That thorny question of salary always rears its head when moving jobs. Often it is the very reason for jumping ship. Apart from keeping a roof over your head, salary or the level of it indicates what your employers think of the service they get from you. Some people have no problem tackling the boss for a raise whilst others fume quietly and resolve to move on to a more appreciative organisation.

This is generally where I come in. Because I talk to so many people about what they do and what they earn I have a pretty good idea of market value when it comes to communications professionals Salary is one of those things you can’t really ask your colleagues about and if you do you are unlikely to get a straight answer if at all. The usual thing when someone is being considered for a job is for them to give an accurate breakdown of present package and previous year’s bonus. Most jobs will have a salary range that will be on offer depending on seniority, length of experience etc. So if you are earning £50k and hoping to jump to £100k you are definitely in dreamland! I have to say that the majority of candidates I deal with are realistic about their salary aspirations. It is normal to expect an increase on your present salary – why else would you move? Of course the organisation and its standing is a consideration. Nevertheless, to take a drop in salary has to have a pretty good and obvious reason.

Some people push aggressively for that bit more than was on offer. Usually at the stage when the prospective employer has displayed interest and an offer is to be made. On occasion this is justified but rarely. If I feel that the candidate is a truly ace performer I will flag this right at the beginning so that the client knows they are likely to have to pay a premium in order to get them. My advice to candidates who push for more at the last minute is to think carefully about the outcome. Suppose they do take you on after going through lengthy hoops to organise the extra salary, then you join - you know you are going to have to perform brilliantly with little leeway for the start up period when you are getting to know the job and the culture; you are very likely setting yourself up for failure. Long term this is not going to work to your advantage.

If you want to know if you are worth it – ask a professional – email me.