Interviews: work samples and pay expectations

[Deleted]

I have an on-site interview on Thursday for another job at the employer I want to work at. I'm trying to prepare and have 2 things I'm unsure about.

1. Would it be normal - and positive - to bring samples of my work? It's an instructional design position where I'd be doing some training, documentation, user manual type stuff, etc. I have some samples of work I've done in the past. I've already removed all of the identifying information from them (company name, etc) but since my entire work history is at one employer, it's pretty obvious where I created it. I think it could help me, unless it reflects poorly on me for sharing intellectual property?

2. They will likely ask me about pay expectations. I was able to find the median salary for this type of job in my town on salary.com, and it's about 59k. I was making 54k in my old job (which was somewhat related to this job and at a similar organization in the same town, so I feel like that's relevant). The pay range for this job (public university, so it's posted) is 39k-79k, with the median falling between 50-62k. What should I ask for? I'd like to ask for 60k, since that's within the median range and it says "master's degree preferred", which I have. It doesn't have to be in any particular field, and I meet the listed qualifications. Or should I say 55-60k? Truthfully, while I "care" about the salary, I'd accept the 39k at this point in my life. I feel I'm worth more than that, but my recent employment situation doesn't really back that up... I feel 60k is reasonable, but I'm a little hesitant to ask for too much and have that be a decision point for them between me and another candidate. If you recall, I've been 2nd choice for 2 other jobs at this employer so it's entirely possible it will be a very close call between me and another person.

I have never really had to do the salary thing for a job I've actually received - I accepted the offered salary at my first job after graduation, and only got COL raises at the same employer since then. So I'm a little gun shy. And I'm not in a position of power since I currently have no job that they have to lure me away from. I feel like that hurts me a bit, but who knows. Advice?

Thanks

[Deleted]

I say definitely bring work samples. I was a teacher for five years, and I always brought my teaching portfolio to interviews. When they asked the situational questions such as, "tell us about a time when you have done XYZ..." I had "proof" to back up my answer. I know I earned at least one position from doing that since the principal told me to afterwards.

Hmmm...I have no advice about the salary. Best of luck there!

[Balki.Bartokomous]

1. I'm interested to see the responses on this one. I personally wouldn't share IP but I do know that it's commonly done.

2. A good company is not going to hire their second choice over $5 or 10k. If you've been coming in second place at these other companies, it's probably not because of your comp history. If you have above average qualifications, why should you not get above the median? I'd give them a range of $70 - $75k (or maybe say "Low 70s") and go from there. If you are really hesitant, then I'd throw out $65-70k or "high 60s".

[hamster]

I don't really have advice, but good luck Bucky!!

And remember, BE CONFIDENT.

[LoveTrains]

I would ask them if they can tell you what the hiring range for the position is. In my experience at higher ed there are these big pay bands and then each position has a range within a $40k+ band. Except the hiring range for the position is generally $5-$10K within that big band. So you might as well ask them what the hiring range is before tossing out a number. Why toss out $59K if the range for the position is $59-$64K.

[Deleted]

Mar 2, 2015 10:49:42 GMT -5 LoveTrains said:

I would ask them if they can tell you what the hiring range for the position is. In my experience at higher ed there are these big pay bands and then each position has a range within a $40k+ band. Except the hiring range for the position is generally $5-$10K within that big band. So you might as well ask them what the hiring range is before tossing out a number. Why toss out $59K if the range for the position is $59-$64K.

Ah, this is good advice, thanks! They only listed the minimum for the band on the job posting, which isn't very helpful (and is only the 10th percentile according to salary.com). I will ask before suggesting something. My guess is that the target will be somewhere within the median range. 

[qwerty]

Definitely bring examples of your work in a portfolio.

[larzhope]

definitely bring examples.

Regarding salary - part of it is how much you think you're worth and part of it is how much they are willing to pay. You can't control the second part of it. What you can control (and what they will probably ask) is what you made previously and why you deserve more. They may argue if they ask about prior salary that you made $54k, why should they pay you $70-75 (as one poster suggested, which I think it way too high to start with, personally).

