We get a lot of questions from A&F professionals about their careers, and it turns out there’s a lot of similar questions, so we have tried to cover a bunch in this article (and the last two).
If you haven’t read the previous AMA’s, you can find them below:
Let’s jump in!
What works best in salary negotiations aside from competing offers?
Do your research beforehand and have a solid understanding of what you’re looking for to be able to back up what you’re asking for.
Research industry benchmarks for similar roles in similar locations, consider varying factors like years of experience, qualifications, and previous performance. It’s also important to think about additional benefits, perks and compensation packages and whether or not they would impact what you’re looking for.
If you’re not 100% sure on current industry benchmarks send us a message and we can help.
If I'm trying to get into a specific firm and don't really care about pay, is there an advantage when asked about salary requirements to give a lower range to possibly be considered at a lower level?
We wouldn’t advise that, no. Top-tier firms aren't looking for someone who'll just say, "I'll take any task, just bring me on board." They're seeking individuals with the right experience who can truly contribute to their team's success.
Make sure to showcase your worth and don’t sell yourself short. You can always position yourself as someone who is flexible on base pay, but be sure to provide a general range. If you’re aiming to work with a specific firm or in a specific role, reach out to us and we will be happy to help.
What’s the best way to approach a recruiter? Say I was interested in a role at X, how would I go about finding the right recruiter and how should I engage to get an opportunity at an interview (keeping in mind that there may/may not be roles available at the time)?
Great question! Short answer: LinkedIn
Long answer: Search for recruiters whose profiles highlight specific industries or job types that you’re looking for. Connect with (and contact) 1-2 recruiters who specialize in an area you’re looking for.
Regarding the role, be open and honest with your recruiter about what you’re looking for. If there’s a match, great. If not, ask them to keep you in mind, and check back with them in a few months. Additionally, always keep your eye on the firm’s career site. If you see something interesting, shoot the link/job ID/description to your recruiter contact and ask if they can share your resume with the hiring manager.
In a behavioral interview what does the interviewer expect?
The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior, so ultimately the aim is to assess how well a candidate fits the job requirements and the company culture. The interviewer will expect you to provide specific, detailed examples from your past work experiences that demonstrate how you've handled various work situations, challenges, conflicts, or tasks.
They’re looking for evidence of key competencies and skills that are relevant to the position they are hiring for, such as problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, communication, and adaptability. We go into it in a bit more detail here.