<p>D is finishing up a post graduate internship for a progressive PR/Adv agency in a large city in Ohio - she is a PR person. It appears that they are interested in her for a permanent position (yeah!). She has a series of questions to answer for them one of which is “salary requirements”. </p>
<p>Told her I would do some fishing around to get an idea of what is current entry level-ish positions. (please note she will also be doing this on her own, but thought I could also get some figures together to average in with info she finds - she has 24 hours to submit the info they have requested).</p>
<p>The agency is in a larger city, staff of about 15 - quite progressive with many accounts serving across the country, but largely in the midwest area. </p>
<p>When discussing “salary requirements” should she also speak to benefits? In other words to say specifically that health care benefits are necessary???</p>
<p>CC is full of knowledgeable people. I thought you might be a great resource to chime in. :)</p>
<p>You probably already know this, but have you tried glassdoor.com or simplyhired.com? There may be others, but you can enter searches for particular companies, or certain job titles or job types, and they display salary information.</p>
<p>Tried simplyhired, will check the other - do seem to have trouble finding salary info (often listed as, “will discuss in interview process” or they ask “submit salary requirements” - which is awkward for the entry level applicant)</p>
<p>I think it’s awkward too Skyhook. But nonetheless, it is a requirement. It becomes awkward finding the right place between “don’t pay me too little” and “don’t ask for too much”.</p>
<p>I recently had this conversation with my youngest who is currently interviewing for jobs. I suggested that she answer the salary expectation question by saying that as an entry level employee she hoped to make a salary that would allow her to support herself and live independently. Then she could yammer on about the potential for advancement and her ultimate goals. Don’t know if this was the right advice but I’ll report back if it works.</p>
<p>Here’s what happened to the last person I hired:
$12/hour as an intern (summer 2009 - graduation)
$30k salary for 29 hours PT per week upon graduation (June 2010)
$45k salary when she FINALLY got full-time status (April 2011)</p>
<p>The PT status included medical coverage, but no vacation. The FT status is benefit-rich. Medical, dental, vision, 401k, tuition reimbursement, pension, etc. etc. </p>
<p>n.b.: This was PR at a large corporation in the Balt-Wash corridor. NOT at an agency. Agencies are notorious for keeping wages low and hours long. They’re great for cutting her teeth and breaking into the field. But, it’s difficult lifestyle to maintain on a longterm basis.</p>
<p>Puzzled, the request from her supervisor was to list salary and be specific. I think she can include that language about supporting herself, but I believe they also want to see a number. </p>
<p>I would guess (tell me if I’m wrong, PR people!) but I’m guessing that agency PR would be somewhere between non-profit and corporation in terms of salary. </p>
<p>I’m thinking mid-30’s is at least not unreasonable.</p>
<p>She is planning to make a few calls to her former profs she is close with and other classmates she is comfortable with talking to as well to get a better idea. </p>
<p>It doesn’t do you any good, but I just wanted to say that I have always found this kind of game-playing obnoxious, especially when dealing with an entry-level employee who doesn’t have a salary history, or a person who is re-entering the regular workforce after some time away from it. What on earth is the point of it? </p>
<p>Many employers will indicate that the job has a salary range of $x to $y, depending on experience, and then make an offer within that range. That is, IMHO, the honest and straightforward way to proceed. If the person isn’t interested in a job in that salary range, they needn’t apply.</p>
<p>Tell her to leave it blank, or put, “depending on job duties”. I, also, don’t like this game. If the company has budgeted x amount for the job, then they should offer that. The poor unsuspecting and anxious job seeker may give a figure that is many thousands of dollars lower than the company had planned - and then, get hired at an unreasonable low rate.</p>
<p>For an entry level job, where she’s been an intern, they shouldn’t need to ask about salary “requirements.” I would go one “submission” without stating a number. I would say I want to know about entry level benefits before determining salary.</p>
<p>I think I had someone tell me once that when asked about salary I should put down something along the lines of whatever the company finds is average for someone in an entry level position. Salaries can vary greatly depending on who is doing the hiring. I wouldn’t think mid 30’s is out of the ordinary for entry level PR but I don’t know. Does the position come with performance bonuses and things like that? Benefits might be a good topic to bring up also. I’m going to PM you.</p>
<p>D was offered a job today! Responsibilities are very much what she was looking for - very PR related - pitching, writing PSA’s, prepping content for interviews, etc. </p>
<p>Don’t have tons of details yet - she just sent me a quick email entitled “HOLY CRAP” (she was so excited to have an official offer!) with a few details.</p>
<p>Bad news - pay is less than she would like - very low 30’s, but with raise eval at end of year and something about a 5% profit payback at end of year.<br>
Good news - life insurance, health insurance (don’t know if any premium yet)</p>
<p>She is a little worried about making ends meet, but I think she can do it (is sharing a modest apt with another friend). Besides, while she has some other apps out, nothing is imminent and likely salary not going to be much more for entry level.</p>
<p>Agency is tough work, but I think it will expose her to many facets of PR that she can bring to another position down the road that can be more tailored to her wants/desires/talents etc. </p>
<p>Can’t wait to talk with her more later about the details!</p>
<p>Congratulations to your D, Abasket!!! One of the most gratifying experiences as a parent is to watch them fly! You and your H should celebrate tonight.</p>