What you can do is talk about why you deserve more money for a similar position. Talk about your experience with your temp agency that has given you varied employer history, opportunities to see different work cultures, etc, but be sure you have a good story as to why you are worth more.

[msmerymac]

I would bring samples. I would also probably say $60k-$65k, since they are giving a range that that falls into in the ad anyway. If they do offer you $60k, try to negotiate up by throwing out the fact that you have a masters and think that shows x, y and z and can help by a, b and c.

Good luck!

[thefield]

1. Definitely bring your work samples.

2. Since this is a government position, I'm not sure how much room for negotiation there is. Usually government salaries have grades and steps and you either qualify for a higher grade or step (based on degrees/years of experience) or you don't. I would not assume there is room to negotiate or that the area average for similar positions has any bearing on what you will be offered. If that is the case, they probably won't even bring up salary at the interview.

[Deleted]

1. Bring the samples, I've always had positive feedback on that.
2. I'd ask them for the pay range.

Good luck!

[Balki.Bartokomous]

D'oh, I didn't realize you were asking about salary info to talk about during the initial interview. I'd definitely not throw numbers out there at that point & ask what the hiring range is instead.

[Deleted]

Mar 2, 2015 12:06:31 GMT -5 thefield said:

1. Definitely bring your work samples.

2. Since this is a government position, I'm not sure how much room for negotiation there is. Usually government salaries have grades and steps and you either qualify for a higher grade or step (based on degrees/years of experience) or you don't. I would not assume there is room to negotiate or that the area average for similar positions has any bearing on what you will be offered. If that is the case, they probably won't even bring up salary at the interview.

I was asked this question in my previous interviews for other jobs within this organization, so I would not be surprised if they asked again. However, I do agree there is probably not much room for negotiation. Perhaps I should have been more clear - I think they are asking partly to ensure that what I expect is in line with what they can pay. They don't want to make an offer to someone expecting 60k when they can only pay 45k. I assume. On the flip side though, I don't want to ask for 45k when they were planning to pay 60k, so I'd rather ask for something within the ballpark of what the job is worth.

[arch01]

Mar 2, 2015 12:06:31 GMT -5 thefield said:

1. Definitely bring your work samples.

2. Since this is a government position, I'm not sure how much room for negotiation there is. Usually government salaries have grades and steps and you either qualify for a higher grade or step (based on degrees/years of experience) or you don't. I would not assume there is room to negotiate or that the area average for similar positions has any bearing on what you will be offered. If that is the case, they probably won't even bring up salary at the interview.

Ditto this.

It depends on the university also-the university DH works at flat out gives you a salary and that's it. It's a take it or leave it situation. Do you know anyone who works at the university who may be able to give you some insight? 

Also, just because the type of job on salary.com says $59k, doesn't mean the university can/will pay in that ballpark. 

[FishChicks]

I'll be a voice of dissent on the work samples. Unless you expressly had permission to use or share them, or you know the culture of the place you're interviewing at is laid back about IP, I would not bring them. Outside of those circumstances, you run the risk of being viewed as someone who took corporate property without permission.

As for salary, if you've got benchmark data for your degree and experience level, then 60 seems fine to ask for.

I really hope this job is "the one" for you - good luck!

[LoveTrains]

Mar 2, 2015 12:53:03 GMT -5 @choco said:

Mar 2, 2015 12:41:42 GMT -5 RockNVoll said:

"I'm happy to consider any reasonable offer you'd present once you've had some time to consider my qualifications. I'd be really excited to join the ___ team."

Please don't throw out any numbers and just repeat the above. Universities are very restricted on pay scales, so if you don't want to exclude yourself then just say the above until they give you an actual offer. 

Yes, yes, yes. That is why I said above to try to turn it around and ask about the hiring range, but honestly this is even better. Why should you be forced to give up the number first? 

