Tips for handling salary discussions appropriately during an interview
When interviewing for a new job, one of the hardest questions to ask is: “What is the salary for this role?” There are specific ways to go about this conversation that will help you towards your desired salary.
Whether you’re seeking a new job or looking to level up in your current one, here are six tips on how to manage salary discussions confidently during an interview.
Do research on salary discussions
Before stepping into a salary discussion, it’s important to do your homework. Distinct roles, experience levels, and industries come with different salary ranges. Building your knowledge on these numbers will improve confidence and allow you to feel more prepared when discussing salary during an interview. Some ways that you can research are by:
- Using online tools like Glassdoor and Payscale to gauge a number that makes sense.
- Looking at industry-specific salary reports to get geographic and role-specific salary guidance.
- Asking peers in your field to get a sense of current trends.
Know your market value
Before walking into an interview, come with an idea of the minimum salary you are willing to accept. You want to be aware of the value you bring to the table and only accept a salary that you believe is fair to you and your skillset. By preparing a number ahead of time, it helps to:
- Avoid making a quick decision that you’ll be dissatisfied with in the long run.
- Make your choice based on personal needs and career goals.
- Help your negotiation go smoother, as you have a number that you’re aiming for.
Decide what’s important to you
Looking for a new job isn’t always about wanting to make more money. There are several other factors that affect this decision, including the opportunity to grow in a career field, different values and culture, or benefits that a company may offer. That’s why you should always decide what’s most important to you when conducting your job search. Some ways that you can do this are by:
- Making a list of your values and trying to find a company that matches.
- Not settling for the first opportunity that comes your way and continuing to search until you are satisfied.
- Asking if the company offers opportunities for growth. If the starting salary isn’t what you’re looking for, the position may come with opportunities for promotion that will eventually allow you to make your desired amount.
Remain professional
It’s important to stay professional and flexible when negotiating your salary. Take some time to think about an appropriate salary range to attain. It’s possible that the interviewer may tell you “no” or that the amount you requested “isn’t possible,” but that doesn’t mean you should be offended. How you handle the negotiation reflects your professionalism, and a recruiter will consider this when offering you a position. Some ways you can remain professional are by:
- Staying open minded and listening to what the interviewer has to say
- Considering why they gave the number they did. Benefits, like equity and bonuses, are important to take into consideration
- Preparing potential responses for the answer you are given. Advocating for yourself is something you’ll always have to do, and practice and preparation will help
Give a salary range
It’s beneficial to prepare an ideal salary range rather than just a specific number before an interview. Providing an interviewer with a range will help:
- Show that you can be adaptable
- Facilitate a more open negotiation
- Demonstrate that you’ve done your research
Remain flexible
Even if you have a specific number in mind, it’s important to show some flexibility during an interview. Negotiation goes two ways and if you appear too stubborn, your chances of receiving the position may be limited. To remain flexible, you can:
- Be open to hearing the employer’s offer and their explanation behind it
- Emphasize your interest in the role and why your skillset fits your desired value
- Consider room for growth and promotion within your position
Discussing salary is a part of the hiring process, and it’s definitely something to think about before showing up for an interview. Although it can be a daunting subject, practice, preparation, and professionalism are key to reaching your career goals.
Looking to switch your career path? Addison Group can help. For more than 20 years, our expert recruiters have been matching qualified candidates with top companies. Let’s talk about how we can find you a job that fits your career goals, not just what’s available.
