I have not had to interview for a job in well over 20 years.

6 Comments

1. AngieJune 18,2022 at 12:23PM UTC

   Salary and benefits usually come up in one of two ways.

   1. The interviewer will ask for your current salary and/or salary requirements.
   2. The interviewer will ask if you have any questions about the job, company, etc at the end of the interview.
2. AnonymousJune 18,2022 at 2:47PM UTC

   It could be illegal for them to ask what you’re currently making (there was a FGB post about this last month) but either way, answer any salary question with whatever number or range you’d like them to offer you regardless of what you’re currently making.

3. Alison KingJune 18,2022 at 12:26PM UTC

   Usually, it comes up in the initial screening call (a quick 15 minute call with their recruiter), but not every company does one of those. Don't be suprised if they ask your desired range, not give you one outright. If, after the conversation, they have not brought it up, it's fair to say, "I'm very interested in this position but want to make sure we're on the same page about the salary so that no one is wasting their time if we move forward in the process. What is the budgeted range for this position?" I wouldn't worry much about benefits at this point--that's more of a conversation you have during the offer, but sometimes they will send some benefits info before then.

4. AnonymousJune 18,2022 at 4:45PM UTC

   You wait until you receive the offer. Most are not provided with the information until first day of work, but for some the type of benefits offered or not offered can be a deal breaker. See if you can talk to hr about the benefits offered once us get an offer.

5. Jessica K.June 18,2022 at 11:55PM UTC

   I would also check Glassdoor or other sites with this company/industry to see what the average pay is. I'm assuming you'll be able to find a good baseline of what you could be offered. Good luck with your interview!

6. Gretchen SkalkaJune 19,2022 at 2:40PM UTC

   Do a little sleuthing to find out current ranges for positions by company or industry at places like Glassdoor or Payscale – then you can tuck that info in your back pocket and have it ready when the topic of compensation is introduced.

   Which was your question - when to bring it up.

   I generally advise people to wait until it's brought up to you as an interview discussion point or when you're presented an offer.

   The research you've already done will help you broad-brush ballpark a range to start with.

   And be ready with that research when the time comes.

   Level-set your personal expectations and needs.

   For example, what does the role offer that you can quantify now outside of salary (training, PTO, 401k, growth potential, etc.)?

   Balance that against what you need financially and personally from a job.

   This information will be invaluable to you when the topic of compensation is introduced.

   Be prepared to negotiate when the topic of compensation is introduced.

   Every role has a salary range, so be prepared to demonstrate the value you bring to the position based on what you know from your research are the most important things for the company from having you in the role.

   Don’t ask for a number. Sell your unique abilities.