“The fortune is in the follow-up.” – Jim Rohn

The interview isn’t the end of the job search process. How you handle post-interview actions can make a significant difference in securing an offer. From following up with your interviewer to negotiating your salary, these steps show professionalism, enthusiasm, and confidence in your worth.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you on how to follow up without being overbearing, negotiate your compensation effectively, and leverage market research to ensure your salary expectations are realistic and fair.

Follow Up vs Spamming: Striking the Right Balance

Sending a follow-up note after an interview shows your interest in the role and reminds the hiring team of your conversation. However, following up too frequently or with overly persistent messages can backfire.

The Art of the Follow-Up:

• Send a Thank-You Note: A thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview is essential. Express gratitude for the opportunity, mention a specific part of the conversation that stood out, and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.
• Be Patient: If you haven’t heard back after a week, a polite follow-up email to ask for updates is appropriate. Keep it short, respectful, and reiterate your interest.
• Avoid Over-Communicating: One follow-up email after the initial thank-you is enough. Avoid bombarding the hiring manager with multiple messages.

Action Items:

• Craft a Thank-You Email: Write and send a personalised thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview.
• Plan a Follow-Up: If needed, schedule a reminder to send a follow-up email one week after your interview if you haven’t heard back.

Pro Tip: Personalise your follow-up by mentioning something specific discussed in the interview. For instance, “I enjoyed learning about your upcoming project on [topic]. I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to its success.”

Negotiating Your Salary: Getting What You Deserve

Salary negotiation can feel daunting, but it’s an essential skill for ensuring you’re compensated fairly. Most employers expect candidates to negotiate, so don’t shy away from these discussions.

How to Approach Salary Negotiation:

• Do Your Research: Before entering a negotiation, research industry salary ranges for the position in your region. Use platforms like Glassdoor, PayScale, and LinkedIn Salary to find reliable data.
• Highlight Your Value: When discussing salary, focus on the value you bring to the company. Use examples from your experience to demonstrate why you deserve the salary you’re requesting.
• Be Flexible: If the employer can’t meet your salary expectations, consider negotiating other benefits like bonuses, flexible work arrangements, or professional development opportunities.

Action Items:

• Research Comparable Salaries: Look up average salaries for similar roles in your field and region to create a well-supported salary range.
• Prepare Your Case: List your achievements, key skills, and how they align with the job requirements to use as leverage during negotiation.

Pro Tip: Avoid giving a specific salary figure first. If asked, provide a range based on your research. For example, “Based on my research and the value I bring, I’d be comfortable with a range between [X] and [Y].”

Market Research: Comparing Apples to Apples

When negotiating, you need to compare your potential role and compensation package to similar positions in the industry. This helps you make informed decisions and ensures your requests are reasonable.

How to Conduct Market Research:

• Use Multiple Sources: Platforms like Salary.com, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn provide insights into salary ranges based on industry, experience, and location.
• Consider Total Compensation: Salary is just one part of a job offer. Look at other benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, bonuses, paid time off, and stock options.
• Adjust for Cost of Living: If the job is in a different city or state, consider the cost of living adjustments when comparing salary data.

Action Items:

• Compile Salary Data: Create a spreadsheet of salary ranges for similar roles in your industry and location.
• Assess the Full Package: Include non-salary benefits in your comparisons to understand the overall value of the offer.

Pro Tip: When negotiating, reference your market research to show that your salary expectations are data-driven. This strengthens your position and demonstrates that you’ve done your homework.

Negotiating Beyond Salary: Benefits and Perks

While salary is important, other aspects of the job can significantly impact your work-life balance and job satisfaction. Don’t be afraid to negotiate benefits and perks that matter to you.

Negotiable Benefits Include:

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Options like remote work, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks can greatly enhance your quality of life.
• Professional Development: Request funding for courses, conferences, or certifications that will benefit both you and the company.
• Additional Time Off: If the offered vacation time isn’t sufficient, consider negotiating for extra paid time off or unpaid leave options.

Action Items:

• Identify Priorities: Make a list of non-salary perks that are important to you, such as remote work options or professional development support.
• Be Ready to Compromise: Be open to trading off one benefit for another if necessary.

Pro Tip: Approach the negotiation with a positive and collaborative mindset. Express your enthusiasm for the role and frame the negotiation as finding the best mutual fit rather than just making demands.

Sealing the Deal

Following up and negotiating are essential steps in securing the job you want with the compensation you deserve. By sending a thoughtful follow-up, preparing thoroughly for salary discussions, and using market research to back up your requests, you show that you’re professional, prepared, and confident in your value.

Think of salary negotiation as playing a strategic game. By knowing your worth, doing your research, and making calculated moves, you position yourself for the best possible outcome.

If you have any further inquiries or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us.