Firstly, there are some important things to remember:

• This question is not illegal and is a perfectly understandable question for an interviewer to ask when the interviewer assumes that you would be happy with a small uplift on your current salary
• Most interviewers do not wish to negotiate with you as they are not good negotiators – they prefer HR or the agency to do this
• The employer has a budget and therefore knows specifically what salary can be considered for the role
• Both parties often feel that they shouldn’t divulge their expectations. Whilst being the first to “show your cards” can be seen as “weakening your negotiating power”, its is also a sign that you are not a secretive individual

The Professional Approach to Salary Questions

When asked about your current salary, it’s essential to approach the question with tact and professionalism. The question is often asked out of ignorance so your answer should be educational rather than confrontational. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Redirect the Conversation: Instead of disclosing your current salary, steer the conversation towards your salary expectations based on the role and market standards. For instance, you could say, “I prefer to focus on the value I can bring to this role and what the market rate is for a position like this.”
2. Market Research: Equip yourself with data on industry standards for the role you’re applying for. Websites like Glassdoor, Payscale, and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) provide valuable insights.
3. Emphasise Your Skills and Experience: Highlight your qualifications and how they align with the job requirements. You could respond with, “My experience and skills in financial analysis and budgeting are well-aligned with this role, and I am confident that we can agree on a fair compensation that reflects this.”

What If They Ask You The Same Question Again

This is when alarm bells should start to ring. If your guidance towards your salary expectations does not alert them to the fact they have asked an irrelevant question, I would suggest a more clear and direct response. “Having spoken to my peers and looked at salaries on offer at other organisations, I realise that my current salary does not reflect my skills and attributes so am now looking to work with a business that can better reflect this so I am looking to earn

The Importance of Gender Pay Equality

Discussing salary in interviews also brings up the critical issue of gender pay equality. According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the gender pay gap in the UK’s finance sector remains a concern, with women earning, on average, 15% less than their male counterparts in 2023. By not disclosing your current salary, you help prevent perpetuating existing disparities. Instead, you push for compensation based on the role’s value and your qualifications, rather than previous earnings which might have been influenced by gender biases.

Power Dynamics in Salary Negotiation

Understanding the power dynamics in salary negotiations is crucial. Employers often hold more power in these discussions, and divulging your current salary can tip the balance further in their favour. Instead, focus on negotiating from a position of strength by:

1. Being Informed: Knowledge is power. Understand the company’s pay structure and the typical salary range for the position you’re applying for. This information can often be gleaned from job adverts, industry reports, and networking with peers.
2. Confidence in Your Worth: Be prepared to articulate your worth confidently. Frame your salary expectations in the context of the value you bring. For instance, “Based on my extensive experience in financial reporting and the improvements I’ve highlighted to you in my current position, I am seeking a salary in the range of £50,000 to £55,000.”
3. Flexibility and Negotiation: Show willingness to negotiate other benefits if salary discussions reach a stalemate. Benefits such as bonuses, flexible working arrangements, and professional development opportunities can be equally valuable.

Conclusion

Navigating salary questions in interviews can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can maintain professionalism while advocating for fair compensation. By redirecting the conversation towards your expectations and market standards, you protect your interests and support broader goals like gender pay equality. Remember, salary negotiations are an opportunity to establish your worth based on your skills and experience, not just past earnings. As middle managers in finance and accounting, leading by example in these discussions can contribute to a more equitable and transparent industry.

For more insights on career development and salary negotiations, stay tuned to our blog and follow our updates on LinkedIn. Let’s continue to strive for fairness and professionalism in all our career endeavours.

Here are questions to consider asking:

• How does this firm cultivate client relationships and ensure long-term success?
• Can you share examples of projects that exemplify the firm’s core values?
• What does the firm consider as the biggest challenges in the industry currently?
• How does the firm support professional development and career progression?
• In terms of technology and innovation, how is the firm adapting to industry changes?
• What does the firm expect from me in the first 90 days to be considered a success?
• How is performance typically evaluated and feedback given within the team?
• What is the firm’s strategy for maintaining work-life balance for its employees?
• How does the leadership team foster a collaborative and inclusive company culture?
• Can you tell me more about the team I would be working with?

