Every day, I answer questions from candidates about elements of the the job search. I do it with phone calls, emails or sometimes LinkedIn InMails or social media. I would also like to use this blog to help candidates with questions they may have. Feel free (and encouraged) to write a question in the "Comment" section below, or send me an email. I'll do my best to answer your question as soon as I can.
Question: Do you have any insight on relevant salary (calculator) websites? I have an interview tomorrow and don't want to undersell my experience and expertise.
I've only found one source with any science or credibility that I use to consider base salaries, especially in the marketing/advertising community. I use www.RobertHalf.com/creativegroup. What they say is not gospel . . . there is in fact, no really reliable source that can accurately predict what a starting salary might be, because employers' circumstances vary so wildly . . . There's also impact from the geographic location and cost of living factors.
With that said, you should never answer the question, "What are your salary expectations", with a number, especially in a first interview. Your answer should be, "I expect to be paid commensurate with my responsibilities and with our regional market value." Let the employer say a number first . . . absolutely. You don't even have to tell them what your current comp is. It should have no bearing about what another job is worth. Make 'em squirm . . . especially if they really like you!
If this is a first interview, it's way too early to talk money, because you won't have a good idea of what the responsibilities for the role really are . . . Compensation is based on responsibility, it's that simple.
Ultimately, it's not simple of course, because a new job is never "just about money". It's about doing what you love doing. It's about career growth and the ability to learn from your colleagues and your boss. It's about the clients and about your potential for career growth and being rewarded with increasing responsibility, with excellent performance.
In the end, the employer should be telling you what the compensation is, not asking about what you think it should be or what your salary history is.