Lucile Packard Children's Hospital values experience and expertise and tries to offer compensation based upon experience. What are your thoughts regarding people in the same position having different salaries based on experience?
Most employers do offer higher salary incentives to get more seasoned employees. This is not meant to devalue a person's knowledge or experience, but rather paying for more experience. It is important to note that the interviewer is not saying you will definitely make less than someone with more experience. Many times this question is to see how you respond and how badly you want a position. If an employee is willing to put in the work and earn the pay increase, employers often see them as someone worth investing in. This is a good time to ask what the beginning salary is and discuss options that are negotiable such as benefits and paid time off.
"I understand that years of experience are often rewarded with higher earning. I feel, given the chance to demonstrate my knowledge and skills, you will find that I am capable of doing the job as well as some of the more experienced employees. Having said that, I will not turn down an offer of employment because of a difference in pay based on my present lack of experience. With that in mind, what benefits are available for someone coming on board with your company with my resume?"
"Having worked in management before, I appreciate the fact that Lucile Packard Children's Hospital likes to acknowledge those with more experience by offering a salary based on that experience. While I feel that my skills and knowledge are comparable to some of your more experienced staff, I understand that I may start a lower salary and am willing to work and prove that I can be a valued employee."
