Strange question at job interview yesterday: "What kind of salary package are you thinking..?" Ahh... help?

Lcaidstech on 23/07/2014 - 20:13

Hi guys,

So a bit of a back story first, I've just graduated Uni with a Bach. of IT and have had various full-time and casual jobs as a teenager and while at Uni. I went for a job interview yesterday morning (got the job) and got asked a question that I had never been asked before:

"What kind of salary package are you thinking..?"

Now it may be because I've had shitty retail and IT jobs previously and employers that basically just didn't give a shit, but I had no idea how to the respond to the question or what the expected rate of pay for a job like this would be. A previous casual IT support job I had at Uni netted approx. $30 an hour, where as support at an IT store had netted around $16 an hour.

Really, I was just wondering if fellow ozbargainers in the IT industry could offer suggestions of what a part-time IT support job salary would be worth, and perhaps methods/tactics to negotiate a good pay package?

Would really appreciate the help! Thanks guys,

Caids

Education & Work

Comments

  • stonesour on 23/07/2014 - 20:23
    +7

    Look at the salary survey for your city and position and ask for the market rate.

  • striker5950 on 23/07/2014 - 20:24
    +3

    my mate who just graduated is locked in a 45k a year package as IT support. I my self am currently studying and have one and half years left to finish, 45k a year sounds pretty crap but you have to start somewhere..

    • scrimshaw on 23/07/2014 - 21:38
      +22

      Have you seen one for 30K?

      45K is decent for level 1 support. It's also very hard to secure an IT job too, 45K is much better than no pay.

      • airzone on 23/07/2014 - 22:57
        +16

        /\ This - get your foot in the door first, worry about pay afterwards

        • IIGnomeII on 24/07/2014 - 09:22
          +1

          I started on $35K doing level 1 help desk without a degree but got a pay rise after probation.
          I would expect most level 1 help desk people to start on $35K - $40K
          (This is in Sydney)

          And as someone else in here has mentioned, degrees won't mean squat in the industry until you get experience.

        • tight-a55 on 24/07/2014 - 12:54
          +4

          2nd that, i started level 1 on 35K 5 years back. now in supervisor role at 75k (+O/T). but i don't have a degree, just a diploma (tafe). so take what ever you can get to get the 1st job.

        • caidstech on 25/07/2014 - 03:31

          I agree with all the above, this is a foot in the door kind of deal for me and the part-time factor will allow me to study for the networking certs that will hopefully land me something in future.

          Thanks for the feedback!

        • Serapis on 26/07/2014 - 03:48

          @caidstech:

          Your actual minimum wages:
          http://www.fairwork.gov.au/ArticleDocuments/712/professional-employees-award-2010-[MA000065]-pay-guide.rtf.aspx

          https://extranet.deewr.gov.au/ccmsv8/ViewKBInstrument.aspx?C…

          Match the qualifications with the pay rates and you need to be paid equal or above that.

          For market rates, refer to:

          http://joboutlook.gov.au/

          $16 for seemed a bit low for casual rates, I'd be sus if I was you…

        • aeoz on 26/07/2014 - 10:41

          @IIGnomeII: Yes I had the same experience: Started casual full-time and then given a package of 35k. Got a raise after probation and after 6 months raised again to 45k. My degree was totally unrelated.

        • Serapis on 27/07/2014 - 12:22

          @aeoz:

          There is no such thing as casual full-time…

        • caidstech on 27/07/2014 - 13:42

          @Serapis:

          I know, thats why I left that position. I fought them for proper pay and they just kept trying to shaft me so i left. Thanks for the heads up though.

  • plmko on 23/07/2014 - 20:29
    +3

    A salary package isn't just about your monthly check, you can negotiate other things which maybe value adding to your employer like paying off some extra educational/certifications.

  • modsec802 on 23/07/2014 - 21:06
    +7

    Salary package is just a sneaky way for an employer to make it sound like they're paying you a lot as they include salary + super. It's also sneaky as super is currently increasing from 9% two years ago, 9.5% currently to 11% over coming years so your base salary will reduce with more going to super instead of your employer paying you more which was the intention of increasing the super guarantee (more for retirement).

