Bill Gates has shared his ideal way to handle a challenging job interview question that many find difficult.
Considering his impressive career journey, his advice is invaluable.
Renowned for co-founding Microsoft in 1975, Gates has built a considerable fortune, currently valued at $105.9 billion, nearly 50 years later.
The process of job searching is often overwhelming.
From spotting the perfect position to completing exhaustive applications, only to face rejection, it can be quite discouraging.
Even reaching the interview stage can end in disappointment with minimal feedback.
Job interviews present their own challenges, as a single misstep might lead to immediate disqualification.
Some interviewers use unconventional tactics to test candidates, like the well-known coffee cup test or the lesser-known ‘salt and pepper’ test.
However, there is one question where a clever response can make a significant impact.
This question concerns your salary expectations.
Discussing pay during an initial meeting can be intimidating. Gates, while not specifying a dollar amount, suggests an effective approach to tackle it.
He recommends responding with: “I hope the option package is good. I’m able to take risk and I think the company has a great future, so I prefer to get stock options even more than cash compensation.”
He continues: “I hear some other companies are paying a lot, but treat me fairly and emphasize the options.”
By suggesting multiple possibilities, Gates indicates that he is not easily swayed.
He also shows his commitment to the company by linking his earnings to his performance, highlighting his confidence in his capabilities.
This approach can be tailored to fit any organization offering a bonus structure.
For instance, you might express your willingness to demonstrate your worth by striving for 100 percent each quarter through delivering excellent performance.
This approach conveys that while personal financial gain is important, your dedication to the company’s success is also a priority.
If salary is a concern, researching average wages for similar roles can provide a benchmark.
It’s become increasingly common for employers to list salaries in their job postings.
In August 2023, Indeed reported that half of the jobs posted on their US site included ‘at least some employer-provided salary information,’ marking the highest percentage recorded by the platform.