When to bring up salary?

by Amélie
(Canada)

Mike-
How do I introduce the salary in a job interview? Should I wait for the interviewer to bring up the subject?

Thank you for you help.

Your website is a quality source.

Amélie

Mike Petras Comments:

Hello Amélie-

Thanks for your question. Glad you like my site.

During your interview, it's always ideal to talk about salary at the end. Always let the company bring it up first.

The reason you want to discuss it towards the end of your interview is because during your job interview you are building value and trust. The better you do in your interview, the more valuable you will appear to the company, and the more likely to receive a fair offer.

Getting a good offer starts by being well prepared so you stand out from all the other candidates interviewing for this same position.

At some point during the interview process you will eventually be asked both questions below. After you read the rest of this post, click on the link to question one and it will take you out to my top 10 phone interview questions where I cover how to handle the above salary questions in greater detail. :

• What are you currently earning?


• What are your salary expectations?

However, here is a brief synopsis.

If employers ask you the above questions at the very beginning of the interview, it could be a sign that their pay structure is below average. But in most cases they're just trying to find out if you fall within their hiring range.

If they ask this question towards the end of your interview, it's a strong buying signal and could mean they are thinking about making you an offer.

In either case, simply tell them what you are currently earning, and add that you would like a reasonable increase to leave your current company. Try not to be specific about the exact salary you want, only because you want to leave the door open to be surprised on the upside.

Depending on your circumstances, a reasonable increase to resign your current company would be in the neighborhood of 5-10%.

If you are unemployed because of layoffs and downsizing--or even if you were fired--tell them what you were earning at your prior job, and say:

"I was earning X at my last job, and would like to be at this income level...or higher...to remain whole."

One last thing...job seekers often think that all salary negotiations are like haggling for a car deal. In many cases, it can be just the opposite. Over the years I've seen many companies make generous offers to people. If this happens to you...take it...and don't nibble for more!

Great companies look at job offers like a wedding proposal. So, when you receive an offer that is at or above your expectations, it's OK to accept it without an arm wrestling duel.

Good luck with your interview!

Mike Petras

My Book | Daily Blog | About Me | Site Map | Home Page