    As to answer them in the interview or future interviews, just research what the going rate for an IT grad is. It looks like to me about $60K salary, so I would say $66k package (or say "$60K + super") in that case.

      • modsec802 on 24/07/2014 - 07:41
        +4

        Depends on your employment contract.

        "If your terms say that employees are paid a fixed, Total Remuneration Package (TRP), inclusive of superannuation
        Under this kind of formulation, the employee's cash take home pay can, subject to the below, be lawfully reduced to absorb the increase to the superannuation guarantee contribution."

        Source: http://www.mondaq.com/australia/x/228226/retirement+superann…

        • pjcook on 24/07/2014 - 07:48
          +2

          Well, I stand corrected, amazed somewhat as the company I am with has TRP and they have payed the increase on top of salary. Thanks for the correction and link.

        • rogue5 on 24/07/2014 - 09:17
          +3

          ^ this - and it sucks! - edit - "^ this" was for juicedpixels' post

          I work for a multinational IT services company, they use a TEC (total employee compensation) which is the same; one figure inclusive of superannuation etc.,

          Whilst it completely saps employee morale, they still take the additional super out of your take home pay - this year I effectively received a pay cut because of this

        • beaudilo on 25/07/2014 - 12:33

          @rogue5:
          While I don't disagree with most of your comment (and I'm sure millions of employers and contractors are in the same boat), I don't understand how such a small adjustment to your salary "completely saps employee morale".

          Say you are on a weekly income of $2000, an adjustment of 0.5% to super is only $10. And this is pre-tax, so you will only be "worse off" under $10 per week (which contributes to your retirement).

          I'm sure there are more important issues to complain about at work. Especially when a lot of people I know actually are taking pay cuts because of the shift to an employer's market, just to keep their jobs.

        • konazz on 27/07/2014 - 21:26

          @beaudilo:
          I think its the fact that economy is getting better - but most haven't seen a pay rise since the GFC, and the company is taking out $10 instead of offering a pay rise . Last 4 years - my pay has year on year been 1% lower than CPI (which creates quite a cumulative effect)… but I was lucky to grab a promotion into another area with a higher salary… but then that has started slipping and I''m expected to do more work that the job initially required at that salary, but lucky to get a 0.5% pay rise this year.

          Also - a lot has to do with what the industry negotiates as. Most multi-nationals include super, because as you say its money for your retirement. Last place I had was package inc. super, but the package also include income protection and other injury insurance on top.

          New job I'm starting, it was negotiated as a package, inc. car, super etc.

          I can't wait for employers to start adding payroll tax onto their drones' salary packages (it happened recently with many contractors in ACT when the law changed, where the agencies took 6% of the contractor's pay from them for PRT).

    • shortarmsdeeppockets on 24/07/2014 - 07:43
      +2

      There's nothing "sneaky" about it. That's like claiming retailers are being sneaky by advertising a price that already includes GST.

      The mandatory super contributions are paid by your employer not you, so legitimately form part of your remuneration package. Who do you think pays it? The Government's intent to raise super payment is not controlled by employers, and employers are more than entitled to fold the increase into your overall remuneration package.

      Yes, your take-home pay would reduce as a result of the percentage shift, but overall your remuneration is unaffected.

      Yes, some employers (but not many) are choosing to increase your remuneration in direct proportion to the super increase, but these employers will have to offset their remuneration cost increases elsewhere in their business(maybe you'll find your pay increase won't be quite as high next year, or will fall short of cover cost of living increases…).

      But no, there is no sneakiness involved when employers include super into your overall remuneration package. You simply need to inform yourself about the content of the "package", which may help you compare apples with apples when talking to employers with different package components.

