Interviewing for a new job can be exciting – every conversation is a chance to say exactly what you want in a new role or company, and to make the case for why you deserve it. But one thing that can trip up even the most enthusiastic candidate is figuring out how to discuss money in job interviews
When to bring up salary in a job interview
Experts say you should go into every first interview with your salary expectations in mind
- Check industry salary reports, using online databases and tapping your network to figure out where you stand in the market
- Wait until the offer stage or as long as possible to discuss concrete numbers
- This is when you have the most leverage
How to answer
Avoid stating your salary expectations first
- Be kind and curious
- “I appreciate that compensation is an important aspect to the job, and it has to work for the both of us. Given you’re the hiring manager, I’d like to hear what you have in mind for the salary range of this position.”
If HR pushes for a number
Have a range ready based on the data you’ve collected
- Be clear about your absolute minimum and put that number at the bottom of your range
- Identify a high enough ceiling to give yourself room to negotiate upward later on
- The wider the range, the softer it is – it almost seems like you’re not saying much
