Salary expectations, shall we just get a pin?

Savvy_Sue

DS2 is job hunting after graduation.

Today he asked me "What are my salary expectations?"

As if I'd know what a 1st class Maths grad from a top Uni should expect to be earning! :rotfl: Especially as the job is in Amsterdam ...

Anyway, when this question is asked, what on earth is the employer expecting or trying to do? Do they just weed out anyone who doesn't give the 'right' answer there? "Enough to keep my mother in the manner to which she'd like to become accustomed" isn't going to cut it, is it?

MissSarah1972

I think employers ask that so they know who will be the cheapest and the most expensive. I just think it's a way of paying less like when a job is advertised as 'negotiable' but when you say 'oh I am looking for (say) £25k' they say 'oh we are only paying £17k'. Not negotiable then.

Daedalus

It can be used when making an offer, if someone says they want £20k and he offer is for that they know they will likely take it. I don't think it will have as big an impact pre interview, unless someone says 100k for a 20k job then they will still interview provided they have a strong CV.

CKhalvashi

Daedalus wrote: »

It can be used when making an offer, if someone says they want £20k and he offer is for that they know they will likely take it. I don't think it will have as big an impact pre interview, unless someone says 100k for a 20k job then they will still interview provided they have a strong CV.

Very true point.

There are a range of factors on salary points and staff, and it's been known for me to start new graduates on both E2/R2/M2/A2 (depending on department). We have point '0' at £1500 less than point '1', too, which I've also been known to start those with experience.

It's up to the strength of the CV and the discretion of the employer.

CK

JournalGirl

For a new graduate I would expect 20 to 25 k start. Higher end with a good degree result. Can't advise re overseas but would think he should be able to do some research. From my perspective it's an alignment question. As an employer I will have a budget range , say 20 to 30k for a job. If an interviewee is looking for 75k then we're both wasting our time. If they're exceptional I might be able to go one or two k over my original budget, but would expect most candidates to fit my range.

CKhalvashi

JournalGirl wrote: »

For a new graduate I would expect 20 to 25 k start. Higher end with a good degree result. Can't advise re overseas but would think he should be able to do some research. From my perspective it's an alignment question. As an employer I will have a budget range , say 20 to 30k for a job. If an interviewee is looking for 75k then we're both wasting our time. If they're exceptional I might be able to go one or two k over my original budget, but would expect most candidates to fit my range.

I was trying to avoid figures, but this is about right.

CK

Bosniavet96

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

DS2 is job hunting after graduation.

Today he asked me "What are my salary expectations?"

As if I'd know what a 1st class Maths grad from a top Uni should expect to be earning! :rotfl: Especially as the job is in Amsterdam ...

Anyway, when this question is asked, what on earth is the employer expecting or trying to do? Do they just weed out anyone who doesn't give the 'right' answer there? "Enough to keep my mother in the manner to which she'd like to become accustomed" isn't going to cut it, is it?

Well, I can make a couple of suggestions.

Firstly, if he has a student loan, he may wish to receive the maximum salary possible BEFORE he has to pay the loan back (assuming that by living & working in The Netherlands, he hasn't already managed to avoid making any repayments).

Secondly, maybe he can do some research through employment agencies etc to find out what the starting salary for comparable jobs here in the UK.

&

Thirdly, he really needs to find out what the usual salary offered in The Netherlands is, the rates of income tax NI etc, as well as the costs of living. I mean, £15k in the UK may be acceptable, but in The Netherlands such a salary could possibly leave you destitute.

However, I am sure all these points have already been thought of/suggested/acted on etc.

Good Luck

heretolearn_2

It also depends on the going rate for the job as well, I think that's a bigger factor than who is doing it, if you are considering the rate for a specific job and not just generally 'how much would I like to earn'.

I think that being a graduate, which uni you went to, whether you got a First or a Third, are only factors in getting the job. I don't know that employers then award higher/lower salary based on that. Does anyone really think that if a firm had 2 new graduate starters doing the same job that one should be paid more than the other based on their degree results?

We employed a graduate in an admin role at our usual rate only for them to start complaining after a couple of months that as a graduate they should be earning more. No, it really doesn't work like that.

Your son's background is what got him the job. What is important now is a) what is the normal salary range for that role in Amsterdam and b) how good he is at negotiating within that range. I don't think anything else is relevant right now.

robpw2

the job concerened will have some impact despite his excellent degree results for example
a toilet cleaner can expect between 6.08-9.00 an hour in this country
where as an it proffessionla can expect between £9.00-£15 an hour depending on experience

cottonhead

Search around jobsites to get an idea of the going rate. Then you will have a general idea but obviously be flexible to a degree. I dont think money is the main factor for someone starting out. Will he get the chance to gain valuable experience, what are the hours, is the contract permanent , do they have a high staff turn over etc. Whilst he doenst have a mortgage and kids ( I am assuming ) then I would say gaining experience and being happy are the main factors and if a job provides that then its better than a slightly higher salary elsewhere.

DKLS

I would say 35-40k euros as an opening bid but check what tax scheme you will be on, as the Dutch are taxed to high heaven, but get a big chunk back if they have a mortgage.