    • tohara on 24/07/2014 - 21:48

      its locked at 9.5% for another 4 years i think

    • [Deactivated] on 24/07/2014 - 22:59
      +2

      +1

      Be wary of anyone that negotiates 'package', negotiate base and they can figure out their additional costs (super etc.), that's not your problem or concern.

      Why?

      Because negotiating package opens the door for the employer to value other benefits eg. gym membership, parking space, mobile phone, training. etc. as part of your 'package'. If you negotiate base you are negotiating what you get paid regardless of what else they offer. Once you have negotiated your base, determine if what else they offer adds value to you and use it in your decision making.

      For level 1 support with Uni degree i'd say 45-50k base full time… prorated for part time.

    • lplau on 27/07/2014 - 22:32

      Lol, IT Grad at 60k you wish.

      I work in the IT field, and pretty much most IT grads start off at around 45-50k, then often get raised to 60k towards the 1-2 year mark.

      Only way you can lock in a 60k is if you can prove to them you are the diamond in a dozen. There is plenty of IT grads, 8 out of 10 of them are ordinary, where as you have 2 which are brilliant.

      My recommendation would be, who cares about the pay, you are a newbie and know $hit all. Put your foot in the door, then work your way up.

      I started off at around 50k, made it to 60k after the first year. Salary kept going up every year, as you work harder and harder. If you work your butt off, you will be rewarded. Don't expect to come out of uni and think you are the hotshot and can easily get a 100+k job.

  • airzone on 23/07/2014 - 23:18
    +3

    I mention my base expectation with no added bonuses before super. e.g. 45k plus super

    If they have added bonuses (such as a performance bonus, RDO, excellent salary sacrifice, car allowance, etc, etc), then the base is negotiated accordingly.

    You need to research what you want, what is reasonable, and what skills you can bring to the table to take you from market average to something nicer.

    e.g.
    I want 60k. The market average is 45k. I have standard tech support skills but nothing else really, so no real hook there - 45k it is.
    vs
    I want 60k. The market average is 45k. I have been involved in ERP implementation before and the company is currently doing exactly that, so more opportunity to bargain.. Maybe 50-55k?
    vs
    The company wants an IT manager with infrastructure, erp implementation / support, first level tech support, and avionics programming - desperately… I'm the only IT manager in the country that also can program avionics. I can ask pretty much whatever I want this side of 250 - 300k (which is the cost of the 2 separate roles).

    • caidstech on 25/07/2014 - 03:33

      This is awesome, thanks for the tips. :)

      • lplau on 27/07/2014 - 22:41

        Since this is your "real" job after Uni, don't expect much, I would say expect around 40k or so.

        Remember, the money generally corresponds to the level of accountability and expectations. Setting it low means when you over achieve it looks ALOT better.

        Always set expectations low, then over achieve. That way firstly you don't annoy the clients, secondly if you do over achieve, then it makes you look awesome.

        Get your foot in the door, then work your way up the chain, if you have the $hits then it will take you around 1-2yrs to reach 60-80k. If you don't then yea….. you will be hanging around 50-60k mark until you can improve your skills.

        In IT it is always good to be multi skilled at first, then you decide to specialize in one set of tools later when you start to work and decide which industry you want to focus in.

        So while you are looking for a job, start skilling yourself up in other tools and languages.
        By the time I left Uni, I knew how to proficiently write code in, C++, C, Java, Perl CGI, HTML/CSS and Python. I also knew how to design stuff in Adobe Suite and Autodesk 3DS Max.

  • felipe1982 on 24/07/2014 - 07:32

    Go with the upper side of "mean" for your state. +super of course. Don't undervalue yourself or your skills and what you can bring to the table

    • daveted on 24/07/2014 - 12:06
      +11

      Except, the employer will go for whoever is cheaper in a tie-breaker.

      Personally, my current IT job….I never expected to get it, but I got it, because when I got asked that question, I said "I don't care. I just want to work here." (translate that to screw me over, but let me get my foot in the door)
      They didn't screw me over, thought this guy is not in it for the money, and I got my foot in the door.

