By Liam Mooney
As a lawyer, you’re trained to navigate complex legal issues with precision and confidence. However, when it comes to discussing salary expectations during an interview, even the most experienced professionals can find it challenging and uncomfortable. The question of salary can be tricky—go too low, and you risk undervaluing your expertise; go too high, and you might price yourself out of a great opportunity.
Many law firms use this question as a filtering mechanism, which makes it a crucial moment in your interview. Personally, I believe that salary bands should be transparent from the outset. Unfortunately, many law firms don’t operate this way, leaving candidates to navigate this critical discussion on their own. Here’s how you can approach this question with confidence and ensure you’re compensated fairly for your skills and experience.
1. Do Your Research
Before entering any salary discussion, it’s essential to understand the market value for the role you’re applying for. Research industry standards, considering factors such as your experience, location, and the size of the firm. Use legal salary surveys and other reliable resources to gather data. Instead of settling on a specific number, have a salary range in mind.
This approach allows you to remain flexible and adaptable during negotiations. When discussing salary with the interviewer, you can reference your research to show that your expectations are informed by market standards, not personal arbitrary demands. This strategy positions you as a well-prepared and knowledgeable candidate. More importantly it “leaves the door open” should you potential employer having different views on market rate salary … you are simply quoting what your research is indicating.
2. Interview Performance
Reflect on your unique skills, qualifications, and what you bring to the table. Your unique selling points that you feel other candidates will not have. Be ready to clearly articulate your value to the firm. Highlight specific strengths that align with the firm’s needs, such as your experience in a particular area of law, your track record of success, or any specialised qualifications.
When the firm recognises your value, you’re in a stronger position to negotiate a salary that reflects your true worth. Remember, the better you can demonstrate your value, the more likely you are to secure a compensation package that aligns with your expectations.
3. Let the Employer Lead the Discussion
Allow the employer to bring up salary first—don’t be the one to initiate this discussion. If you’re asked about your salary expectations early in the process, refer back to your research and provide a broad range that reflects the market. This approach shows that you’re informed but also open to discussion.
4. Be Confident and Assertive
When the time comes to discuss salary, approach the conversation with confidence. It’s important to express your enthusiasm for the role while also justifying your salary expectations with your research. Confidence here is key and that stems from knowing the value you can be bring. However, be careful not to come across as too aggressive. The goal is to strike a balance between assertiveness and professionalism.
Conclusion
Discussing salary expectations can indeed be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can navigate this conversation successfully. By doing thorough research, understanding your worth, letting the employer lead the discussion, and considering the entire compensation package, you position yourself to secure a fair and satisfactory offer. Remember, confidence in your value is key—law firms are looking for candidates who know their worth and can articulate it effectively.
