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.

Be Specific When you set yourself a goal, try to be as specific as possible. “Lose 5 pounds” is a better goal than “lose some weight,” because it gives you a clear idea of what success looks like. Knowing exactly what you want to achieve keeps you motivated until you get there. Also, think about the specific actions that need to be taken to reach your goal. Just promising you’ll “eat less” or “sleep more” is too vague — be clear and precise. “I’ll be in bed by 10pm on weeknights” leaves no room for doubt about what you need to do, and whether or not you’ve actually done it.

Seize the moment to act on your goals. Given how busy most of us are, and how many goals we are juggling at once, it’s not surprising that we routinely miss opportunities to act on a goal because we simply fail to notice them. Did you really have no time to work out today? No chance at any point to return that phone call? Achieving your goal means grabbing hold of these opportunities before they slip through your fingers.

Know exactly how far you have left to go. Achieving any goal also requires honest and regular monitoring of your progress — if not by others, then by you yourself. If you don’t know how well you are doing, you can’t adjust your behaviour or your strategies accordingly. Check your progress frequently — weekly, or even daily, depending on the goal.

Be a realistic optimist. When you are setting a goal, by all means engage in lots of positive thinking about how likely you are to achieve it. Believing in your ability to succeed is enormously helpful for creating and sustaining your motivation. But whatever you do, don’t underestimate how difficult it will be to reach your goal. Most goals worth achieving require time, planning, effort, and persistence. Studies show that thinking things will come to you easily and effortlessly leaves you ill-prepared for the journey ahead, and significantly increases the odds of failure.

Focus on getting better, rather than being good. Believing you have the ability to reach your goals is important, but so is believing you can get the ability. Many of us believe that our intelligence, our personality, and our physical aptitudes are fixed — that no matter what we do, we won’t improve. As a result, we focus on goals that are all about proving ourselves, rather than developing and acquiring new skills.

Have determination. That means a willingness to commit to long-term goals, and to persist in the face of difficulty. Studies show that determined people obtain more education in their lifetime, and earn higher than average salaries.

Focus on what you will do, not what you won’t do. Do you want to successfully lose weight, quit smoking, or put a lid on your bad temper? Then plan how you will replace bad habits with good ones, rather than focusing only on the bad habits themselves. Research on thought suppression (e.g., “Don’t think about white bears!”) has shown that trying to avoid a thought makes it even more active in your mind. The same holds true when it comes to behaviour — by trying not to engage in a bad habit, our habits get strengthened rather than broken.
If you want change your ways, ask yourself, What will I do instead? For example, if you are trying to gain control of your temper and stop flying off the handle, you might make a plan like “If I am starting to feel angry, then I will take three deep breaths to calm down.” By using deep breathing as a replacement for giving in to your anger, your bad habit will get worn away over time until it disappears completely.

So after thinking about your specific goal and what you want to focus on, making sure it’s attainable and measurable, you have the tools to achieve your potential. If career goals are on the cards, then head over to our jobs page and apply today for that dream job.

www.harcourtmatthews.com/vacancies/

Follow us on LinkedIn for up-to-date industry news and our latest vacancies https://www.linkedin.com/company/harcourt-matthews/

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/

Timing

It’s tempting to jump straight in and resign as soon as you have a job offer, but, act in haste and you may repent at leisure. Top Tip 1. Always make sure that you have an offer in writing and that you are happy with the details. Top Tip 2. Try and ensure that your resignation to your line manager is on a face to face basis and consider waiting for 24 hours if this means you can meet in person as a matter of courtesy.

Notice Period

Check your notice period in your current contract before considering if you will be expected to work all or part of your notice period. Businesses take differing views on notice periods but this is usually based on who you are going to join and the level of your role. If you are a senior manager and leaving to join a direct competitor then this could affect how and when you leave your current employer. There may well be some negotiation to be had around your notice period if you have holiday owing to you. Top Tip 1. Get all the facts together prior to any discussions and be realistic about what may work for your current employer.

It’s Good To Talk

Wherever possible, your resignation should be in a face to face meeting as this ensures your notice period begins immediately and will sit more comfortably with your line manager. Top Tip 1. Be careful about who is aware of your intention to resign – your boss hearing about your impending departure on the grapevine could make things particularly difficult. Top Tip 2. Be prepared for an awkward conversation if you departure is going to have a direct and negative impact on your line manager. Top Tip 3. Keep emotions and composure in check and be professional at all times – remember that your resignation could come as a big shock.

Modesty, Modesty, Modesty

Avoid boasting about your new job, pay rise and fabulous benefits package as this could be deemed as rubbing your colleagues’ noses in it. Top Tip 1. Don’t undermine your great work but behave with gratitude which will ensure you are remembered fondly.