      • caidstech on 25/07/2014 - 03:34

        I don't really have any competition for the job as I've already got it, so I think this is more about us negotiating a fair price that we both agree on.

        • hahaboy on 26/07/2014 - 18:44
          +1

          if you're a grad, be careful about doing stepping on toes/negotiating before you've shown any value to the firm. The grad market is currently saturated, and youj may be more expendable than you think.

          Source: Recent grad.

  • Austin 316 on 24/07/2014 - 07:54
    +1

    Be reasonable with your negotiations if this is your 1st job. My 1st was at $25k per year. But I took it as wanted to get my foot in the IT as all of your degrees and achievements are of no use without work experience in an actual Australian company.

    I changed jobs after 9 months and my next pay was $55k. So my advise would be stick to the market range or go a little bit lower if needed. And good luck.

  • ESEMCE on 24/07/2014 - 08:45
    +7

    PS:
    It's not an unusual question at all.. Pretty sure I've been asked it at every interview.

    • caidstech on 25/07/2014 - 03:37

      Well I guess all of the jobs I've had have sort of been "take what you get or piss off" kinds of jobs that basically couldn't give a shit about their employees. I would attribute the fact that I've never received this question before to that haha.

      • macrocephalic on 25/07/2014 - 14:38
        +3

        Don't be fooled, this company likely doesn't give a shit about you either.

  • Tcm9669 on 24/07/2014 - 11:00
    +3

    This is a pretty standard question when you enter the workforce (not shitty fastfood casual job). Level entry IT, standard is probably around $42k - $45k per year. Wait 2 years, if they dont raise you, start looking elsewhere and ask at least 50k. Gain experience first, ask for money later.

    Salary based in VIC, not sure other states.

  • daveozsydney on 24/07/2014 - 11:12
    +11

    I have been in the IT industry for 18 years and recruited for many roles. Always reference the role to market rates. Whether this is an entry level or a senior role. Ask them how they arrive at their salary packages and what their budget is for the role. They would usually give a range for a senior role or a fixed amount for a junior role. In junior roles, there is usually little room to negotiate unless you have some relevant experience (programmed a game that launched or an app that you sold - something that sets you apart from the other thousands of graduates). Select the role (assuming you have multiple offers) based on the training offered and the growth opportunities within the company - scope for international experience etc. how interesting the work will be (are you building a new phone OS or developing programs or answering support calls).

    The last salary survey data I have access to shows a graduate (3 year tech degree) average total fixed remuneration of 45432, 75th percentile of 49040.
    4 year technical degree - average 50,340 and 75th percentile total fixed remuneration 55,330.
    Total fixed remuneration is the amount the employer pays (their budget) which includes super. On top of this there are oncosts, PC/laptop, office space, phone etc.

    Also select a job you can stay in for at least 18 months to two years. I marked people down who moved in less than 2 years unless there was a really valid reason. (chances are they would jump in another year's time) The time and cost of recruiting someone who moves every couple of years is too high. I would pay someone more who had the stickability of a role so bear that in mind for future job changes.

    Hope that helps!

    • caidstech on 25/07/2014 - 03:42

      Amazing info, thanks a lot!

      I guess my issue is that the job is not in the field I plan to follow, so moving within 2 years would be very likely. Would you consider that to be a valid reason?

      • daveozsydney on 25/07/2014 - 09:59

        Can you go for a role that gets experience relevant to the field you plan to follow? That would be far better for the future career path as helps with the long term goal.

        • caidstech on 25/07/2014 - 14:03

          Thats a tough one, as I'm trying to get into the networking field and most of them seem to be requiring a CCNA to even get a job there. So yeah, it would be tough…

        • sillyguy on 25/07/2014 - 15:35

          @caidstech: Developer/programmer positions pay a bit better imho. Can you switch to programming?

