I'd be surprised if you can get away with only a 20% pay cut. It all depends on the company and whether or not they give equity and what that package is, but for the rough class year you're at, I'd imagine most in house cuts would be a bit steeper.
My firm is below market ( ) so my math is probably off, but maybe not as far off as you think
It depends on if the recruiter is with the firm or if they're independent. I tend to be a little more honest/blunt with an outside recruiter.
For the first question, I think I'd use the tactic of expanding/broadening your skill set, and this position is the perfect one for that purpose. Plus with the skills you've had doing X, Y, and Z you can bring a lot of value to the position.
For the second question, I'd give her a range of what your current position pays, and emphasize that the salary is negotiable, especially given the change in roles
I'm actually very happy in my current position and was not looking to leave, but I came across this position at XYZ company and it sounded like potentially such a great fit for me that I decided to find out more. I am flexible on salary depending on the details of the position.
This but not the "very". More "I have a good job but want a great job where I contribute to policy and create a legacy" type statement