Arm yourself with these questions to tap into the company ethos and envision your future role. As the interview closes, don’t forget to show your interest and thank the interviewers for their time.

Now check out our vacancies here: http://www.harcourtmatthews.com/vacancies and follow us on LinkedIn for more industry news: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harcourt-matthews/

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1. Del Boy – The Smooth Talker: In the world of job interviews, there’s always a Del Boy – the charismatic charmer who could sell sand to a desert. This candidate has a smooth answer for every question, and you can almost hear him saying, “This job is a guaranteed cushty deal, my friend.” But is it all smoke and mirrors? To avoid buying a bottle of Peckham Spring Water, ensure you ask this candidate to provide evidence of their claims and get them to give you specifics!
Suggested Interview Question: Where do you see yourself this time next year?
Important Follow-Up Question: How will you become a millionaire, and what steps will you need to take to get there? 

2. Rodney – The Eager but Inexperienced: Meet Rodney, the wide-eyed and eager candidate with little experience but a heart full of enthusiasm. He might not have the polished resume, but his determination and willingness to learn make him a contender. As this person may not have too much experience they can draw on for competency based interview questions, throw some hypothetical questions in there to see how they do.
Suggested Interview Question: Imagine that you are awarded a prize in an Under-15’s art drawing competition and you are asked by a work-mate to cover-up the lie to get the prize, would you come clean or take the trip to Mallorca and become a “lifelong member of The Groovy Gang?”

3. Uncle Albert – The Seasoned Veteran: Uncle Albert, the wise old sage of the job market, has been there, done that, and probably got the T-shirt. This candidate has a wealth of experience and a knack for storytelling. “During the war…” This is the individual who is perhaps resistant to change or cannot admit when they are wrong.
Suggest Interview Question: What would you do if you confused the coffee and gravy granules and accidentally served a jug of gravy for a board meeting instead of a pot of coffee?

4. Trigger – The Eternal Optimist: Trigger, the eternal optimist, has been in the game for ages, yet somehow he manages to keep things light-hearted. This candidate always sees the glass half full, even if it’s filled with three decades of job-hunting experiences. Beware of that enthusiasm clouding their judgement and comprehension of facts.
Suggested Interview Question: If the broom you use for your job has had 17 new heads and 14 new handles, how many brushes have you used?

5. Boycie – The Suave Professional: Enter Boycie, the epitome of sophistication in the job market. Impeccably dressed with a resume to match, this candidate exudes confidence. Beware anyone that considers themself a yuppie or boasts about their wealth – are they willing to roll up their sleeves and work with people at any level?
Quote: “You know the problem with the French? They don’t have a word for ‘entrepreneur.'”

As we wrap up our Only Fools and Hires adventure, it’s clear that the job market is as diverse as the characters of Peckham. Whether you’re dealing with a Del Boy, a Rodney, or a Boycie, each candidate brings a unique flavor to the hiring process. So, hiring managers, brace yourselves for the unpredictable journey of finding the diamond in the rough, and remember: “He who interviews, laughs – preferably not alone.”

With a bit of humor and a sprinkle of nostalgia, navigating the job market becomes a more entertaining endeavor. This time next years interviewers, we’ll be millionaires!

AI Platforms

AI platforms are online tools that allow users to access a wide range of resources for job interviews. These platforms include databases of questions, virtual interviewers, and tools to measure and improve job interview skills. For example, platforms like HackerRank and Coderbyte allow users to access a database of over 2000 coding questions and practice with virtual coding interviews. Other AI platforms such as InterviewQuery and Interview Cake provide access to 25000+ job interview questions and simulated job interviews. By leveraging AI platforms, job candidates can access realistic job interview scenarios and gain valuable insight into what to expect in their interviews.

