There’s no denying that bringing up salary discussions during your interview can be tricky. On the one hand, you don’t want to seem greedy. However, you also want to make sure that you’re not wasting your (or the interviewer’s) time, and you can get what you’re worth. Not to worry, we are covering when and how to bring up salary in an interview so that you can feel confident and prepared during your job search.
When To Bring Up Salary in an Interview
Before we jump into when you should broach the salary question during an interview, please keep in mind that every situation is different. In an ideal world, you would wait until the hiring manager brings it up. In some hiring processes, the company wants to clear the air right off the bat and asks you to disclose your salary expectations in the application or initial phone screen. If the interviewer does not mention it by the end of the first interview, it is appropriate to bring it up. However, you must do so strategically!
How To Bring Up Salary in An Interview
First and foremost, it’s essential to be upfront and honest. Explain why you want to discuss salary so that the interviewer doesn’t get the impression that you’re all about the money. Then, try to get them to disclose their salary range before you disclose your expectations. That way, you can keep your cards close to your chest for the time being!
Then, set clear expectations. In other words, you need to do your homework before the interview! Perform searches on salary websites such as salary.com to establish a range you’re comfortable with earning. On one of these sites, input your exact job title, location, and years of experience. This information should give you a solid baseline for what you can and should be making. Then, consider your personal factors such as cost of living, family, and unique skillsets you offer.
Here are some example scripts
Here are a few examples of how to bring up salary in an interview:
“Before we get any further, would you mind sharing the salary range for this position? I want to make sure it aligns with my career goals as I sincerely value your time and investment in this hiring process.”
“For my next position, I expect to make $76,000. This is based on comps in my area, my experience in the field, and the unique skills I can offer your company.”
No matter what, understand those salary conversations are essential in 2021 and beyond. You bring value to the table, and you deserve a company that will recognize and honor that value! Don’t be afraid to broach the subject of salary in an interview but do so with tact. Now that you understand how to determine your worth take a look at our available job opportunities! We have hundreds of exciting positions across North America.
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