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Interview Answer 6

Legal Interview question 6 (with answer) What salary are you looking for?

Today we heard of a new approach to this question. A candidate went for an interview, and after the meeting I received a phone call from the private client partner to say that she had refused to discuss a package with them at the interview. The firm were most bemused by this, although they recognised that some people are not comfortable talking about income during an interview for a legal job.

I think it is a difficult question to answer. The usual response I give to anyone who asks for advice on this is to either give a range, or give your current salary, or ask them to tell you what they think the going rate is. In any event, it is important to remember that unless you are working for a firm that have set structures according to level of seniority in the firm, this is entirely negotiable within reason - it has to be acceptable to both sides. Too low and someone resents the offer if they join, too high, and the employer resents employing the solicitor!
Be prepared to negotiate, and don't be afraid to contact the recruitment consultant dealing - afterall that is what we are here for.

Jonathan Fagan, MD of Ten-Percent Legal Recruitment - no.1 online UK legal recruitment agency - save time, skip the legal job boards and let us do the work - register online at www.ten-percent.co.uk/register.htm

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