        • NetworkNerd on 26/07/2014 - 06:43

          @caidstech:

          When I graduated I was recruited by a defence company and put straight into a network team despite never doing networks in my life. These days there is a bit of competition to get into networks. People with 15-20 years Telco experience are applying for mid level network admin roles on around 70K. For young people to compete they have to show that they are a better long term investment. So most people would say to go to a good company as tech support/service desk and move up. Tough to get in but once your in you should be ok. Networks let's you work remotely from home sometimes but expect to travel and do after hours and weekend work

        • caidstech on 26/07/2014 - 15:18

          @NetworkNerd:

          Yeah I'm aware of what the job involves, my housemate is a network engineer. I understand that its not for everyone, but its what I want to do. Thanks for the feedback!

        • caidstech on 26/07/2014 - 15:20

          @dtrang:
          I could, but the reason I want to do networking is that my internetworking class was the most challenging subject at uni and programming gets boring after a while.

          I'd much rather challenge myself than be stuck doing monotonous work everyday.

          Thanks for the feedback though!

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 24/07/2014 - 12:19

    Be vague and give a range, ie. 45k-55k. Doesn't get your name struck off for wanting too much and doesnt risk underselling yourself.

  • Brainwhacker on 24/07/2014 - 12:50

    You only have one chance at getting this right, there is always a budgeted salary for the position and if you reveal your expectations at the lower end you will have to start with a lower base. Above range and market expectations are great suggestions, its also useful to research. Depending on how desperate you are for the first job you also have to be mindful that you might be stuck with the starting salary if its a long term move. You can also try and ask for a reasonable offer from your potential employer to get an idea about the range. All the best!

  • lexiefleming on 24/07/2014 - 15:51

    you can also download salary guides for the market rate (example, hays iphone app), and check glassdoor for that particular company. worked out well for me, hope it works out well for you!

  • tohara on 24/07/2014 - 21:50
    +2

    if it were me i would ask for the minimum HELP debt repayment amount i think its about $53k now

    • Malarkey on 25/07/2014 - 11:11

      Good luck getting $53k for an entry level IT job.

      • tohara on 25/07/2014 - 18:59

        yeah i don't work in IT….

      • sed8ed on 27/07/2014 - 12:51

        Consider becoming a Software Test Analyst….. 53K entry level isn't hard to attain.

        People seem to want to start at the bottom in help desk…. Study and get your ISTQB certs and your foots in the door already!

        • caidstech on 27/07/2014 - 13:46

          Its really not what I want to do, however it provides cash flow while I study the certs I need to move forward. Thanks for the suggestion though, I'll definitely look into it.

    • scrimshaw on 25/07/2014 - 15:13
      +2

      iiNet only pays 38K for entry level.

      • Gina Rinehart on 27/07/2014 - 01:56

        I applied for an iiNet job about 18 months ago (just to see if I could get some relevant experience during my gap year), and it was advertised as no degree required for the $38k they were offering. It was for basic phone tech support.

        Didn't get the job as I accidentally let it slip that I was on a gap year, and they'd rather keep people on longer than a year of course.

        Do they really only offer $38k for graduate level positions as well? I wouldn't think you need a degree to do basic phone support (the role I applied for), considering all training is provided.

  • Baysew on 24/07/2014 - 22:00
    +4

    According to a Job placement service I attended, they suggest you don't answer the question at all.
    Instead reiterate your skills and super human powers and suggest it would be more appropriate to negotiate (the total package) when you have been selected for the position.

    They also suggest that you are well researched, so you know what salary range the job might full into.
    Often recruiters will have a flexible budget.

    It seems in no harm in tying to negotiate a good deal, as reflects well if dealing with company suppliers.
    (ie if you look strong weak in dealing with your own cash, you might be a push over dealing with company funds)

    This might have the answer OZ Bargain eBook: How To Answer Interview Questions

    • twocsies on 25/07/2014 - 16:41

      I concur.

    • caidstech on 26/07/2014 - 15:22

      Thanks for the feedback man! Yeah I saw that eBook, had a read the other day when it popped up.

