The money question

Quite often I found myself in an interview baffled by a question about my financial terms. Some interviewers require a range, some a single number. It is easier if the job ad has the offered range specified from the beginning, but only a little.

Having been a professional software developer for almost 15 years (i.e. since I started my self-employment in 2006) I am not shy to ask for the top offered value. Unfortunately there is a catch with this tactic.

I have found that MANY companies LIE about the actual salary range they are capable or willing to pay. I have been turned down a few times because my salary expectations were said to be too high. The recruiters wrote: “we value your expertise, and we would like to have you on board, but you a) have too much of experience and we would not be able to challenge you enough or b) we cannot meet financial expectations”. WTF, I ask you?

I have since came to realise, that I do not want to work for a company that misleads its prospective employees. Just do not waste time.

I guess I needed to get this out of my chest and in the open.

In both of my previous jobs I got to enjoy the feeling of not having to work at all, because the people there and the things we got to do, made it seem like so much fun. The most important thing is that we bonded and supported each other. This allowed everyone to grow. No money can buy that!

Tell me what you think is fair

That is my default answer now.

Money is important. It is the means with which we can support our goals and dreams, but it is not the deciding factor. As it turns out - it never has been!

I am sure we can come to a mutually beneficial arrangement if we just keep honest and open about our expectations and capabilities.

Now, Let’s talk how we can work together!