If I could start my career all over again, I would begin by asking the experts directly. I would ask them how, when, where and then beg for all the secrets to make sure my resume gets to the top of the pile. So, when I thought about writing a career column for Cedi Talk that is exactly what I decided to do. Through a series of articles, we will interrogate human resource, people and hiring experts in Ghana. The hope is that their insights will bring some clarity to how you look for opportunities and secure a job.
For this article, I quizzed a Talent Acquisition Specialist based in Accra. In addition to navigating his salary negotiations, he has handled the ‘what’s your number’ conversation with hundreds of potential employees. This article is full of precious gems. From trying to determine your worth to suggestions on how to respond to the question ‘What is your salary expectations’ you will want to read this entire piece.
Joseph Yaw Sam is a Talent Acquisition Specialist whose experiences span across different industries and sectors. His work focuses on how an organization’s strategy applies to the identification, attraction, and engagement of key talent.
How did you find your first full-time position?
Just after my mandatory national service, I was engaged as a sales contract staff with Barclays Bank Ghana. I found the opportunity at the bank through a recruitment agency. While at Barclays, I sent application letters to so many companies for a full-time position but did not receive any feedback. A friend of mine introduced me to the MD of an Executive Search firm in Accra, and she immediately invited me for an interview upon seeing my CV. The interview was successful, and I was hired as a Recruitment Consultant.
How should an applicant approach and prepare for the compensation conversation?
To get the salary you want, you need to lay the groundwork long before you arrive at the negotiation table. First, it’s essential to research the company and the industry salary ranges of the role you applied for, so you don’t quote a salary that is too low or too high. Lastly, know your worth as a person. Being confident about your worth and articulating your expectations will do the negotiation for you. Let the employer know they are going to get value for money by employing you.
You can speak to a few people who have occupied such a position or have worked in similar companies for an idea on the salary ranges.
What is essential for applicants to keep in mind about salaries and other benefits?
Sometimes, candidates only talk about salaries without thinking about other benefits. You have to ensure you won’t have to pay too much when you go to the doctor, will be able to save for retirement and can take time off when needed. During salary negotiations, you can ask the employer to enumerate other benefits aside from the salary because it will inform your decision making.
What do you think is the most important benefit?
I consider health benefits to be the most important of all benefits. Healthy employees do great work. It helps to attract and retain employees. Other interesting benefits that could be provided are Paid Leave, 13th Month Salary, Educational Support, Free Lunch, Rent Allowance, Maintenance Allowance, and Transportation Allowance. The most interesting to me is the 13th Month salary where at the end of the year you get an additional month’s salary.
How should applicants figure out what their ‘worth is’ or what they should be paid?
Research the average market value of your current role and that of the position you are being interviewed to know your worth. Sometimes, your current salary could determine your worth, but I wouldn’t advise sharing your current salary at the early stage of the negotiation if you know it is below the market value.
Applicants can go to Average Salary, Glassdoor.com, Salaryexplorer.com and compare the results. I have personally used all these sites.
How should candidates respond to the question, ‘What is your salary expectation?’
Let me provide two useful examples:
“I am seeking a position that pays between GHC5,000 and GHC8,000 net monthly, but I am open to negotiate salary depending on benefits, bonuses and other opportunities.”
or
“Let me start by reiterating how grateful I am for the benefits this job offers such as paid time off and health benefits. That being said, I am expecting my salary for this position to fall between GHC5,000 and GHC8,000 net monthly. My rich background in client services specific to this industry can play a role in strengthening the organization.”
Any last thoughts to share?
Generally, people who attempt to negotiate their salary constructively are perceived as more favorable than those who don’t negotiate at all. Negotiation is a skill and by doing so, they are demonstrating the skills that made them an attractive candidate to the company.