
How to ask about salary in an interview
- Know your salary requirements Before you ask about salary, determine your ideal salary range. ...
- Ask to discuss via phone If you've been asked to come back for a second interview, but you're still in the dark about the position's pay, now's the perfect ...
- Explain why you're asking
Full Answer
How to answer interview questions about salary?
Strategies for answering “What are your salary expectations?”
- Provide a salary range. Once you've done the market research to identify a reasonable salary, one strategy I recommend is to provide the employer with a salary range with a ...
- Include an opportunity for negotiation when the time is right. ...
- Express gratitude. ...
How to answer the salary question during a job interview?
To sum up, here’s what you need to remember when talking about salary in an interview:
- Know your worth and the forms of compensation that matter most to you.
- Use salary resources like Indeed Salaries to study the current trends and learn about the range for this job in your city.
- Give a range, not a specific number. ...
- Don’t try to negotiate until you have a formal job offer.
When a recruiter asks about salary?
If recruiters hear a range, they are likely to think that you’ll be satisfied with the lower end. Instead, you should respond with something like ‘I’m looking for a base salary in the low ‘90s instead of saying, ‘I’m looking for a salary between $70k and $95k.” You’ll most likely just be offered $70k — and what can you do?
How to answer question about salary?
- Women mostly never negotiate their salaries, studies consistently show.
- Author Luvvie Ajayi Jones said one of the best times to negotiate is when being offered a job.
- It costs firms more time and money than it's worth to turn you down for a different candidate.

What should I ask for salary and benefits?
Questions to Ask About Employee BenefitsDoes the company offer health insurance?Will it cover members or my family as well as myself? ... How much of the premium costs do I have to pay for myself? ... Can I choose different levels of coverage? ... What kind of coverage is there for dental, vision and disability insurance?More items...
How do you politely ask about salary in an interview?
By the second interview, it's usually acceptable to ask about compensation, but tact is key. Express your interest in the job and the strengths you would bring to it before asking for the salary range. Make the employer feel confident you're there for more than just the paycheck.
Should you ask about salary and benefits in an interview?
Always let the interviewer bring up the discussion first As hard as it is for most job seekers to do, the only appropriate time to ask about salary and benefits is at the offer stage of the interview. Always let the interviewer bring up the discussion first, so you know that you are at that stage.
Is it OK to ask for salary during interview?
In conclusion, asking about salary during an interview isn't wrong. But if you must do it, it's best to do it right. Put these tips to work during your interview to indicate that you care about the company, and not just your pay.
How do you say asking for salary?
You can say something like, “Based on my 10 years of experience in this field, I would expect a salary in the range of $Y to $Z.” Before mentioning any numbers, remind the interviewer why he or she should offer you a salary in the first place. Be prepared to negotiate.
What is your expected salary best answer?
Consider giving a salary range, not a number If a job post asks applicants to state their expected salary when applying for the position, then give a range — not a specific figure — you're comfortable with. Answers like “Negotiable” might work, but they can also make you look evasive.
How do you ask about benefits in an interview?
Wait until you have a job offer to discuss employee benefits, either with human resources or the person who is offering you the job. Next, take some time to review the benefit plans so you can make an educated decision based on the benefits information provided by your prospective employer.
What are 5 things you should never say in a job interview?
You'll make sure that your awesome abilities and accomplishments—not a totally avoidable faux pas—will be what your interviewer remembers.“So, Tell Me What You Do Around Here” ... “Ugh, My Last Company…” ... “I Didn't Get Along With My Boss” ... 4. “ ... “I'll Do Whatever” ... “I Know I Don't Have Much Experience, But...”More items...
How do you ask for more salary after a job offer?
How to Negotiate a Higher Starting SalaryKnow That the Offer Isn't Final. ... Show Enthusiasm. ... Pick a Range instead of a Specific Number. ... Aim Higher Within Reason. ... Explain the Why and How of Your Request. ... Focus on the 'We' ... Embrace the Awkward Pauses. ... Know When to Stop.
How do you ask for benefits in an email sample?
Before I accept your offer, I would like to discuss the compensation package. Please don't get me wrong, I'm happy with the base salary and I think it's in-line with the job description and average market salary. However, I'm due to receive ($__________) as (bonus or incentive name) from my current employer this year.
What to use when asking about salary?
If you’re asking about salary, use the word “compensation” rather than “money and ask for a range rather than a specific number. Likewise, if you want to find out about work-life balance, it may be more useful to approach the topic in terms of “office culture.”.
When is the right time to ask about benefits?
The right time is generally after you’ve captured the interviewer’s interest by showing them you are a good fit for the job. Focus first on selling yourself and wait for the right opportunity to ask about benefits. Look for strong signs of interest from the interviewer before broaching the topic of salary.
Why do employers hire?
Employers hire because they have problems and as a potential employee, you should focus on how you can solve these problems. At the same time, figuring out if an employer can meet your personal standards and needs for salary and benefits are a key determinant of whether a job is a good fit for you. So how can you ask about salary ...
How to phrase a question?
There’s always more than one way to phrase a question. Style and approach help you get the information you want. Choose your words and phrasing carefully when asking about what an employer will do for you. Let’s dig into this. Sometimes using specific words can make all the difference.
Can you get information without coming across as overly demanding?
You can get the information you need without coming across as overly-demanding or dismissive of the company’s needs. It’s definitely a delicate situation, but with the right strategy you can make a great impression and get the answers you want.
