When Is It OK to Ask About Salary During a Job Interview?
Your well-crafted résumé and personalized cover letter earned you an interview with a top technology company in your area. You realize a great performance increases your chances of a job offer. As such, you spent significant time studying your skills and experience while also researching the company in question.
But now you are worried about discussing salary and benefits during the interview. Is this a faux pas that ends up ruining your chances at a great new job? With interview success in mind, here are some insights on when it’s OK to ask about salary.
Understand the Salary Range for The Open Position
When researching the company and their open position, also spend time reviewing typical salaries for that job role. Consider the cost of living where the company is located, as this influences the overall pay rate. Additionally, if the organization is in the government or public sector, expect a smaller salary with better benefits.
Timing is The Key When Asking About Salary
Don’t focus on salary during the interview. Because of your research efforts, you already have a good idea of what to expect from a potential offer. Instead, highlight the excellent match between your skills and experience and the requirements of the company’s open position.
Susan Peppercorn, a Boston-based career coach, commented on taking the right approach regarding salary. “The goal of an interview is to convince the company that you are the best person for the job. By bringing up salary before this happens, the job seeker runs the risk of making money the focal point of the conversation rather than their fit for the job,” said Peppercorn.
Letting the Employer Broach the Salary Subject is Smart
Ultimately, waiting for the employer to bring up salary is wise. If they ask about your availability to start, consider raising the issue. But since you already know their likely salary range, just wait them out. Simply stating, “a salary within the typical range for this role is acceptable” if asked is a good approach.
In the end, understanding your skills, experience, and ultimate worth makes the negotiation process go more smoothly. In a candidate-driven IT job market, you needn’t settle for anything less than you deserve. Stay honest, professional, and earn that job offer!
If you need additional advice on your technology job search, talk with the insightful recruiters at Digital Prospectors. As one of the leading IT staffing agencies in Boston, we also know the companies looking for great candidates. Connect with us soon!