Should I Ask about Salary at my Interview?

Know The One Question That Will Determine Everything.

Salary negotiation is one of the essential points you need to discuss during your interview. Bringing this topic to the interview should be done at the right time so as not to leave a bad impression or reduce your chance to land the job.

What is The appropriate time to ask about the salary?

It varies according to different factors. The interview process plays an important role in determining the best timing for that question.

While you may need to know the expected package of the position early on in your interview to decide whether to proceed or not, it may take more time to discuss it. So the answer to the question of whether you should ask about the salary at your interview is simply yes, you should.

The Importance of Salary Negotiation During Interview

Business is based on metrics and data and managing these metrics leads to the success of the business. Part of the business metrics is the salary they offer their employees.

They need to guarantee a return on investment from the salaries they are offering so they can achieve profitability. Furthermore, they have already set a budget for the vacancy they are hiring for and will need to know if your expectations fall within the range of the budget or exceed it.

Salary negotiation is important for you as a candidate to determine whether this company appreciates their employees and encourages their effort and productivity.

If you feel you are underpaid or not receiving a competitive package, you will consider leaving your position at the earliest chance and this will not provide you with a chance to gain experience or new skills. Having a fair salary insures you can stay longer and benefit the company with your dedicated hard work.

How to Ask About Salary in an Interview?

• Do a Thorough Research About Salary Benchmarks.
• Determine What Benefits Matter for You.
• Focus on your Skills First.
• Wait for the Right Time.
• Get Ready for the Interviewer’s Question.
• Provide a Salary Range.

Waiting for the right moment and situation to start discussing and negotiating your salary is key to reaching your goal of the negotiation. It is important to be aware of these tips before negotiating your salary.

Do a Thorough Research About Salary Benchmark

The first step is to conduct your own research about the salary of the position to have a clear idea of what is the average salary for similar positions in other organizations. There are various resources where people share the average wages they are receiving for their jobs. Social media is a great resource as well to determine the benchmark for the salary.

Besides researching the average salary, you need to understand the benefits and the package offered for the vacancy you are applying for. You might need to negotiate bonuses and incentives as well. After understanding the salary range for the position, you need to assess what is your expected salary according to your current salary.

Determine What Benefits Matter for You

The expected salary should value your experience and skills to feel satisfied and avoid negotiating a salary increase in the near future.

The whole package of the position is crucial and the salary is part of it, SO:

• You need to do research regarding the other benefits you will receive. Annual or quarter bonuses can be a huge motivation and can adjust your salary to be competitive in the market.
• You should value career growth opportunities in your new organization so negotiating courses and certificates with the HR that may need to acquire in the near future is key to accepting the job offer.
  Focus on your Skills First
• Salary negotiation will seal your new job. That is why it is essential to persuade your new employer of the value you will be adding to the company so they will need to offer you the best package.
• Once they consider you a top talent for the vacancy and how successful you will reflect in the position, they will make sure to offer you a good deal that will make you feel satisfied and retain you in their company.

Wait for the Right Time

You may want to wait before negotiating the salary until there are a few signs your interview is going well. After passing the screening phase and the first interview, it might be a good time to discuss with your recruiter your expected salary.

Moreover, it is better to discuss the salary over the phone or face-to-face rather than send emails. You need to have a better chance at discussing and showcasing your skills and experience to convince your recruiter about the expected salary.
Get Ready for the Interviewer’s Question

The interviewer might take the initiative to ask you about your expectation, How to react?

• You should have in mind a well-crafted response to their question.
• In addition, you should have already made sufficient research to understand the average salary & Here you can see the global average salaries for 2023
• You have a clear idea of what can be offered.
• Your goal is to get the best out of the package, so you provide the interviewer with a salary range you find acceptable to you.
• If the interviewer has started the negotiation, they might be already considering you for the position.
• That also means you have successfully demonstrated the skills that make you qualified for the position. Being professional in your salary negotiation ensures the best outcome for you.

Instead of providing a specific number for your salary expectations, it is better to give an acceptable range. The salary range should start with the lowest salary you can accept and up to the highest salary in the market. The advantage of the salary range is to give yourself another chance to negotiate other details regarding the package.

After completing the interview phases, you have managed to display your worth for the new vacancy. In case the interviewer offers you the lowest salary requested, you might negotiate higher bonuses and incentives so that you can reach a middle ground regarding the salary.

Take a look for the top 50+Questions you should ask at the end of an interview

The Conclusion

Part of building your career is knowing your worth and how your skills can benefit the company. Don’t hesitate to request a higher salary if you feel you are worth it. Hiring managers will welcome your confidence and will try to match your salary as much as possible, if you need help in your career or your next interview don’t hesitate to as for help with Whitecollars Career Counselling