Freelance UI/UX Designer: How to Discuss Salary in a Job Interview
A UI/UX designer is worthy of his wages. The challenge, though, is to prove you're worthy of that wage.
It's thrilling to interview for a new position. Every interaction is an opportunity to express your preferences for the new job and make a compelling argument for why you should get it. However, figuring out how to talk about money in job interviews is a challenge even the most motivated applicant may encounter.
Employees primarily benefit from salary negotiation since it allows them the chance to receive the pay they seek. Still, the majority are uncomfortable having the conversation.
According to a recent survey, 73% of businesses in the United States said they would be prepared to negotiate salary on an initial job offer. Even when given a new job, about 55% of employees don't even request a higher compensation. 53% of workers who skip pay negotiations claim that they never even try because they are uncomfortable asking for extra pay. Furthermore, 38% of employees don't want to appear opportunistic. And 48% are concerned that the employer will choose not to hire them.
Fumbling with salary negotiations is one reason many UI/UX designers are underpaid. This is why this article provides excellent tips on how to handle salary negotiations during a job interview.
Without further ado, let's get started.
Earning potential in UI/UX careers
The earning potential in UI/UX careers is quite interesting. The user interface influences customers' perceptions of the product, brand, and business. A product is useless without a well-designed user to interface and user experience, regardless of how flawless the backend may be. As a result, companies are becoming more prepared to pay big money for UI designers.
Since the UX industry's inception, there has been a steady increase in the demand for UX designers. According to McKinsey research, design-led businesses outperform their peers in revenue and overall success. The average UX designer's compensation increases to reflect this truth as it becomes more widely acknowledged.
In the US, UI designers typically earn $72,000 annually. Depending on the company they work for, they also receive various perks and benefits in addition to their wages, such as annual bonuses and other forms of monetary compensation.
Additionally, many criteria, such as expertise, rank, location, educational background, and more, affect how much a UI designer makes.
Interview scheduling functionality
Through improved calendar synchronization and automation, interview scheduling functionality enables businesses to improve their recruitment and onboarding process. Users can swiftly arrange interviews with this tool, ask applicants to self-schedule their interviews and create standard interview kinds. They can also set specific availability preferences. One-on-one interviews, group interviews, and interviews involving several people and meetings are all supported by the interview scheduling tool.
Freshteam offers interview scheduling functionality that shows your interviewees' availability by integrating with calendar programs like Google Calendar and Office 365. Considerably better, you can ask them to reserve times that are convenient for them. The self-scheduling link allows candidates to select any available period. To book rooms for the interviews at the time of scheduling, you can also sync with Google Rooms.
Common mistakes candidates make when negotiating their salary
Here are some common mistakes most candidates make when negotiating remuneration packages:
- Fabricating previous job offers or lying to a potential employer about your present pay to earn a raise. It won't take long for the truth to surface. When addressing compensation during an interview, be open and honest about your status while focusing on the potential you will bring to the company.
- Automatically assume you must take the first offer. It's always permissible to bargain in good faith, even in a competitive employment market. What you desire, ask for it.
- Feeling scared and uneasy. Instead, stay confident while negotiating. Why not? Since you know what you are bringing to the table. Also, ask the employer about other perks. If you are unsuccessful in negotiating the salary you want, try to get alternative advantages (bonuses, vacation time). Or you request compromises (a shorter review period, a better title, a more excellent workspace).
- Avoid giving a hasty response. Take your time throughout the discussion; nobody's compelling you to accept, reject, or refute an offer of employment right away. This tactic will have a favorable effect on your request and open the door for negotiation. If you receive an offer on the spot, don't immediately accept. Instead, express your gratitude to the recruiting manager and let them know you need some time (no longer than 24 hours though) to think it over before deciding whether to accept or bargain.
How to discuss salary as a UI/UX designer in a job interview
After the job search process, most new employees discuss their salaries with their employers.
The salary discussion is vital, though many individuals find it highly uncomfortable. Remember that HR personnel expect you to bargain since it's a discussion. So, don't get anxious.
Ready to get down to business? The following tips offer extensive guidance on when and how to discuss wages during an interview:
1. Make proper research on what others are earning
Before speaking with a recruiter or hiring manager, you should figure out your desired salary. Consider your ideal position's title, location, sector, and company size. Also, take into account your present wage.
Before you attend an interview, thoroughly investigate the pay of other UI/UX designers. Be prepared to know the starting salary range for a typical UI/UX designer in your region and someone with your degree of experience. If necessary, research the salary range offered by that company; read reviews, check online, and ask questions.
2. Know your worth and prove it
Discuss your contributions to the table during interviews or conversations on wage increases. What abilities do you possess, and how will they benefit the company? The company can underpay you if they don't know how much you're worth—having established your worth, approach negotiations with confidence.
Also, remember that your compensation is a data point, and you have to base it on how well your expertise and skills match the position's needs. The analysis of your prior study supports that amount. Your compensation is neither a random sum nor something you get as a reward. So, do well to learn about those elements and prove your worth.
3. Have a preferred salary range
Your chances of working out a deal with the employer are limited if you give a single number in response to questions concerning remuneration. By providing a wage range, you convey your willingness to be fluid and work with your potential employer. Furthermore, by giving any figures, you are proving the value you bring to the table.
Always keep in mind that some employers will select the lowest pricing available. A slight gap should be allowed in the range, and you should not use the lowest value often. When you return to the question about salary expectations, try to keep the low end of your range at the mid-to-high point.
4. Take your time
In most cases, interviewers will ask you about your wage expectations or provide you with their offer as the first step in the salary negotiation process.
It's preferable to refrain from providing a numerical figure in the first scenario and attempt to rephrase the question. Then, inquire about the company's wage range for that position after stating that you are more concerned about the job role than pay.
Don't respond quickly if the recruiter provides you with a specific number. Take your time considering it and give it some serious thought before answering whether you accept the offer or not.
5. Ask about other perks and benefits
Verify the total pay package and assess it. A good employer benefits package or potential to advance within the organization accompanies intriguing employment with a lower starting paycheck in most cases. It is essential to fully grasp and keep an eye out for additional benefits such as health insurance, retirement programs, vacation, etc. To complete the deal, employers working with a lesser hiring budget stand a chance of adding incentives.
6. Ensure things are recorded in black and white
Don't ever accept a position or an offer without obtaining all the information in writing. You should have a contract that details your compensation and benefits package. All parties involved must often sign a benefits agreement for a company to hire a new team member. By doing this, the company and the new employee are both protected.
Never forget this: you're a UI/UX designer, and you deserve to be paid as one.
You don't need to worry about getting a low-paying job offer or facing salary-related questions during interviews. With the information in this article, you will keep your head above water while negotiating your wage and understanding what your employers expect.
Understanding the salary package makes it easier to negotiate a fair wage and avoid awkward salary offers.
Above all, remember that you are always free to choose, even if those options haven't been explicitly laid out for you. Your salary and benefits, paid time off, moving costs, start dates, maternity/paternity leave, and much more are negotiable.
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