Can you march into an interview and ask for vacation time?
You can’t simply march into the interview and demand to know how much money and vacation time you’ll get. Instead, you need to approach these topics with diplomacy and finesse. Here are few things for you to do to set up tactful, effective questions about salary or benefits:
When to ask about salary in an interview?
Of course, each job interview and situation will be unique, so when you ask about salary — if you ask about it at all — keep in mind that it is going to depend on a few factors. As a general rule of thumb, it's best to wait until the hiring manager brings up the topic.
What to do if your salary is too high?
If your desired salary is too high, the company can go ahead and let you know you're not the best fit. Now, if salary hasn't been mentioned and you've completed your first interview, you can start thinking about bringing up the subject, especially if some sort of travel or big time commitment is involved.
What happens if you bring up salary too soon?
Salary can certainly be a touchy topic, one that needs to be handled with care. If you bring it up too soon, you'll seem greedy or money-motivated. If you wait too long, you risk wasting a whole lot of time and effort.
Can you report salary before applying?
However, you'll notice many companies won't report salary, ...
Do companies report salary?
However, you'll notice many companies won't report salary, so don't hold your breath. Instead, you might notice that some online job applications require you to enter your desired salary range. Although this feels like a “too soon” type of question, it helps the hiring manager determine if you're a good fit.
Is it important to discuss salary?
Yes, discussing salary can be touchy, and you don't want a company to assume money is your main motivator, but there's no denying its importance in your job search. As a general rule of thumb, follow the employer's lead. It'll come up at some point in the interview process, or at the very least when discussing a job offer.
Why do employers ask about salary expectations?
When an employer asks about your salary expectations, it’s usually for three reasons: They have a budget. The interviewer wants to make sure your compensation expectations align with the amount they’ve calculated for the job. If they find most candidates are asking for a great deal more than anticipated, it might mean requesting a larger budget ...
What does it mean when you answer with a salary expectation on the low end?
Alternatively, answering with a salary expectation on the low end could indicate you’re at a lower experience level than the job requires. Your answer to this question can be the beginning of the salary negotiation process. As a result, you want to make sure you’re providing a well-researched response.
Is it stressful to talk about money?
While a question about your salary expectations is one of the more straightforward things employers ask during a job interview, it can be stressful to talk about money. You can manage this stress by preparing your answers to salary-related questions ahead of time. If you do research on average compensation for both the role ...
When to Ask About Benefits During the Hiring Process
When you’re considering a job, there are many different factors in play. Most people think of the salary first and foremost, but benefits can be equally important. What can be challenging is knowing when to bring them up in the process. Asking about vacation days in your first interview is a definite mistake.
Timing is Everything
Early on in the process, a good rule is to not bring up benefits unless the company does first. For example, many recruiters will ask about specifics, knowing what the company offers and trying to pair it up with a candidate looking for the same thing. Some companies won’t discuss benefits at all.
Negotiation & Questions
If you’re unhappy with what is offered, or feel like you may be able to gain more, you could negotiate. Some companies may be firm on their salary offering, but willing to give you more days off.
Know the numbers and prepare your mind
Every role in every industry has a general market value. To kickstart a conversation about the potential salary, you need to have a target that’s in line with the market, so you need to conduct some fair research.
Keep it professional
Asking about salary during an interview is no game. You need to assume a business-minded attitude when approaching such a delicate topic. This is important because a refined attitude when you bring it up indicates that you are concerned about working at the organization and eager to move the conversation properly.
Demonstrate your value
An excellent strategy when it comes to asking about salary during your interview is to lay the proper foundation first. Before popping the money question, it’s advisable to show your competence and expertise for the role in question.
Time it right
Asking about salary during an interview must be masterfully done, and this entails knowing when to fire the question.
Be smart during the conversation
If your interviewer throws the question your way, it’s better to quote a range than stating a specific figure. Also, make sure you’ve confirmed the requirements of the job before quoting.
What are the benefits of a job?
Some commonly offered job benefits include: Insurance coverage for medical and dental care. Life insurance policies. Disability insurance.
What are the most important factors to consider when choosing a new career?
Employee benefits are one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a new career. The type of insurance, paid time off and retirement benefits you're offered during the hiring process can greatly influence how satisfied you'll be in your new position. In order to make the most informed decision possible, ...
What are some examples of employer sponsored benefits?
For example, if you have a child, spouse or another dependent, you'll want to pay attention to what benefits your potential employer might offer them as a part of your package.
What does it mean to get paid holidays?
Getting paid holidays means you can save your PTO for when you really want to use it rather than saving it for holiday breaks, like the week between Christmas and New Year's Day. Since policies about paid holidays differ from company to company, it's important to inquire about your potential employer's practices.
How long do you have to wait to get unemployment benefits?
Typically, the maximum waiting period is 90 days , meaning you might have to wait a full three months on the job before you're able to access your benefits. Comparatively, some employers have established shorter waiting periods, and others may not require a waiting period at all.
Is an employer's salary considered an employee benefit?
Therefore, anything your employer offers you besides your salary or regular pay is considered an employee benefit. Since employer-sponsored benefits can improve an employee's quality of life and level of job satisfaction, they're an important part of the offer and negotiation process. Not only do great benefits often draw in competitive candidates, ...
Do employers have a waiting period for health insurance?
Many employers have established waiting periods for employees before they can start to receive benefits. These policies help employers offer health insurance coverage to new employees regularly without having to wait for yearly enrollment dates.
