When and How to Talk About Salary

The topic of salary is a sensitive one and approaching it at the wrong time or in the wrong way can hurt your candidacy.

It is crucial to handle this conversation with strategy and professionalism.

Avoid bringing up the topic too soon (Ideally, wait for the offer).

As a general rule, avoid being the one to initiate the salary conversation during the early stages of the interview.

Doing so prematurely can give the impression that your primary motivation is money or that you already assume you will be hired, which can be counterproductive.

The ideal time to discuss salary in detail is when the company has made you a formal job offer.

At that point, they have already decided they want you and the conversation becomes a negotiation.

How to answer the salary expectation question

Chances are they will ask you "What is your salary expectation?" before making you an offer. Be prepared to answer:

Research ranges: Before the interview, research how much similar positions pay in that industry, company and location. Consider your experience and what you've been earning.

Try to procrastinate: If possible, try to elegantly postpone answering until there is a firm offer, saying something like, "I would prefer to discuss salary once we are clear that I am the right candidate and there is an offer on the table."

Offer a range (range): If they insist, provide a salary range based on your research (ex.

"Based on my experience and market ranges, I am looking for a salary between X and Y"), indicating flexibility to negotiate.

Refer to your last salary (with context): You can mention your previous salary as a reference, but focus on what you are looking for now (ex.

"In my last position I earned X, and I'm looking for an improvement commensurate with new responsibilities").

Avoid answers such as "whatever" or unsubstantiated figures.

Never say "whatever" or "whatever they think is fair". This makes you sound unprofessional, desperate and that you don't val