Q: How and when should I bring up salary negotiation in my interview?
A: Great Question! There are a few ways to approach this topic…
Accepting a job often entails salary negotiation. There is always a debate as to who goes first when talking salary. You can go first, if:
- You are confident starting high won’t jeopardize the offer.
- You are certain that you won’t start off too low.
- You are positive you’re at the offer-making stage.
The dangers of going first:
- You can ask for too much and lose the job offer.
- You can start too low and leave money on the table.
- You talk about money too soon, and stop the interview process dead!
Given these potential pitfalls, consider employing any of the following phrases to position yourself when talking salary.
- It’s really too early to discuss salary. Let’s first discuss what I can do for you.
- I’m sure we can come to a salary agreement if I’m the right person for the job, so let’s first agree on that.
- Salary? Well, so far the job seems to have the right responsibility for me, and I’m sure you pay a fair salary. Let’s hold off on salary until you know you want me.
- When we discuss money up front I get worried I’ll be either screened out or boxed in, so could we delay this conversation and talk more about the job?
- I know that it is too early to discuss compensation in detail, but I wonder if you can give a rough idea of the range you are thinking.
- I don’t expect you to simply match my previous salary – it was a different job, after all. But if we use it as a target, and keep in mind my value, we can find a combination of salary and benefits to make this a good fit.
- I will be the very best (insert position being offered) that you have ever hired, and I would expect nothing less than your very best offer.
