If you have received an email asking you to provide your salary, it is important to do a survey before replying. First, you need to calculate your monthly expenses to get an idea of how much you need to earn. Then, you need to know the average salary for the position, so that you can give it a reasonable amount. If you take the time to do these things, you can get the salary you want and increase your chances of being chosen to fill the position!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Determining How Much You Need to Earn
Step 1. Calculate your expenses
You need to know the minimum you have to receive to cover your monthly expenses. One tip is to make a spreadsheet that lists all your accounts while doing this calculation. Include things like your rent or mortgage, utility bills, and the money you usually spend in addition to these costs. Also consider income tax, interest on loans, overdraft or credit card.
- Add up everything you spend in a month to see what is the minimum amount you can receive.
- Don't forget about bills that are not paid every month, such as property tax or property tax. Divide the amount by 12 and add to monthly bills.
Step 2. Research how much people get paid for the same job
Use sites like Indeed or salario.com.br to see the average salary for jobs the same as the one you're applying for. This will give you a better idea of how much you should be getting paid in the position and helps you set a target salary amount.
Sometimes you can even find the salaries that the company you are applying for paid in some positions. This type of information lets you know how the company pays employees in similar positions
Step 3. Determine the cost of living in the region where you live
The cost of living in certain cities, states or countries varies widely and affects people's wages. Sites like Glassdoor and salario.com.br have local statistics that let you know how much people earn in your city. Use these sites to help define your claim.
For example, those who live in São Paulo have a higher cost of living than those who live in the interior of Goiás and, because of that, salaries are higher, too
Step 4. Be fair
Don't ask for more money than the position allows just because you want to earn more. On the other hand, don't lower the value too much or you'll end up getting paid poorly at your new job. Be very honest and straightforward with yourself and your prospective employer when answering questions about salary requirements.
Part 2 of 3: Writing the email
Step 1. Write a simple and brief subject
The subject line should be few words and to the point. Put something to identify yourself so that the person can easily find the email when looking for it.
For example, the subject may look something like this “Gabriel Souza | Wage claim”
Step 2. Use the same tone as in previous emails
If you are using formal language, keep it that way when writing the email. If communication was more informal, saying hi and your first name to introduce yourself is fine.
- Use prefixes like "Mr." or "Mrs." if used during the selection process.
- Maintain formality by using expressions such as “Dear Mr. Guilherme”. If you followed by a more informal tone, a “Hello, Guilherme” is enough.
Step 3. Write two or three sentences of thanks for the opportunity
Type a short thank-you paragraph to make it clear that you are still interested in the job. This is a great way to get into the more serious conversation about salary and benefits.
The first paragraph should go something like this: “I really appreciate the opportunity. I'm grateful for the time you've given me during this process and I'm very excited to be able to be part of your team!”
Step 4. Include the salary requirement in two or three sentences and the reasons why you deserve this value
The second paragraph must include the salary claim. Justify the value by including a few sentences about your education and experience. This increases your chances of getting the salary you want.
The second paragraph might be something like "Given my five years of experience, I believe a salary of between R$4,000 and R$5,000 is appropriate for the role."
Step 5. Review the email to correct any spelling or grammar errors
Read it once, twice or even three times before clicking send so you don't get the wrong impression. Typographical, spelling or grammar errors convey an unprofessional image and can harm you in the selection process.
- Check your emails for spelling and grammar before sending them to avoid any risk.
- Even if the email is brief, it's important to make everything clear and correct.
Part 3 of 3: Increasing Your Chances of Receiving a Proposal
Step 1. Enter a salary range that suits you instead of a concrete number
If you are not sure how much the employer is willing to pay or how much to ask for, enter a salary range. Use the research you've done and find the lowest and highest salary offered to people who have the same level of experience as you in the same position to define this spectrum.
Putting a salary range shows that you are flexible and can be beneficial during salary negotiation
Step 2. State that you are willing to negotiate salary depending on benefits
The benefits the company offers can help you save a lot of money, so it's important to take them into account when responding to a salary claim. On the other hand, the position may not offer any benefits. If that's the case, you can ask for more money than the market average to make up for the lack of benefits.
- You can include in the email "Salary is negotiable depending on benefits."
- For example, if the position offers health insurance and it costs R$200 per month in your budget, you can deduct this from the salary requirement.
Step 3. Show that you are flexible about salary
Say you are willing to negotiate, especially if you really want the job. This can help you in the selection process and during negotiations afterwards.