Employment contracts and Salary negotiations

When you finally reach the interview, you should find out what kind of salary you can command. Career Services regulary conducts career follows up on our alumni to see how their careers salaries have developed. You can find the latest Career follow-ups here. 

You can also contact a union and/or others you know who are working in similar positions in other companies. Try to make an assessment of your work (degree of difficulty, responsibility, expected performance, business/industry, etc.) and your skills. Place your salary request a little higher than you believe the employer will agree to in order to create a bot of room for negotiation. If you get a low starting salary, it can be difficult to get out of the pit. Salary discussions should come last in the interview once both parties know where they stand - wait until the employer raises the issue. Be prepared to compromise if you really want the job!

Salary recommendations

The Finnish Business School Graduates' publish recommendations for salaries for recent graduates from Business Schools, summer jobs and thesis pay and remuneration. You can read more at their web page.

Always write a contract of employment

Once you are offered the job, it's time for the contract of employment. The contract of employment significantly reduces the possibility for misunderstandings relating to your work.

If your office is part of a collective agreement it will be referred to in your employment contract. The collective agreement regulates questions regarding vacations, periods of notice, benefits and other employment conditions. The collective agreement only states minimum levels.

If you are hired by an enterprise that does not belong to a collective agreement, it is particularly important that an employment contract is drawn, stating all employment conditions.

The following should always be stated in an employment contract:

• Employment title and tasks
• Form of employment (fixed-term or indefinite)
• Period of notice
• Salary and benefits
• Working hours and compensation for over time
• Pension
• Salary during sick leave
• Salary during parental leave or military service
• Travel allowance and allowance for expenses

Further information and advice regarding employment contracts is offered by labour unions and the Ministry of Employment and the Economy.