Bringing up salary in a job interview is never easy.
Should you ask about compensation right off the bat? Or, is it better to wait until later in the interview process, when a company has solidified that you are a strong fit for the role?
Some candidates even wonder whether they should ask about salary at all, worried about potential consequences that question might cause.
So, is it okay to ask about salary in an interview? And, when to ask about salary during the enter interview process?
Popcorn Recruiters answer all your questions!
The short answer is – yes, definitely.
Some employers will openly state salary ranges for a position upfront or even write it down in the job description. Other companies share the salary with candidates early in the hiring process.
If compensation does not come up by the end of the first interview, it’s acceptable for the candidate to inquire about it at that point.
The consensus is that it saves everyone time, and it tends to lead to more equitable outcomes.
Even though the candidates might feel uncomfortable or embarrassed to ask the question, there is the right way to go about it to sound polite and make the situation more easy-going.
Marching into the interview and demanding to know how much money you’ll get will undoubtedly leave a bad impression. But, if you approach this topic with diplomacy and finesse, not only will you get to know these important details, but also you will leave a good first impression.
The first step is to thoroughly research the compensation for that job position in general. Going in informed about what the job typically pays after researching multiple sources, and after showing genuine interest and fit for the role, will help things go over smoothly.
Then, you can do company research to get a sense of the company’s salary range and benefit structures. This helps you frame your specific questions and shows the interviewer you have done some proactive homework on the organization. Moreover, proper research will allow you to have an informed and honest conversation with the interviewer about these topics.
There are always multiple ways to phrase a question. Proper style and approach will help you get the information you want without being rude. Make sure to choose your words and phrasing carefully. For example, you can use the word “compensation” instead of “salary” or “money.” It is also a good strategy to ask for a salary range than a specific number.
There’s a right time and a wrong time to ask about compensation. Asking about salary at the very beginning of the interview may be a bit off-putting. However, asking the question at the end of the first interview is acceptable.
The ideal time to ask about salary is when you notice that you’ve captured the interviewer’s interest by showing them you are a good fit for the job. This can be during the first interview, or sometime later in the hiring process. Focus first on selling yourself and wait for the right opportunity to ask about benefits.
Questions like “When can you start?” or “Can you provide references?” are generally a sign that an offer may be in the cards. This is when you have the leverage to push the interviewer for more information about benefits.
The answer is both yes and no. In general, companies don’t mind when candidates ask about salary. As already mentioned, it saves time for both parties and helps both the company and the candidate realize whether they’re a good fit for each other.
However, a few companies consider candidates who ask for salary as intrinsically motivated. But, don’t let this discourage you. Asking about salary during an interview simply means that you know your worth and you respect your time.
The worst thing that can happen is that your future interviews get canceled (even though this happens rarely). But, you shouldn’t take this personally. If a company isn’t willing to talk about salary and benefits early on, think hard about whether you want to work for them at all.
Here at Popcorn Recruiters, we always strive to make a perfect match. In other words, we consider the needs of both our candidates and clients, making sure that both sides are satisfied in the long run.
So, how can we help you out? Well, we’ll do all the hard work for you!
When you apply for one of our positions, we’ll conduct an initial interview during which we’ll get to know you better. During this call, we’ll ask you about your skills as well as your expectations, including your salary.
If your expectations don’t fit the client’s budget, then we’ll try to negotiate and find an agreement acceptable for both sides.
Feel like a superstar with Popcorn Recruiters as your representatives! We deliver feedback to you and support you through the whole selection process, so you can find your perfect employee in no time.
Looking for your first job or a new opportunity? Drop us your CV and we’ll help you find your next gig!