Virtual Interview Practice Tools

Virtual Interview Practice tools are online tools that allow job candidates to practice and improve their job interview skills through realistic simulations. These platforms simulate a real job interview with a virtual interviewer and provide instant feedback on your performance. For example, Break into Tech provides users with the opportunity to practice answering a variety of common job interview questions with a virtual interviewer. The platform also provides users with detailed feedback on their performance, including which of their responses were strong, and which areas need improvement. By leveraging virtual interview practice tools, job candidates can gain the confidence they need to perform well in a real job interview.

AI-Based Assessment Tools

AI-based Assessment Tools are online tools that provide job candidates with an opportunity to practice their job interview skills and evaluate their performance. These platforms provide users with simulated job interviews conducted by AI-based interviewers and provide feedback on their performance. For example, Headstart provides users with an AI-based job interview practice simulator which allows them to answer questions in a simulated job interview format and provides detailed feedback on their performance in real-time. By leveraging AI-based assessment tools, job candidates can gauge their job interview skills and identify areas of improvement.

How to Use AI Tools to Prepare for Job Interviews

To use AI tools to prepare for job interviews, it is important to remember to practice using realistic job interview scenarios. Leveraging AI platforms can give you access to thousands of questions, but it is important to practice with these questions and familiarize yourself with the answers you should give before an interview. It is also important to take advantage of virtual interview practice tools and use the feedback you receive to improve your job interview skills. Finally, take advantage of AI-based assessment tools and use the feedback to identify areas of improvement and create a plan to work on these skills before your next job interview.

Issues and Challenges

While using AI tools to prepare for job interviews can be beneficial, there are potential issues and challenges that can arise. One issue is that AI tools can be difficult to understand and can lack natural conversation, which can make it difficult to practice with them. Additionally, AI-based assessment tools can be difficult to understand and may not provide an accurate picture of your job interview skills. It is important to be aware of these potential issues and challenges when using AI tools.

Overcoming Challenges

To overcome the challenges associated with using AI tools to prepare for job interviews, it is important to practice with natural conversation. Ask clarification questions when receiving AI feedback and ask for help when using AI-based assessment tools. Additionally, it is important to take advantage of AI platforms to access realistic job interview scenarios and prepare for questions. By leveraging the power of AI tools and preparing for job interviews, job candidates can increase their chances of success.

Conclusion

AI tools can be a powerful tool to help job candidates prepare for job interviews and stand out from the competition. Leveraging AI platforms can provide access to thousands of questions and simulated job interviews, while virtual interview practice tools can provide instant feedback on performance. AI-based assessment tools can be used to evaluate job interview skills and identify areas of improvement. However, there are potential issues and challenges that can arise when preparing with AI tools, and it is important to be aware of these and use strategies to overcome them. By using AI tools to prepare for job interviews, job candidates can increase their chances of success.

Please note, as part of my research into the use of AI in the job market, I asked AI to write this entire blog for me and hope not made ANY changes.

1. Den Watts – The Charismatic CEO: Picture this: You walk into the interview room, and there he is—the Den Watts of the corporate world. This interviewer exudes charisma and charm, just like the infamous landlord of the Queen Vic. They’ll ask you questions with a sly smile, probing for the juiciest details of your professional life. Just like Den, they know how to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Famous Quote: “It’s all about business, sweetheart.”

2. Angie Watts – The Tough HR Professional: Meet Angie Watts, the no-nonsense HR manager who means business. This interviewer will dissect your CV with a precision that rivals Angie’s famous chicken carving skills. They’ll delve into the highs and lows of your career, leaving no stone unturned. Watch out for the tough questions – they want to ensure you can handle the heat of the professional kitchen.

Famous Quote: “I’m not one to mince my words, love.”

3. Dirty Den’s Secret Affair – The Mysterious Hiring Manager: In the spirit of Dirty Den’s secret affair, some interviewers keep their cards close to their chest. This mysterious hiring manager will make you feel like you’re part of a thrilling soap storyline. Expect unexpected questions and a vibe of secrecy as they gauge your ability to handle the unknown.

