As a follow-up to my previous post where I encouraged you to delay talking about money, let’s pick up with the next step in the salary negotiation process. It’s so important to do your homework on market standards and identify an appropriate salary range.

The first way to do this is by tapping your network. When you meet an individual for an informational interview, you might consider posing a question like:

  • What kind of starting salary range might I anticipate if I were to enter your field/company?
  • Given my skills and experience, what’s a typical salary range I could expect to earn in your field/company?
  • What do you find is a common entry-level/mid-level/senior-level/executive salary range for colleagues in your field?

The second technique is to use online salary resources as a reference tool. Some potential resources include:

Once you’ve done your homework, you’ll be better equipped to align the market rate with your own personal salary range and to ensure that you don’t shortchange yourself in the negotiation process.