interview pay questions

Question

Hi, just had a phone conversation with a company recruiter.  It was the first discussion, and it was going well.  We were discussing different opportunities within their company that might be a fit.  All was going well until I was asked for a salary range.  I wanted to be honest but should I have even answered this question this early on?  I also did not want to spin wheels either.  Thoughts?

Barb Hansen · Answer

Here are a few tricks that I used in my business career to get comfortable talking about wage range during interviews.

1. Hear your voice ! 
We hardly ever speak our annual wage out-loud until we are asked the question in an interview, 'what is your required compensation package?' / 'what is your desired wage?', so practice saying it out-loud until you are comfortable hearing your voice say those words.

Tell your cat every morning  over coffee, your dog during your afternoon walk, or tell yourself in the bathroom mirror that your desired compensation package is between '$XX,000 and $YY,000'.  You can add in a qualifier like '...through a combination of wages and bonuses' if bonuses are common in your industry/job title or whatever qualifier you think you need.

2. It's just another data point
The person on the other side of the phone doesn't feel anxious asking the question (it's just another data point for them), and when I remembered that, it became easier for to be speak about my wage range as just another data point.  The number of years I have worked, my titles, the companies I work for and my wage range --- just data points!  Of course, wage is super important and it's just not another simple data point, but I treat it like that when interviewing.

Jackie Ghedine · Answer

A man would never question if he should discuss salary.  Women tend to be much less confident talking about money and we need to know our worth.  LadyPele's comment is exactly how I would handle the discussion.

Why continue down the path if the salary they are offering is significantly lower than one you are worth (or willing to take).

You're original instincts were right, be upfront and confident about money.

Danielle Peterson · Answer

Salary can be awkward to discuss at any step of the interview process, but try to be prepared. Do your research and understand the salary ranges, in your area, for jobs you may consider. Use this, your previous salary, and any recent skills you’ve added to your arsenal when you negotiate a salary range. It puts the numbers in context for the hiring manager.

KayeDee · Answer

I turn the table on the question; I am looking for fair compensation for the role and duties; what is the range for this position? Then comment. Such as, this is inline for what i am looking for OR this is a great starting point, let's continue the conversation, etc., etc.

J R Rossman · Answer

Actually depending on who you are interviewing with ask  what their range is. Then you can stay on to interview or you can end the call.

Guadalupe Orozco · Answer

The best advocacy comes from yourself. A lot of times we underestimate the recruiters ability to negotiate a well deserved salary or hourly rate. In fact, we are so intimidated by the fear of losing the opportunity that we forget that if its an employer that will value your work, they will immediately respond with a positive attitude. Those that don't respond or simply cut the conversation short are the companies you should stay away from, then they clearly are not going to value your work and what you bring. As woman, we already have a difficult time in any industry, but its important that you begin advocating for yourself now. In fact, it was not until I did advocate for myself that things began to change and because of it I was able to negotiate a higher hourly rate in the last two employers. Its always a smart decision to also do it with respect. The key to these conversations is respect, always demonstrating that you value the company/organization and would like to feel as valuable to them. Good luck and remember if they don't call back this time, the next one will! Its all about finding the right fit, as someone previously mentioned.

ccapps · Answer

There is a cost of living difference in each state, and starting out can be a little more than what most companies start out at.

Anonymous · Answer

Thanks this was in my industry but in a different market.  Part of me wishes I had not answered the question in this first discussion.  As I am staying in industry but changing 'ladders', I did say a lower amount to switch ladders but it seems to end the call.

interview pay questions

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