But what comes across?
As a student, everything is comparatively easy. You get your BAFÖG, have a part-time job and live inexpensively in a shared apartment or student dormitory.Numerous discounts make your life easier because you're not exactly swimming in money. But that's exactly what you're planning to do!
First professional experience during your studies
Many courses include internships as part of the training. Some are compulsory, others take place abroad, some are completed out of pure interest or with an eye on the future. Here you will gain important experience, learn how a company works and perhaps find a company that you would like to apply to later.
These internships are an important point in your application and are closely examined, especially in large companies. Maybe you also worked on a voluntary basis or worked directly at the university, perhaps on a research project? These are also important experiences that you can use to contribute to your future employer.
Young professionals are often offered an internship
When you leave university and are looking for your first real job, the choice seems huge. Most of the time, however, internships are offered that are only paid the minimum wage . The company is great, the job is interesting and there is a chance of getting a contract for a well-paid job afterwards - so why not? The problem, however, is that some companies survive largely on interns. When you're new to the company, you're naturally committed because you're hoping for a better job. Some companies take advantage of this, let graduates work overtime and exchange them for other graduates after the internship ends. So be careful not to spend too much time in underpaid internships! This doesn't look particularly good on your CV either. On the other hand, an internship can be the perfect introduction to a company. You get to know the processes and know what to expect. You can determine how interns are treated by taking a close look at your colleagues.
The first “real” job brings with it the first salary negotiation
You have to be prepared for this! Under no circumstances go into the interview without first thinking carefully about the desired salary. You should be aware that your first salary is the basis for negotiation for all subsequent salaries. The lower you go, the slower you will get to “a green branch”. Of course, you shouldn't start with utopian demands either. It takes a lot of sensitivity to make the right demands here.
Job advertisements often state that you should state your salary expectations. But how are you supposed to know how much you can or should earn if you have very little experience? The first clue is the typical salary in the industry, which you can find out using a salary calculatorhere, for example .
Another important factor is the size of the company. In general, the larger the company, the higher the salary. Of course, this also applies to your age and your professional experience. At the beginning you always bake smaller rolls. But it doesn't have to stay that way! You should regularly ask your boss for a salary review.
This is how you conduct a salary negotiation
Whether it's the first conversation or asking for a raise, the same rules always apply. If you follow them, you will be more likely to succeed in your endeavors.
Attention: Getting an indication of your own salary by comparing it with your colleagues' salaries will not work in many cases. There are often confidentiality clauses in employment contracts that prohibit employees from discussing their remuneration. Although it is not entirely clear whether this is legal, it is actually not common practice in most companies to discuss this topic.
Tips for negotiations:
1.
“I can do that for you.” When it comes to salary or a salary increase, it is of course a matter of you wanting to earn as much as possible. On the other hand, the company wants to operate as effectively as possible and will not pay more than it “has to”. When negotiating salary, it should always be about making it clear to your counterpart what you can do for the company or have done recently. Put your qualifications and commitment first, not the desire for more money.
2.
Every company has a budget. Budget planning is important in every company. Of course, the HR department only has a certain framework at its disposal. So don't take it personally if it doesn't work out, just try again. But not too early!
3.
You only talk about money once a year. You shouldn't approach your boss too often about salary. As a rule, you can seek the interview again after 12 months. A successfully completed project is a good starting point for the conversation.
4.
Make the first move. If you make the first suggestion, you are more likely to get your desired result
5.
Never accept your boss's first suggestion . The fact that he responds to your request with a sum shows that he is generally willing to talk. You should definitely take advantage of that. Negotiating a salary sometimes has the charm of haggling in a market. Of course, your demand is above your intended maximum, while your boss makes an offer that is too low. This gives you the opportunity to meet in the middle.
6.
Of course, you can also use various tricks. If you get your boss to answer yes to other questions, the question about a raise will also be more likely to be met with approval. Or you start the negotiations with a utopian high sum. In any case, it is important to appear confident and endure the pauses in the conversation. Then it also works with the desired salary.
Tips and tricks for your first salary negotiations when you start working life after studying.
