If you've ever been asked to respond to an email containing your desired salary range, it's very important to do a thorough research before responding. First, you have to calculate your annual expenses to know how much salary you need. After that, you need to find out the average salary in your industry in order to come up with a reasonable figure. If you get the right range, you can get the salary you want while increasing your chances of getting a job.
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Method 1 of 3: Determining the Required Salary Range
Step 1. Calculate your cost of living
Find out the minimum amount of income to cover your monthly living expenses, then multiply by 12 to get your total expenses for the year. You can create a spreadsheet to record a list of costs while calculating them. The costs in question include rent, monthly bills, and extra expenses. You should also include the tax burden when calculating your income and expenses.
- To find your net income, simply subtract your total income by your tax expense.
- Also include any annual or quarterly fees that need to be paid.
Step 2. Find out how much other people with the same job make
Visit websites such as Glassdoor, Indeed, and the Bureau of Employment Statistics to find out what your job salary is. This method can give you an idea of the salary range for the position and help you determine the desired salary range.
Sometimes, you can find salary information for the company you are applying for through websites like Glassfoor. This information can give you an idea of the salary of the employee in the position you are looking for
Step 3. Determine the cost of living where you live
The cost of living in some cities, provinces, or islands varies greatly and affects the salaries of people working in those areas. Websites like Glassdoor, Salary.com, and Payscale.com have local statistics to help you figure out how much people in your area are making. Visit the website to help narrow down your desired salary range.
For example, if you live in Jakarta, the cost of living and salary is certainly higher than Solo
Step 4. Be honest about your desired salary range
Don't ask for too much salary just because you want to be paid more. However, don't ask for a low salary so you don't get a miserable paycheck for the position. Be honest and straightforward when responding to a desired salary range to where you are applying for a job.
Method 2 of 3: Writing an Email
Step 1. Write a simple and clear subject
The subject of the email should be short and uncomplicated. You have to give a "tag" so that people who read it can find the email easily when they are looking for it.
For example, you could write an email subject like “Arief Fajar – Information on Salary Requests.”
Step 2. Use the same language style as the previous communication
If your communication with the company you're applying for is formal from the start, continue to use that style in email. If you are communicating informally, it may be OK to say "Hello" followed by a first name call.
- Use a nickname like “Mr” or “Mom” if you have used them throughout the hiring process.
- For formal communication, you may want to start the letter with something like “To Mr Rudi.” For informal work, “Hello Pak Rudi” or “Afternoon Pak Rudi” may suffice.
Step 3. Write 2-3 short sentences thanking you for the opportunity
A short thank-you paragraph will let the company know that you are still interested in the position. This is also a good way to start talking seriously about salary and benefits.
The first paragraph could contain information such as “Thank you for this opportunity! I appreciate the time you have given me throughout this process and I am very interested in joining your company!”
Step 4. Include your desired salary range, as well as 2-3 sentences explaining why you deserve that figure
The second paragraph should contain information about the salary range you want. Be sure to explain the number being asked using a few sentences to underline your experience or education. This will increase your chances of getting the salary you want.
Your second paragraph could contain something like “Based on my experience in the last 5 years, I think a salary range of IDR 50,000,000 – IDR 65,000,000 is the most appropriate.”
Step 5. Double-check the email for spelling and writing errors
Check your email two or three times before sending it so it doesn't give the wrong impression. Misspellings and typos can make emails look unprofessional, reducing your chances of landing the job you're looking for.
- Do a spell check and spell check on emails before sending to prevent errors.
- Even if you're writing a short email, make sure it's clear and correct.
Method 3 of 3: Increase Your Chances of Getting a Quote
Step 1. Set up a salary range that satisfies you instead of a specific number
If you are not sure how much salary the company can pay or what salary you want, just provide a range of salary ranges. Find out what the lowest and highest salaries are for your target position to determine the range.
Giving a range of salary ranges shows that you are flexible which can make it easier for you to negotiate salary
Step 2. Say that the salary offered is negotiable based on other benefits
The benefits provided by the company can save you a lot of money. So, it is very important to take this into account when giving the desired salary range. However, the work may not receive benefits. If so, you can ask for a slightly higher salary to cover the benefits.
- You could write something like "Salary is negotiable based on other benefits offered."
- For example, if the position provides medical benefits that would normally cost Rp. 20,000,000 per year, you would need to include that in your calculation of your desired salary range.
Step 3. Let the company know that you are flexible about salary
Let the company know that you are flexible, especially if you really want the job. This will make you a candidate to be considered, as well as useful when negotiating salary in the future.
