When Should You Talk About Salary?

Salary is a taboo topic during meetings with new employers, but job seekers need to know a salary range to determine if the opportunity is beneficial for their professional careers and financial well-being. Timing is everything when it comes to discussing salary. Know when to approach the topic and how to discuss your worth.

Wait Until After the Initial Interview

When job seekers bring up salary during the initial job interview, it can often taint the mood of hiring managers. Even if you approach the topic toward the end of the interview, the subject can make hiring managers wonder if you're only interested in the financial benefits of the position. In fact, the hiring manager or committee interviewing you may not even have jurisdiction over determining salaries. Inquiring about your pay may also put them on the spot. Instead, spend time during the job interview focusing more on your skills and experience. Highlight your accomplishments, reveal what you know about the company and keep the mood and tone professional and comfortable for the duration of the initial meeting.

Salary is Negotiable

Another reason why discussing a salary range during the interview may negatively impact your opportunities is that many employers negotiate salary based on your qualifications, experience and skills. In addition, an employer may compare your experience with other job seeker's experience to determine an appropriate amount to offer. If you press for salary information too soon, employers may be forced to offer you a number or range that is well below what you could ultimately negotiate.

Research Your Worth

Job seekers should prepare for discussions about salary by researching appropriate ranges well before the initial interviews. Inquire with members of your professional network about adequate salaries for the position. Research the company's job description to identify any mention of salary, and do a national search on pay for professionals within your industry. It's also important for you to know your worth. Think about a dollar amount you can live with and one that represents your qualifications, certifications, skills and experience.

Tackle the Topic

The best time for job seekers to tackle the topic of salary is when they're being considered as a finalist for the job. This may be during a second interview or during a follow-up phone call with a representative from human resources. Job seekers should feel confident asking about pay once their references have been checked. Ask for a range versus offering a dollar amount to ensure you are not proposing a number that is well below what the firm is willing to pay. Know that salary is negotiable, and be prepared to justify your proposal based on your skills and experiences.

Speaking about salary with hiring managers might make you feel uncomfortable, it is a necessary part of the interview process for job seekers. Secure your financial future and gain an offer that defines your worth by doing your research and approaching the topic at just the right time.

Photo Courtesy of zdiviv at FreeDigitalPhotos.net