Why is talking about money with candidates cool?

Hello World 🌏🌍🌎

This article is a very special one. I was getting ready to write this article for a long time. And here it is. I asked Małgorzata Zielińska to chip in; her contribution makes this article exceptional! Two pieces in one. Not coordinated, not edited.

First piece by Hubert W.

Money talk is always challenging. Do we know how much our colleagues earn? Do we talk about it with them? Most likely not. Money is often some tabu. I know it myself; I only have one close friend who knows directly from me how much I make, even though it isn't much of a secret. These days, with many available internet services providing salary surveys, we can easily guess how much one can earn working in a specific role. And yet, this guessing element is unsettling.

I am not a massive believer in disclosing salaries in job descriptions. I have learned certain things, and one of them is Value.

I have been in the talent market for over a decade. I have seen various approaches to discussing salaries with Candidates. You can imagine. Linkedin is full of stories from candidates who went through the entire recruitment process to find out in the last stage that money isn't right for them. This stinks.

Talking about salaries in the early stage is like having a cheat code for hiring. When everyone knows the deal from the start, do things go smoother?

Now. Imagine you're shopping for a new phone. You wouldn't just grab any phone without knowing the price. You'd want to see if you can afford it or if it's worth your hard-earned cash. That's what's happening with recruitment and talking about money.

Just like you wouldn't buy a phone without knowing the price, it's good to know what money is involved before diving in. This way, you don't waste time on jobs that don't pay what you need.

BUT - isn't it working both ways? Hang on a second.

Did you ever get excited about something and discover it wasn't what you expected? That stinks.

BUT - isn't it working both ways? Hang on a second.

When they are upfront about pay, it feels like they're being honest about other stuff too. It's like starting a friendship with trust.

Here is where Value comes into play. When you're clear about what you're offering, you get people who are cool with it. This means less time wasted on folks who were looking for something else - trust me, it works both ways. So, talking about money shouldn't be a big scary thing. It's good for everyone. It's like being honest with your friends - it makes everything better.

Being open about salaries helps ensure everyone gets a fair shake, no matter who they are. It's like making sure everyone gets a slice of the same pizza.

And now piece by Małgorzata Zielińska --------> ❤️💡

Navigating salary discussions during the job recruitment process can be challenging yet vital for both candidates and recruiters. Approaching this dialogue with preparation, transparency, and tact can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes. Here are some key considerations for both parties:

For candidates, it is crucial to articulate their worth. They should research industry standards and average salaries for the role, initiate discussions after the employer shows interest, and justify their salary expectations based on their skills and value. When disclosing their salary range, candidates should be specific about how their contributions align with the position and be open to compromise.

Recruiters should recognize the significance of salary for candidates and be transparent about the salary range from the outset. They should actively listen to candidates' reasoning behind their salary expectations, understanding the figures and the reasoning behind them. If candidate expectations exceed the offering, recruiters should consider alternative compensation forms and be forthcoming about the benefits package.

Both parties should view salary negotiation as a collaboration for a fair valuation rather than a confrontation. Communication of the budget or salary range early in the recruitment process is essential for alignment. Candidates should approach discussions with confidence and openness to negotiation, while recruiters should navigate with transparency, understanding, and flexibility.

In conclusion, navigating salary discussions requires honesty, respect, and a mutual desire for a positive outcome. By embracing a thoughtful and informed approach, candidates and recruiters can pave the way for a successful partnership. Salary discussions are about reaching a fair and mutually beneficial agreement. It is not about winning or losing. Through transparency and understanding, a satisfactory salary can be agreed upon.

Two voices, one cause. Love transparency, don't fear money talk!