Saturday, September 3, 2011

Earn the Salary You Deserve at Facebook

By John Thompson


Often, the lucky individuals who've been offered work at Facebook make the assumption that it's the hardest part of a typical whole interview process. Actually, it's the easiest!

How can that be? Well, think of it this way. At this point, you're fascinated by having a professional life with this particular famous Web 2.0 social networking company, and they're also definitely interested in you; otherwise, they would not perform any negotiating in any respect! It's simply a matter of locating a mutually agreed-upon package of salary and benefits.

Needless to say, either side will be maneuvering for the best deal. So, the question becomes - how do you finish up getting the best deal for yourself? How do you demonstrate that your skills, knowledge and attitude deserve a terrific salary and benefits?

And, remember, these guidelines work for whatever kind of work you might to be engaged in at Facebook - Internet Marketing, Internet Security, tech writer, sysadmin, customer service, programming, software developer, etc.

Guideline 1: Understand your USP!

Definitely focus on your Unique Selling Proposition for purposes of salary negotiation. And never undervalue yourself! You ought to radiate confidence. As part of the preparation for salary negotiation, define whatever you must offer:

- Qualifications

- Education (including Graduate and Other Education)

- Certifications

- Coursework

- Specialty credentials

- Previous work experience and your accomplishments

Also, try to find the situation through Facebook's eyes. What unique skills can you offer that could give them just what the company is looking to get?

Guideline 2: Research Facebook Salaries and Packages

This can be easy to do. There are quite a few sites on the Internet that list Facebook salaries by position. One of the best is Glassdoor.com as it talks directly with current and former employees of Mark Zuckerberg's company. The site provides you with an overall view of salaries.

Salaries will possibly vary by position, location, experience, etc. For instance, as of today, an API Software Position salary in San Francisco will average around $112,000 while the salary for the similar position in Chicago will average $96,000.

Guideline 3: Anticipate!

By this, we mean you need to anticipate just what the hiring manager or other person is planning to discuss with you; for instance, review of the position and your responsibilities, questions they might ask you, etc. As we've suggested previously, write out any queries a Facebook hirer might have and answers to those questions. Then, role play those questions and answers by using a friend, colleague, or friend. The better prepared you happen to be, the more likely it is you'll strengthen your hand in salary negotiations.

Guideline 4: Know Your Area

Through research, you could figure out how "hot" or "cold" your personal area of expertise is for Facebook as well as other companies. That will provide you an idea of how much leverage you have got in negotiations. But, remember, even when your specialty is "cold," it doesn't indicate that you still can't negotiate. All it means is that you will have to bargain more carefully.

Guideline 5: Adopt an Attitude of Negotiation

What are the reasons we give you such obvious advice? Because many job seekers are afraid to negotiate! So, by being prepared to deal, you're putting yourself ahead of the crowd. And here's the important part - most Facebook recruiters/hiring managers are ready to negotiate salary and benefits along with you! Quite simply, they expect someone to negotiate! So, why not meet their expectations?

If you are truly in a position to negotiate for employment at Facebook, we congratulate you. This would mean you're the best of the best! Now, it's time to get the best due to those negotiations!




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