  • mrluke on 25/07/2014 - 02:41
    -2

    That's not a strange question at all, it depends how desperate you are, if I was you I'd be pretty desperate…

  • caidstech on 25/07/2014 - 04:03
    -1

    Firstly, thanks everyone for the great help! I honestly didn't think I'd get such awesome feedback so I'm super stoked over here. :)

    In response to the comments, I completely agree with the foot-in-the-door theory that everyone has been suggesting, but I already have a lot of experience having already worked 3 similar support positions, each for a minimum of 2 years respectively. The job opportunity in question is more or less on par with my previous roles, and opportunities to progress my career seem minimal. That being said, a job is a job and if one lands in my lap I'm certainly not going to fob it off. My only concern is burning the employer if a better opportunity arises in the near future. Thoughts?

    Furthermore, my competition here is much more limited compared to capital cities, so I don't believe asking for the higher end region of average base salary ($45k-$55k) would be out of the question. I think I might just outline with the employer that the average full-time base salary is between $45-$55k, and that I would expect a part-time salary based on the this and the hours I would be working, eg: 20 hours a week (half of a full-time employee) would yield a halved salary so $50k = $25k. I think that would be pretty reasonable.

    Still interested in peoples response to the above and again thanks for the responses guys. I really appreciate the wealth of information provided.

    Caids

  • [Deactivated] on 25/07/2014 - 07:31
    +1

    Why don't you throw the question back at them…"What's on offer?"

    Or in a nicer, well-thought out way…"I have done a bit of research on the industry and for this position, it is between $xxK - $xxK. Of course, this company and position does sound interesting. So, what's on offer?"

    That is based on my experience being interviewed + interviewing others in different positions for different companies in different states/countries.

    Hope that helps.

    • JimmyF on 27/07/2014 - 13:26

      You shouldn't even be sitting in an interview unless you have an idea of the 'salary' range on offer. Its a waste of everyone's time!

  • abh_gup on 25/07/2014 - 09:16

    IT pays one of the highest rates in the market even today… unlike what most newspapers and surveys advise.

    Areas that have great pay are testing, implementation and production, especially as contractors (double pay). Its no rocket science if you understand just a bit of logic (not even maths for some of these lines!). Start but don't stay in Support for too long.

    Also,
    tip 1 - banks may pay well but will surely drain you.
    tip 2 - IT is over-hyped, but some areas pay is still excellent compared to most other office jobs.

    (I see lots of payslips coz of my job. Am a part time PC linux enthusiast. Have worked at banks. Have worked in IT)

    • macrocephalic on 25/07/2014 - 14:48

      In most companies IT is a 'cost' which is seen as a good place to save money, unlike sales based departments which are 'revenue producing'. School teachers make more than medium level IT workers.

      • scrimshaw on 25/07/2014 - 15:20

        School teachers make more than medium level IT workers.

        Most teachers with a 4 year degree (or Bachelor + PostGrad Masters) start with a salary of 59K, then move up according to the number of years they teach. I think around 7 or 8 years of service earn close to 90k.

        Teaching however is bloody stressful, my brother is almost burnt out after 9 years of teaching and he quit recently.

  • Hippy on 25/07/2014 - 11:18
    +1

    Hi OP; good to do some market research to establish a fair baseline and then offer a range; i.e. "Having looked at similar roles for current advertised positions I feel this role should be paying between $XX,000 - $YY,000; given my skills and experience I feel that $XX,000 + (a bit; i/e/ 2/5/10k?) + Super would be an appropriate amount for this role" however if you are able to negotiate this would not take into account perks i.e. free onsite parking / laptop / extra days off etc etc.

    Remember that an employer will typically try to get you for as low as possible, i.e. if market rate if 50k and you offer to work for 40k they might just take you up on that! An Employer should already have a salary range earmarked for the job, dont sell yourself short; but dont make a ridiculous offer they dismiss out of hand.

