Here's how you can communicate your salary expectations during a job interview in the video production field.

This is a difficult topic because as creatives we are often willing to sacrifice money for the opportunity to work on a project. That said, we have bills, so I’d say only take a pay-cut on passion projects and stick to your guns for everything else. Do you research and know what an average creator gets paid for your position at this level. It will generally be a range, but just make sure you don’t get undercut. If during the negotiations you start to feel the pressures to drop your price, ask questions about the overall budget of the project, reference projects of a similar budget, and how they spent their money, and then reiterate the importance of your position and what someone in that position should get paid for a project this size.

Understanding the typical salary range for a position in the video production industry is a crucial step before any job interview. It helps you set realistic expectations, negotiate confidently, and demonstrate your professionalism and industry knowledge. This preparation can significantly enhance your chances of securing a fair and competitive salary offer.

The tricky part here is discussing the salary before the interview. As you get more and more senior, you will probably have more people wanting to hire you. In this case, it is important to talk about the salary range even before setting up an interview. It will save time for both ends. Show respect for the company and express your interest, but be honest and request the salary range to ensure it aligns with your expectations. If the recruiter is unwilling to provide this information, you'll need to decide if you're comfortable proceeding without it, keeping in mind that their stance may persist until the end of the process.

It's important to focus on learning negotiation skills at this stage. When discussing salary, it's best to aim for a realistic figure based on market standards. Some companies may be open to reviewing your salary after a certain period, so it's worth researching whether this is an option. Keep in mind that most companies will try to negotiate your salary offer. It's not personal - they are just looking out for their best interests. It's important to demonstrate how your salary expectations align with industry standards. Also, be aware of whether the company conducts fair salary reviews based on performance or length of employment. Tools like Glassdoor can provide valuable insights into the company's salary practices.

One of the best pieces of advice I can offer is to not put all your eggs in one basket. As a creative professional, it's important to develop multiple sources of income over time. This can include selling stock footage, working with freelance clients, creating digital products, offering online courses, and making investments. Having diverse sources of income will give you confidence when negotiating your salary for a full-time job. It's difficult to negotiate when you are in desperate need of money, so it's important to establish these different income streams as early as possible. Doing so will also provide peace of mind during market fluctuations.

The approach to negotiating your salary varies depending on the market you are in. In developed and high-demand markets, you will have more room to negotiate your salary and may have multiple companies approaching you. However, in less developed markets, you might face more challenges in negotiating your salary. Additionally, different countries have different cultures, meaning that in some places, negotiation might be seen as offensive, while in others, it's expected. When negotiating in a remote work environment, it's important to research and understand the culture of the place you are dealing with and adjust your approach accordingly.