When to bring up salary?

by Amélie
(Canada)

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's Comments:

Hello Amélie-

Thanks for your question. During an interview, it's always best to delay any salary discussions until the end. Let the company bring it up first. The reason you want to delay is because during the interview process 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 good offer.

It's also much easier to negotiate salary at the end if they like you and you like them.

Sometimes your interviewer will ask you, "What are your salary expectations?" If they ask this at the beginning of the interview, it could be a sign their pay structure is average to below average. If they ask this question at the end, it's a buying signal and could mean they want to make 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. But, depending on your circumstances, a reasonable increase to resign your current company would be in the neighborhood of 10%.

If you are unemployed, tell them what you were earning at your prior job, and say, "I was earning X at my last job, and would like remain at this income level or higher to remain whole. I'm sure you'll be fair with me."

Hope this helps a little. Glad you liked my site.

Good luck with your interview!

Mike Petras