[rubytue]

Mar 2, 2015 12:41:42 GMT -5 RockNVoll said:

"I'm happy to consider any reasonable offer you'd present once you've had some time to consider my qualifications. I'd be really excited to join the ___ team."

This is brilliant! I want to embed that into my brain.

I was going to suggest asking the range and then "I'd be willing to consider something in that range," but the above is even better.

[Deleted]

Mar 2, 2015 13:08:27 GMT -5 LoveTrains said:

Mar 2, 2015 12:53:03 GMT -5 @choco said:

Please don't throw out any numbers and just repeat the above. Universities are very restricted on pay scales, so if you don't want to exclude yourself then just say the above until they give you an actual offer. 

Yes, yes, yes. That is why I said above to try to turn it around and ask about the hiring range, but honestly this is even better. Why should you be forced to give up the number first? 

See, I don't know! Why even ask if they don't want an answer? I feel like I've been unprepared for this question on past interviews, and came off sounding wishy washy. Or fake - I think I've said something like "Well, I'm flexible. At my last job I made 54k, but I'm not stuck on that. It's more important to me to find the right fit and something I'm excited about" blah blah blah. 

I honestly don't know if I'll be able to negotiate once I get an offer (if I do, lol). I'll probably just say OMG YES, WHEN CAN I START???

[Deleted]

Mar 2, 2015 13:21:34 GMT -5 @buckybells said:

Mar 2, 2015 13:08:27 GMT -5 LoveTrains said:

Yes, yes, yes. That is why I said above to try to turn it around and ask about the hiring range, but honestly this is even better. Why should you be forced to give up the number first? 

See, I don't know! Why even ask if they don't want an answer? I feel like I've been unprepared for this question on past interviews, and came off sounding wishy washy. Or fake - I think I've said something like "Well, I'm flexible. At my last job I made 54k, but I'm not stuck on that. It's more important to me to find the right fit and something I'm excited about" blah blah blah. 

I honestly don't know if I'll be able to negotiate once I get an offer (if I do, lol). I'll probably just say OMG YES, WHEN CAN I START???

I'd be prepared just in case they force the issue. I only can speak for my industry, but if a candidate refused to give a number they'd be out of consideration.

GOOD LUCK!!!

[Deleted]

Mar 2, 2015 13:43:55 GMT -5 RockNVoll said:

Mar 2, 2015 13:36:10 GMT -5 @gingerbb said:

I'd be prepared just in case they force the issue. I only can speak for the companies my husband and I have worked at (in the a different industry than you)  my industry, but if a candidate refused to give a number they'd be out of consideration.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Really?  This is true for your entire industry?

sorry don't want to mislead you into thinking that I know how every single company in my industry works. Becaue clearly that's what I meant. In fact, wg basically tell the person they have to give us a number. no options. (no one has actually refused after being told that).

better?

[Deleted]

Lol. I am not worried about them refusing to consider me if I don't give them a number. I do want to come off as prepared and not have any questions that I don't know the answers to. I want to appear like I've done research about this position.

I think what RnV said about considering a reasonable offer is good, or perhaps asking what range they are hoping to hire in would be fine too. Honestly, I'd rather they not ask at all. I obviously would like to get paid as much as possible, but at this point 60k would be a 50% raise (well, more than that really since there are benefits and PTO involved) so it's not critical either. I'd be thrilled just to get what I had at my last job, and I'd honestly accept whatever they offer, even the bottom of the range (which is about what I make now with no benefits, so it would still be a raise).

[steph96]

Mar 2, 2015 12:53:03 GMT -5 @choco said:

Mar 2, 2015 12:41:42 GMT -5 RockNVoll said:

"I'm happy to consider any reasonable offer you'd present once you've had some time to consider my qualifications. I'd be really excited to join the ___ team."

Please don't throw out any numbers and just repeat the above. Universities are very restricted on pay scales, so if you don't want to exclude yourself then just say the above until they give you an actual offer. 