Passing On The Baton

Preparing to leave your existing job in a shipshape and tidy fashion for a smooth handover may entail extra hours that you would prefer not to spend. Top Tip 1. Completing as much work as possible will sit well with your line manager and co-workers. Top Tip 2. Ensure that any uncompleted projects come with a detailed handover to make any transition as smooth as possible.

Working Your Notice

This can be one of the most challenging times during the resignation process as you will have mentally disengaged from your current role and be dreaming on pastures new. However, this is a time when you can really make a strong and lasting impression. Top Tip 1. Keeping focused and motivated is a positive for those around you, and remember, it’s only for a limited time.

Exit Interview

Although it might be tempting to be extremely negative in your exit interview, please consider what you have to gain. Top Tip 1. Deliver feedback in a balanced and considered manner. Top Tip 2. Be grateful for the opportunities you’ve had, share what you’ve learned and offer feedback for the next person who will fill your role.

So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu

Do remember that ultimately it is for your boss and employer to decide how and when your departure is announced to the business. Once it has been broadcast there is no harm in a goodbye e-mail but do be careful with the tone that you take. At times the resignation process can be difficult, but handled correctly and with the appropriate effort, your departure should be smooth and with your reputation intact. Trying to take the emotion out of it can be a challenge, but a mature and professional approach will pay off in the long term. Above all, remember that your path may cross with your ex-colleagues in the future so think ahead.

For more tips regarding the jobs market do head over to our blog http://www.harcourtmatthews.com/blog/ and also follow us on LinkedIn to keep up with industry related news and the latest vacancies: LinkedIn

If you’re considering dipping your toe in the job market, take a look at our Top Tips for putting your best foot forward to prospective recruitment partners.

Top Tip 1 – Be Truthful

Whilst every candidate wants to represent themselves in the most positive light, beware the temptation to exaggerate on your CV. A savvy recruiter will quickly unearth any discrepancies and checks will highlight the truth about qualifications, grades and employment dates. Honesty is always the best policy.

Top Tip 2 – It’s Not All About Money

Whilst most of us go to work to earn a living, keep your salary expectations realistic and take advice on current market trends. Recruiters are interested in those individuals who see their role as more than a financial means to an end. If money is the driving force in your job search, this will quickly become apparent to both your recruitment consultant and any interviewer.

Top Tip 3 – No Stalking!

An accepted part of seeking a new role is following up job applications and interviews. It’s always sensible to track your activity and keep up to speed with vacancy prospects. Do beware of following up too much – no one wants to be thought of as obsessive or impatient.

Top Tip 4 – Keep It Focused

Whilst we’re all aware that recruitment is not an exact science, continuously applying for unsuitable positions is a serious NO NO. Spend your time focusing on opportunities that will complement your skills, experience and personality. If you are interested in roles where you don’t fully meet the key criteria, highlight pertinent areas of your CV to demonstrate that you have gone some way to tailoring your application.

Top Tip 5 – Be Realistic

Given that recruitment consultancies receive hundreds of job applications each week, it’s unrealistic to expect every agency you register with to be able to support your search. Don’t take a “thanks but no thanks” email as a personal affront – a judgement has been taken based on your skills and experience, NOT on how nice you are as a person!

Above all, remember that recruitment consultants offer their services without charge to candidates. The good ones will stay in touch, albeit via email marketing, hopefully with links to useful recruitment sites, blogs or news that can offer you constructive advice regarding your job search.

Timing

It’s tempting to jump straight in and resign as soon as you have a job offer, but, act in haste and you may be repent at leisure. Top Tip 1. Always make sure that you have the offer in writing and that you are happy with the details. Top Tip 2. Try and ensure that your resignation to your line manager is on a face to face basis and consider waiting for 24 hours if this means you can meet in person as a matter of courtesy, video call is the next best option if you can’t meet face to face.

Notice Period

Check your notice period in your current contract before considering if you will be expected to work all or part of your notice period. Businesses take differing views on notice periods but this is usually based on who you are going to join and the level of your role. If you are a senior manager and leaving to join a direct competitor then this could affect how and when you leave your current employer. There may well be some negotiation to be had around your notice period if you have holiday owing to you. Top Tip 1. Get all the facts together prior to any discussions and be realistic about what may work for your current employer.