    Source: Employment Services :)

  • sillyguy on 25/07/2014 - 15:38
    +2

    In my previous comp: (all package including super)

    • Support IT (junior): 45K - 50K
    • Support IT (mid/senior): 60K - 75K
    • Developer (junior): 60K - 65K
    • Developer (mid): 80K - 95K
    • Developer (senior): 100K - 130K

    Hope it helps :)

  • bam on 25/07/2014 - 15:48
    +1

    http://www.hays.com.au/cs/groups/hays_common/@au/@content/do…

    Get an idea of what you are worth before any interview

  • Epyc on 25/07/2014 - 22:54
    +1

    As an employer - let's start with what you can offer me, and why you think you're worth X amount.

    …then, from there you can negotiate your salary, after explaining what you will bring to the table, and what you can offer me.

    It's not all about you :P

  • [Deactivated] on 26/07/2014 - 11:44

    Looks like you might be under an enterprise agreement if they're negotiating pay. Therefore its best to go by market rate and negotiate for above market rate. I would rather work under a job that covers by an award with level/grade of pay.

    But don't quote me on this..

  • smpantsonfire on 26/07/2014 - 14:27
    -2

    I would say if the interviewer is ok to deal with, my response would be:

    'If you fell that I am the right candidate for the job and that I have the skills and experience you require, I feel your offer will be fair to the market, competition and in line with my ability to perform highly at in this job.'

    • Lichen6420 on 27/07/2014 - 04:27

      lol… You sound like a bitch

      • smpantsonfire on 27/07/2014 - 11:51

        Why? You would get an offer, and then you can negotiate. At least this way you have a better chance of not being crossed off if you say the wrong number.

    • sillyguy on 27/07/2014 - 09:37

      This is a generic response you can find in Google anywhere. You must know how much you expect someone to pay you and be honest about that. You choose to answer this way to hope that they will pay you more than you want, and most of the cases they won't. If you are honest in telling them how much you want in the first place, they may even pay you higher than that if you are really worth it.

  • nowlan on 26/07/2014 - 23:35

    Maybe look into Apesma union. http://www.professionalsaustralia.org.au/
    Should still be eligible for student/graduate rate for 12 months.
    Believe 43k was average salary for graduates last i heard.

    You can ask for more, but your need to sell your prior experience, and skills to justify.
    Price yourself too high, and they will take the next guy who is hungry for experience.

  • JimmyF on 27/07/2014 - 13:28
    -2

    You shouldn't even be sitting in an interview unless you have an idea of the 'salary' range on offer. Its a waste of everyone's time!

    If you're going through an agent, they should have given you an idea of the 'price range' for the salary. You also shouldn't be sitting in an interview unless you have an idea of what the salary range should be for that job and you're happy to do it for that price.

    Then and only then, if these things line up, you should be in there.

    • caidstech on 27/07/2014 - 13:49

      Well obviously NOW I know that, like I said its my first "real" job out of uni. I don't know everything hence why I'm asking here and learning more.

      • JimmyF on 27/07/2014 - 20:16

        I don't blame you, I blame the agent!!!

  • mousie on 27/07/2014 - 17:08
    +1

    How large is the company what industry is it in what area… a helpdesk job in a mine would earn more than western suburbs of sydney in a call centre. A few k at the moment really won't make a huge difference. Your engagement passion and progression with the business is the most valuable.

  • pitufon on 28/07/2014 - 15:56

    I have been asked this question on all my IT interviews (all two of them). If you are after $45k then asked for $50. you most likely won't get it and put you on a 6 months probation for less than, and then move you onto $50. But you never know maybe they agree to it. you have nothing to lose.

    I worked for $28k for 2 years when I first started IT 7 years ago (no experience at all). I am now sitting on $100k. Like the posts above already suggest, getting in is the hard part.

    Do long hours, 10-12 hours shifts and you'll get ahead in no time, it is easier to do long hours while your still young, so this should not be a problem.

  • 4foxache on 28/07/2014 - 18:04

    As an fyi I started as a graduate programmer for a bank back in 2007 on a 54k package so all up now you'd be wanting 60k+. After about 5 years I'd more than doubled that to about a 120k package so it goes up pretty quick.

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