I agree. They most likely already know what they are willing to pay you. In my area, we are very straightforward if someone says that they want to make more than we are able to pay. We usually tell them right then that the range is only xx and they most likely would be at the bottom half of that range (if true) and then ask if they are still interested.

[Deleted]

Mar 2, 2015 13:57:48 GMT -5 RockNVoll said:

Mar 2, 2015 13:50:43 GMT -5 @gingerbb said:

sorry don't want to mislead you into thinking that I know how every single company in my industry works. Becaue clearly that's what I meant. 

better?

Sorry I don't read minds and prefer not to use generalized scare stories from a completely unrelated industry in response to a poster who's already anxious about the process.

FFS. I stated it was a different industry. We are all speaking from our experiences here.  No mind-reading required. I suggested she have an answer in case they push her. are you really implying that's bad advice? Or am I reading your mind now?

[Deleted]

Mar 2, 2015 14:16:19 GMT -5 RockNVoll said:

Mar 2, 2015 14:11:38 GMT -5 @gingerbb said:

FFS. I stated it was a different industry. We are all speaking from our experiences here.  No mind-reading required. I suggested she have an answer in case they push her. are you really implying that's bad advice? Or am I reading your mind now?

Nope, you're actually reading what I wrote above where I gave the same advice.

LOL. so you didn't have a problem with my advice, just the fact that I generalized my industry based on my experiences. ok.


OP. sorry for the tangent. All the best!

[Deleted]

Lol thank you all. I've become quite the controversial poster lately I appreciate the help and support, as always.

[eddy]

Mar 2, 2015 12:35:02 GMT -5 @buckybells said:

Mar 2, 2015 12:06:31 GMT -5 thefield said:

1. Definitely bring your work samples.

2. Since this is a government position, I'm not sure how much room for negotiation there is. Usually government salaries have grades and steps and you either qualify for a higher grade or step (based on degrees/years of experience) or you don't. I would not assume there is room to negotiate or that the area average for similar positions has any bearing on what you will be offered. If that is the case, they probably won't even bring up salary at the interview.

I was asked this question in my previous interviews for other jobs within this organization, so I would not be surprised if they asked again. However, I do agree there is probably not much room for negotiation. Perhaps I should have been more clear - I think they are asking partly to ensure that what I expect is in line with what they can pay. They don't want to make an offer to someone expecting 60k when they can only pay 45k. I assume. On the flip side though, I don't want to ask for 45k when they were planning to pay 60k, so I'd rather ask for something within the ballpark of what the job is worth.

I would mention you are aware the median range for this position grade and mention the range and that is what your expectations would be. It shows you have done your research, but doesn't mean you have to negotiate before you even interview.

[Deleted]

Mar 2, 2015 14:53:14 GMT -5 eddy said:

Mar 2, 2015 12:35:02 GMT -5 @buckybells said:

I was asked this question in my previous interviews for other jobs within this organization, so I would not be surprised if they asked again. However, I do agree there is probably not much room for negotiation. Perhaps I should have been more clear - I think they are asking partly to ensure that what I expect is in line with what they can pay. They don't want to make an offer to someone expecting 60k when they can only pay 45k. I assume. On the flip side though, I don't want to ask for 45k when they were planning to pay 60k, so I'd rather ask for something within the ballpark of what the job is worth.

I would mention you are aware the median range for this position grade and mention the range and that is what your expectations would be. It shows you have done your research, but doesn't mean you have to negotiate before you even interview.

I like this, that totally makes sense. 

[eddy]

Also if you know who was in the job before or people who hold similar jobs you can look up their salaries. That will give you an idea of probably what their expectation is for a ballpark offer.

[audry80]

Yes for #1. My H is currently hiring an instructional designer for his team and is specifically asking the candidates to bring examples.

[Deleted]

Mar 2, 2015 17:09:51 GMT -5 audry80 said:

Yes for #1. My H is currently hiring an instructional designer for his team and is specifically asking the candidates to bring examples.

This is helpful!!! Thank you!