It’s Good To Talk

Wherever possible, your resignation should be in a face to face meeting as this ensures your notice period begins immediately and will sit more comfortably with your line manager. Top Tip 1. Be careful about who is aware of your intention to resign – your boss hearing about your impending departure on the grapevine could make things particularly difficult. Top Tip 2. Be prepared for an awkward conversation if you departure is going to have a direct and negative impact on your line manager. Top Tip 3. Keep emotions and composure in check and be professional at all times – remember that your resignation could come as a big shock.

Modesty, Modesty, Modesty

Avoid boasting about your new job, pay rise and fabulous benefits package as this could be deemed as rubbing your colleagues’ noses in it. Top Tip 1. Don’t undermine your great work but behave with gratitude which will ensure you are remembered fondly.

Hopefully, this will have given you some food for thought before you rush in where angels fear to tread! Watch out for our next blog which covers how to ensure a successful handover, working your notice and your exit interview.

If you’re thinking about looking for a new role, then visit our website & make the most of our FREE Job Search Tools.

TIP 1 – Are you contactable?
Have you set up a personal email & mobile number to stay in touch with career alerts, job descriptions & interview details? Avoid very personal addresses & voicemail messages to ensure that you convey a professional image.

TIP 2 – Are you dressed to impress?
People do judge a book by its cover, so ensure that your appearance doesn’t detract from your interview performance – save your “out there” fashion, hair & make-up for Friday nights, Halloween or fancy dress parties.

TIP 3 – Are you available?
Unless you are facing redundancy, relocating or totally honest with your boss, attending interviews during working hours is just one of the challenges when finding a new position. Whilst most interviewers will try & accommodate early, late or lunchtime appointments, there will be situations where meetings have to take place between the hours of 9 to 5. Make sure that you keep some holiday or “time owed” in reserve for these occasions.

We hope that you have found our blogs on Your Job Hunt useful & informative. For further recruitment updates, tips & advice, please visit our & make the most of our FREE .

photo 1 – Iaski Ruiz de Azua; photo 2 – calluna-craft

Having confirmed that your dream job exists, that you have the prerequisite skills and above all, that your financial expectations are realistic, you are now ready to dip your toe in the recruitment pond. Within the changing face of the job world, there are many channels to market – how do you choose which path to take? To really maximise your chances of success, we’d advocate a combination of approaches to give yourself plenty of opportunity to land your next role.

Take a look at our 5 Top Options …

1. Who do you know? Network with existing contacts to find out about potential job ideas. You’re also likely to be recommended within your own network.

2. Get Online. Job sites & CV databases are a great way to instantly access career opportunities, set up job alerts & flag up your CV to potential employers.

3. Be Social. The world of LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok & Instagram are popular as places to highlight job vacancies & let others know you’re thinking of a career move. Follow companies that interest you and sign up for alerts. You can also directly message the person who posts the content for more information.

4. Use an Expert. Speak to some selected recruitment consultancies in your sector & take advantage of FREE professional advice about your job search & current job opportunities. Keep in touch regularly by email, LinkedIn or phone to make sure you build a good relationship.

5. Stay Put. If you enjoy where you’re working, why not explore internal moves?

Hopefully our hot tips mean that you will soon secure a new role. Why not check out our vacancies and see if there’s anything for you? Click here for more details: Vacancies

Image 1: Harvard Business School | Image 2 iStock | Image 3:  R3’s London Office Design | Morgan Lovell

Having confirmed that your dream job exists, that you have the prerequisite skills and above all, that your financial expectations are realistic, you are now ready to dip your toe in the recruitment pond. Within the changing face of the job world, there are many routes to market – how do you choose which path to take? To really maximise your chances of success, we’d advocate a combination of approaches to give yourself plenty of opportunity to land your next role.

Take a look at our 5 Top Options …

Who do you know? Network with existing contacts to find out about potential job ideas.

Get Online. Job sites & CV databases are a great way to instantly access career opportunities, set up job alerts so you see the latest jobs daily. Recruiters internally and externally have access to search these sites and download your CV if they have a role that matches your skills so make sure you fill in all the relevant information to have the right people contacting you.

Be Social. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & LinkedIn are popular as places to highlight job vacancies, you can message job posters privately and also follow leaders within your industry to get insights when they’re hiring.

Use an Expert. Speak to a range of recruitment consultancies & take advantage of FREE professional advice about your job search & current job opportunities. A Recruitment Consultant will know the market and be able to offer expertise all the way through your job search process. They can also take the pain out of any negotiations along the way.

Stay Put. If you enjoy where you’re working, why not explore internal moves? Make sure you network internally where you can, be prese

Hopefully our hot tips mean that you’ll be on the way to a new role in no time.  In the meantime, why not check out our vacancies here: Vacancies

Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn where we post relevant industry information and advertise new roles: LinkedIn