Salary question: How to be well prepared!

"What is your desired salary?" You will hardly be able to avoid the salary question in a job interview. Why should you? After all, earning money is one of the main reasons why you are joining a company - or not! And after years on the job, you probably also want to see the figures on your payslip speak for themselves in recognition of your efforts.

HOGASTJOB has tips for you on how best to deal with the salary issue. And how you might soon have an extra euro or two in your account ..

First things first: money isn't everything. Of course, everyone is happy about a generous salary. But there are also a few other things you shouldn't ignore. For example, what about the working atmosphere, training opportunities and extras in the company? With the following tips and tricks, you are guaranteed to get the best out of your job interview!

Preparation is the be-all and end-all! If you don't find out about salary opportunities in advance, you could be left behind later. So answer a few questions for yourself before you go into the salary interview:

• Which country do you want to apply to: Austria or Germany?
• In which region is your future employer located? City or country?
• How big is the company you want to work for?
• Is it a chain or a small family business?

As in almost all sectors, this is also the case in the hotel and catering industry: In addition to numerous other factors, the location and size of the company have a decisive influence on the salary.

To avoid any unpleasant surprises or misunderstandings when talking to your future boss, you should also clarify the following: What amount are you referring to and what is your boss referring to? Are you talking about gross or net salary? Monthly salary or annual salary? In contrast to other sectors, net salaries are often advertised in the hotel and catering industry.

In addition, the monthly salary is usually used, as many jobs are seasonal positions.

Working around the clock? Even on public holidays and at night? Depending on the pub, restaurant or hotel, workers are usually assigned to work according to specific shift schedules. Unusual working hours are not uncommon. So ask your counterpart the following questions:

• What overtime is involved and how is it paid?
• Are there bonuses for night work?
• How are tips divided up?

Depending on the answers to these questions, you can spontaneously adjust your salary expectations upwards or downwards.

What about the 13th and 14th salary? If you are employed for a whole year, you will receive your vacation and Christmas pay as normal in Austria. If your job is only limited to one season, you are entitled to the 13th and 14th salary aliquot. The situation is similar with your vacation entitlement.

But be careful: the situation can be somewhat different in Germany. For example, your vacation entitlement in your neighboring country is reduced from five to just four weeks. Whether a 13th and 14th salary is paid depends on the company. In return, your monthly salary may be slightly higher.

Does your future lie in the hotel and catering industry? Do you love juggling glasses and cups or conjuring up the tastiest creations on plates in the kitchen? Perhaps you will also delight guests with your charming manner at reception?

Then it's best to ask right away whether you can complete a corresponding apprenticeship in the company. After all, the salary prospects of trained specialists are much higher than those of career changers or unskilled staff.

If you want to have you, you have to offer a lot! That's right! After all, you work hard and often even when others go to sleep or party ..

Some companies have already recognized this and provide numerous goodies, such as free meals and accommodation. Leisure and wellness offers are also often included. Ask what's possible right away!

A good vocational qualification alone is no longer enough to get a job. Show what else you've got!

Do you have many years of experience in your profession? Can you credibly convey that you are the right candidate for the advertised position? Are you authentic and convincing? Are you bursting with enthusiasm for your job? Great! If your interviewer is impressed by you, the salary is just a formality.

Whether in the restaurant, at the hotel reception, behind the bar or in the wellness area: apply on HOGASTJOB now and impress your potential boss!

in 1974, Gunter Gabriel sang "Hey boss, I need more money" and landed a huge hit with it. No wonder, after all, we are all short of money at times or would like to fulfill one or two dreams. What's more, a pay rise often equates to recognition for a job well done

So nobody can blame you if you raise the question of salary at your next appraisal interview. Alternatively, you can of course take the initiative yourself and ask your boss for an appointment ..

Side note: Have you just started the job? Then it's advisable to bring up the subject of salary again after six months at the earliest.

But what do you need to bear in mind when negotiating your salary? With the following tips, you'll be well prepared for the question of all questions!

You've been waiting weeks for an appointment. Now the time has come. You take heart and make your demand for a higher salary. The boss asks: "But why should you earn more?" Hmm, why actually? Your heart sinks and self-doubt slowly creeps up your spine. All you can think of is: "Yes, because I do my job well." Well, it can happen that quickly, and the chance of more money is gone again ..

To prevent this from happening to you, the motto is: prepare, prepare and prepare again. Take a few days beforehand and collect arguments about what you have done well. Think about what successes you can demonstrate and why you are an asset to the company. Have you gained new customers or saved unnecessary costs? Have you taken on more responsibility than you were supposed to? We are sure there are many things you have done really well.

Because both are out of place. Your appearance during a salary negotiation will determine whether you leave the meeting with a smile or a frown. Be aware of one thing: this is about your skills, which have a certain value on the job market. That's why the subjunctive (would have, would do, could, should, would, would be) has absolutely no place in your salary negotiation.

However, there is a fine line between being self-confident and arrogant. Make sure that you make reasonable demands that are in line with the market situation! A salary calculator can help you with your assessment.

If you have asked for a salary interview, you must also clearly state how much more you would like to earn. But how much can you ask for? A difficult question. Especially as you will probably end up agreeing a lower amount with your boss.

The rule of thumb is: start with a slightly higher amount than you had in mind. That way, you'll be more flexible and won't feel ripped off in the end. You can also include competing offers in the negotiations. But be careful not to fall into the "If I don't get XY, I'll leave" trap. This is tantamount to a threat and can quickly backfire.

Have you successfully completed the cheese connoisseur course? Or trained as a barista ? Congratulations! The long course evenings and learning have paid off. Now you not only have new skills that you really enjoy. You've also become an even more valuable employee for your employer. You should definitely bring this up when negotiating your salary. Further training pays off in many ways.

If business isn't going well at the moment, guests aren't coming and the boss is talking about cutting costs - then it's definitely not the best time to ask for a pay rise. But don't throw in the towel just yet, just wait a little! Things will improve again at some point. Maybe you can even contribute to this? Then you'll have a compelling argument to put forward at the next salary negotiation ..

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