4. Arthur Fowler – The Experienced Team Lead: Ah, Arthur Fowler, the stalwart of the community. This interviewer is your seasoned team lead, with years of experience under their belt. They’ll ask about your journey, hoping you’ve learned from the trials and tribulations of your professional life. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve weathered storms and come out stronger.

5. Pauline Fowler – The Empathetic Colleague: Enter Pauline Fowler, the heart of EastEnders. In the interview room, you might encounter the empathetic colleague who genuinely cares about your well-being. They’ll ask about your passions, dreams, and what makes you tick. It’s not just about the job; it’s about finding a place where you can belong.

Famous Quote: “Family and work, love. That’s what matters.”

6. Nick Cotton – The Trickster Interviewer: Beware of the Nick Cotton of the recruitment world—the trickster who throws curveball questions your way. This interviewer aims to see how well you can think on your feet. Don’t be surprised if they ask you to solve a riddle or share an offbeat anecdote from your past. They’re testing your ability to adapt and stay composed under pressure.

As you navigate the recruitment landscape, channel your inner EastEnder and face each interview with the resilience of those characters we grew to love (or love to hate). Remember, just like in Walford, the job market can be unpredictable, but with a touch of humor and the right mindset, you can conquer it all.

So, dust off your Cockney slang dictionary, put on your best EastEnders-inspired attitude, and let the interviews begin. Who knows, you might just find your perfect job and live happily ever after, just like in your favorite soap opera.

Although EastEnders was at its peak in the 80’s, it wasn’t really on my radar so I have asked ChatGPT to help me write this blog. Dum, Dum, Dum, Dum, Dum, Dum Dum Dum Dum!!!

Stand Out From The Crowd

Show that you’re not like every other candidate and ensure that interviewers remember you for the right reasons. If there’s no discernible difference between you and the other interviewees, then you won’t stand out. Top Tip: Highlight your unique selling points, what sets you apart and your success stories

Do Your Prep

Do your homework on the company, the job & questions for the interviewer. Yes, we know that looking for a new role is hard work when you have a busy schedule, however, planning really does prevent poor performance. Top Tip: Set aside research time before your meeting and practice your delivery in front of the mirror or with friends / family members.

Be Interesting

The majority of recruiters are looking for energetic, passionate and proactive employees. Have you ever seen a personality spec requesting “dull, boring and lazy” applicants? Remember – enthusiasm is infectious! Delivering an interesting story with passion draws people in and leaves a lasting impression. Top Tip: Get some honest feedback from family, friends or colleagues about how you come across and work on your weak points.

Be commercially aware

Whether you are job seeking in a tough economic climate or boom times, businesses want to know how financially and commercially savvy you are. Show that you are a worthy business investment by highlighting your influence in financial returns, problem solving, revenue generation or increasing productivity. Top Tip: Describe in quantifiable terms where you have delivered tangible positive results.

Put Your Best Foot Forward

Interviews are not the time to be airing negative thoughts about your current role or employer. It’s also not the place to vent your frustrations about your boss, the fact that you didn’t get the promotion you felt you deserved or how unfair it is that you’ve been made redundant. Top Tip: always be positive about your experiences and reasons for wanting to leave your current role.

Dress appropriately

This usually means corporate business attire. How you present yourself leaves a lasting impression. Top Tip: Think about the firm that is interviewing you and what you would expect business wear to look like, if in doubt wear a suit, better to be overdressed than underdressed.

And last but not least …

Don’t Hide, Cover Up or Lie

If you do, then it won’t feel “right” to the interviewer and that job offer is going to remain as elusive as ever. It’s not about coming across as the most perfect candidate in the world – in fact, that would raise serious alarm bells – it’s about being truthful. Top Tip: Honesty really is the best policy.

Why not head over to our vacancies page and see if something catches your eye to apply for, click here for details: Vacancies

Also do follow us on LinkedIn for more industry related news and all our live vacancies: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harcourt-matthews/