The Job Hunt Toolkit: Session 3

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This was the third episode in our Job Hunt toolkit focusing on “Getting Paid Right” with Rachel Johnston and Joyce Wu from The Sophie Macpherson team

Members get exclusive access to the event recording and our full list of takeaways:

Key takeaways

Salary Research & Benchmarking

• Use resources like the SML art market talent report and Google to research salary benchmarks.

• London living wage (£28,860/year for 37.5 hours/week) can serve as a reference point.

• Factor in personal financial needs, lifestyle, and long-term goals when evaluating offers.

Salary Communication

• Practice stating salary expectations confidently before interviews.

• Give a salary range instead of a fixed number for flexibility.

• Focus on your value and skills, not personal financial situations; avoid apologizing for expectations.

Negotiation & Follow-up

• Follow up after interviews to discuss salary and negotiate confidently, emphasizing value.

• If offered over the phone, thank them and take 24 hours to respond.

• Job conversations can often happen in informal setting so use follow-up emails to set expectations and avoid awkwardness.

Benefits & Career Progression

• Consider negotiating benefits, bonuses, or commission if the base salary cannot be increased. It’s also possible to accept a lower starting salary with the understanding that a review will take place after a set period (e.g., X months), which sets the stage for future discussion even if no immediate agreement can be made

  • Use LinkedIn to research employee tenure and promotion frequency at the company to inform your negotiation and assess potential career growth

• Communicate interest in long-term growth and career progression during negotiations.