{"id":251,"date":"2017-11-01T02:25:12","date_gmt":"2017-11-01T02:25:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nixq4qvp95-staging.onrocket.site\/?p=251"},"modified":"2022-10-20T16:46:57","modified_gmt":"2022-10-20T16:46:57","slug":"how-to-bring-up-questions-about-salary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adzuna.com\/blog\/how-to-bring-up-questions-about-salary\/","title":{"rendered":"How to bring up questions about salary"},"content":{"rendered":"

The job interview process is a tad like dating: it\u2019s all about timing, especially when it comes to asking about your salary. You wouldn\u2019t ask a potential partner how much they earn on the first date, right? Synonymously, you wouldn\u2019t lean in for a kiss before determining how well a kiss might be accepted.<\/p>\n

Job-hunting is the same: there are certain questions you shouldn\u2019t ask until you know you have a favorable relationship with an employer. Imagine the following situation \u2013 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 \u201cSo, how much are you willing to pay me?\u201d or \u201cWhat kind of raises can I expect?\u201d Suddenly the candidate may be perceived as arrogant, if not obnoxious. Trust me, you want to avoid being that person.<\/p>\n

BUT, realistically, this is quite important knowledge, right? You don\u2019t want to waste your time going all the way through an interview process to discover that you aren\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

Just like a kiss at the end of a date, the salary discussion has its time and place. We\u2019re here to help you know when <\/em>to ask, strategically<\/em>. Keep reading to find out how!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Strategy 1 \u2013 Time in between the first and second interviews<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"time<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.
\nAlas, in some cases you will be offered the job after the first interview. If so, that\u2019s 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\u2019re asking you to invest more time and effort into attending another interview, therefore they have already shown interest in you.
\nTip:<\/em> here\u2019s a professional way to bring it up if you have the opportunity to do so via email:<\/p>\n

\u201cDear Alexis,<\/em><\/p>\n

Thanks for your message. I\u2019d 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\u00a0 the best person to speaking to regarding the salary range for the position?<\/em><\/p>\n

Thank you Alexis.<\/em><\/p>\n

Kind regards,<\/em><\/p>\n

Ronise\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s say that Andrew writes back and says, \u201cThe department head, Tyra, is the best person to discuss that with, they will go over the details at the second interview.\u201d In this case, you can professionally write back and politely ask that Tyra calls you at her convenience.<\/p>\n

Strategy 2 \u2013 Once they\u2019ve offered you the position<\/strong><\/p>\n

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 \u201cWhen can you start?\u201d or \u201cCan you provide us with some more references?\u201d you\u2019ll know this is the time to ask about your salary.<\/p>\n

Tip: <\/em>the best way to initiate this conversation is to say something along the lines of:<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m very interested and excited about this position, and I\u2019m sure that I will be able to meet and exceed your expectations. Can you please explain the compensation for this position?\u201d<\/p>\n

Interested in more tips on how to bring up the dreaded topic of salary? Continue reading!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

There\u2019s 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 \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

Salary aversion in the early stages<\/strong>
\n\"\"<\/strong>
\nIf 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 \u2013 so if you are, this is how you could handle it.<\/p>\n