The job interview process is a tad like dating: it’s all about timing, especially when it comes to asking about your salary. You wouldn’t ask a potential partner how much they earn on the first date, right? Synonymously, you wouldn’t lean in for a kiss before determining how well a kiss might be accepted.
Job-hunting is the same: there are certain questions you shouldn’t ask until you know you have a favorable relationship with an employer. Imagine the following situation – an interview is going super smoothly. The employer is utterly impressed with the interviewee and looking forward to hiring them. Then, the interviewee says something along the lines of “So, how much are you willing to pay me?” or “What kind of raises can I expect?” Suddenly the candidate may be perceived as arrogant, if not obnoxious. Trust me, you want to avoid being that person.
BUT, realistically, this is quite important knowledge, right? You don’t want to waste your time going all the way through an interview process to discover that you aren’t being paid enough. You have a right to ask for clarification on these situations so that you can make a conscientious, informed decision on whether you want the job or not.
Just like a kiss at the end of a date, the salary discussion has its time and place. We’re here to help you know when to ask, strategically. Keep reading to find out how!
Strategy 1 – Time in between the first and second interviews
Being the riskier of the two strategies, only use this if there is good reason you need to know salary logistics sooner rather than later. Reasons could include having other job offers to decide upon or attending the second interview requires unusual amounts of travel time and effort.
The first interview should be about you selling yourself, and should not be about the numbers. First interviews are great for learning more about the company and the job position itself. You need to make sure that the role and culture will be the best fit for you.
Alas, in some cases you will be offered the job after the first interview. If so, that’s awesome because it creates opportunity to talk about salary. However, if you are asked to come back for a second interview, you can ask about salary at that point. Why? They’re asking you to invest more time and effort into attending another interview, therefore they have already shown interest in you.
Tip: here’s a professional way to bring it up if you have the opportunity to do so via email:
“Dear Alexis,
Thanks for your message. I’d be happy to return for a second interview. Wednesday should be fine, I just need to switch some things around and confirm a time with you later today. In the meantime, are you the best person to speaking to regarding the salary range for the position?
Thank you Alexis.
Kind regards,
Ronise”
Let’s say that Andrew writes back and says, “The department head, Tyra, is the best person to discuss that with, they will go over the details at the second interview.” In this case, you can professionally write back and politely ask that Tyra calls you at her convenience.
Strategy 2 – Once they’ve offered you the position
Most career experts will tell you to wait until you have strong signs of an offer or ultimately have an offer, before you approach the subject. When you hear questions such as “When can you start?” or “Can you provide us with some more references?” you’ll know this is the time to ask about your salary.
Tip: the best way to initiate this conversation is to say something along the lines of:
“I’m very interested and excited about this position, and I’m sure that I will be able to meet and exceed your expectations. Can you please explain the compensation for this position?”
Interested in more tips on how to bring up the dreaded topic of salary? Continue reading!
There’s good reason to avert the salary question if asked in the first interview. During this interview, the potential employer is getting to know you, and poses a great deal of factors – whether you have the right skills, whether you fit into the culture etc. This stage should be centered around you presenting yourself as an amazing employee.
Salary aversion in the early stages
If you get the salary question wrong, such as naming a salary figure that is too high or too low, everything could crash and burn. It is possible that you will be asked this question during the first interview – so if you are, this is how you could handle it.
- Try your best to avert the question. Make it clear that you are prioritizing the right work culture and position that fits you best.
- Elaborate on your focus in finding the right job. If they respond with “What salary range are you looking for?”, you can say, “what do you have in mind?”.
Tip: if they insist on the question, you could name your current salary, and say that you trust that they will fairly pay you in accordance with your skills and experience. If you can deflect well and arrive at the offer of a second interview, you can try out strategy 1 or 2 mentioned above. - It gets better. If you are going through a recruitment consultant, let them do the heavy work for you. They can talk you through what the salary range is and if it’s flexible. They can even go as far as asking the employer to raise the salary to match another offer you have received. At this point, all you need to do is present the best version of yourself.
Keep range in mind
Whenever this topic comes up, you do not want to muddle your employers waters by giving them numbers that are too high or low. This is why range is better. All you have to do is get on Google and do some research to figure out the average range for the job.
Present your case
- Once the actual conversation occurs, you will hear a number. If you like the sound of it – awesome. If it’s lower than what you were expecting, it’s probably worth arguing a strong case for yourself. You could mention higher offers that you have received, or you could reference a situation at your current job where you are in line for a potential promotion or salary raise.
- If you waited until the company offered you the job, there is a chance they will reconsider this and raise their offer. You might have to meet them halfway, but it doesn’t have to only be about the money. Prepare a mental list beforehand of other bonuses that could sweeten the deal for you.
For example: a work from home day and shorter review periods (times when raises or bonuses are potentially offered) are another perk. Be careful of appearing overly demanding.
Know your value
Regardless of who brings it up, you will always be in a better position during a conversation if you know your worth. You can address this by going online and researching the average pay for your position, skill, and level of experience. If you are able to frame your value in economic terms, that is even better. For example, awareness of how your skills can impact sales or a bottom line is handy.
So, the next time you find yourself struggling with the salary conversation, avoid the awkward interviews and arrive prepared, set the pace and be mindful of cues from your employer.
Looking to apply our strategic advice to the steps in your new career? Have a look at Adzuna.com for all of our jobs in the US and who knows maybe you’ll get the best offer yet!