[BizCareers] Price yourself right and dress for success

What's my price?

I was recently approached by a company to manage a project for them, and was asked what sort of remuneration I would be expecting. I didn't provide an answer there and then as I said I wanted to do a little research to see what the going rate is, and then come back to them with a figure.

I did just that, and the figure I provided for my services was in the middle range, so it wasn't anywhere near the top figure.

Since then, I have heard nothing from the company in question and have not followed up.

So my question is basically in two parts; how can one come up with a realistic, market-related figure, be it for a permanent job or, as in this case, a freelance one? As in this case where there has been no response, should one follow up? I decided not to as it might make me look a little desperate (which I am not as I am in full-time employment anyway) and, quite frankly, if you respond to a company as agreed and they don't have the courtesy to come back to you, do you really want to work for such a company? - Book Editor, CT

This is a really great question and one I get very often. Unfortunately I don't have a straight forward answer for you as you will need to decide what's right for you by researching and gauging what you're happy with, however my advice would be as follows:

1. In your case it is quite different as the work is project/freelance-based and therefore you are offering a once-off service as opposed to full-time work, so your asking salary is more about your price-positioning and where you fit in compared to other providers. The fact that they haven't come back to you may be merely because they found someone cheaper, probably not better, but they wouldn't know that until the project is complete. You haven't mentioned if you're charging an hourly rate or a once-off fee for the project, but perhaps give them both options with a discounted rate for the once-off full payment upfront. (Of course, both of these options would need to be correctly taxed.) This will benefit both you and them. Out of interest there are many online surveys for full-time employment that you can use to gauge a correct salary eg. the Adtalent Salary Survey and various others that are often provided by recruitment agencies.

2. With regards to following up, I would definitely do so. It doesn't make you look desperate, merely on the ball and motivated. Companies and the people in them get so caught up in the everyday that often time passes before they know it, I am sure they are not doing this intentionally and have probably been meaning to get back to you. I definitely agree that it is rude not to do so, but you haven't mentioned how long it's been and whether they gave you a timeline at all? If they haven't, then definitely follow up with them. Perhaps even mention that you are open to discussing your rate and could be negotiable if this is an issue. If they have, and they haven't stuck to it, perhaps it is best to move on.

I hope the above has helped and you will be offered the project at a rate you're happy with.

Good luck!

If the smart shoe fits... wear it!

I've often wondered this and never really know what's appropriate; what do I wear to an interview? If I know the company is quite casual, can I wear a suit, and conversely, if the company is very formal, are my jeans and blazer a bit too informal? - Sthembiso L

My answer to this is always standard, dress for success! Regardless if you know the company is casual, a suit and tie for males and skirt or pants suit for women always comes across as respectful and shows that you've taken the time to work on your self-presentation. In any circle this is a great quality and appreciated by business owners and decision makers worldwide. This WILL make a good impression; no matter what anyone else says. Besides looking good for your client, you will also feel better about yourself, making you more confident and sharp as a tack in the interview, studies have been done that show that this is in fact the case. You can always tone down to more casual attire once you get the job, but first impressions are the most important, make sure you nail it!

Remember to always love what you do!
Juliette

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