{"id":3480,"date":"2023-04-18T11:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-18T15:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/?p=3480"},"modified":"2024-06-24T13:03:55","modified_gmt":"2024-06-24T17:03:55","slug":"how-to-ask-about-salary-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/interview-questions\/how-to-ask-about-salary-interview","title":{"rendered":"Should You Ask About Salary in an Interview? Here’s How!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Though attitudes are changing, asking about salary in a job interview requires a delicate touch. You want to be polite and sensitive but don\u2019t want to get pulled into a salary negotiation too soon. And, of course, you may think you shouldn\u2019t ask at all! But knowing how to ask about salary in an interview puts you in the driver\u2019s seat and lets you decide if you should continue pursuing the role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why You Should Ask About Salary in an Interview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before accepting a job offer, you\u2019ll consider many aspects, like how much paid time off there is, what the fringe benefits<\/a> are, or what kind of work-life balance<\/a> it offers. But salary is probably the biggest thing you\u2019ll consider. After all, your paycheck has a significant impact on your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>>MORE:<\/strong> Just how big of an impact will your paycheck have? Find out with our take home pay calculator<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though times (and laws) are changing, not every job posting includes a salary range. And not every recruiter or hiring manager<\/a> will bring the subject up, so it may be up to you to ask about salary in an interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, the thought of asking about salary during your interview may make you nervous. You might worry that bringing it up is rude or could tank your chances of getting a job. But, says Tanja Hinterstoisser, former assistant vice president, career design and employer outreach at Champlain College, \u201cIf the employer does not approach you with any salary information it\u2019s definitely appropriate to bring it up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Applying to entry-level roles?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Figure out what entry-level roles are right for you at Red Bull with their Role Match Quiz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Get started<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What if the Interviewer Doesn\u2019t Know the Salary?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

That depends on who you\u2019re talking to!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re talking to a recruiter<\/a>, they may not know the salary range. So, if they say, \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d that\u2019s OK. Likewise, if you\u2019re interviewing with potential coworkers, they also may not know the salary specifics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

\n\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Interview Success<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Level up your interview skills in this free course from BCLP. Practice for a video interview, learn how to ace the assessment, and more.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll Today\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAvg. Time:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t4-5 hours\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSkills you’ll build:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCommunication, presentation, public speaking, time management, organization\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll Today\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

However, if you\u2019re interviewing with the hiring manager<\/a>, they should know the salary or how much is budgeted for the position. If the hiring manager says, \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d or \u201cWe haven\u2019t determined that yet,\u201d proceed with caution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s possible the hiring manager is waiting for you to throw out the first number and use that to start the salary discussion. But not knowing the salary for the role could be a red flag about the organization. If the hiring manager doesn\u2019t know the salary, what else are they unaware of?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Ask About Salary in an Interview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To be clear, asking about salary in an interview is not<\/em><\/strong> the same as negotiating a salary<\/a>. In this case, you\u2019re asking what the possible salary is, nothing more. You don’t want to start salary negotiations before you have a written job offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, it\u2019s also critical you\u2019re prepared to talk about salary in an interview \u2014 including the employer asking you what your salary expectations are<\/a>! Here\u2019s how to ask about salary in an interview politely and carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

\n\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Discover\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Professional Skills<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Explore and identify your professional values and connect with a company that aligns with them in this free course from Discover Financial Services.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGet Started\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAvg. Time:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t2-3 hours\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSkills you’ll build:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSelf-reflection, discovery, planning, organization\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGet Started\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Prepare for the Reaction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Though some interviewers won\u2019t bat an eyelash when you ask about salary during an interview, others may not react positively. \u201cIt\u2019s a downer,\u201d says Hinterstoisser. \u201cPeople don\u2019t really like to be asked.\u201d But she also notes that how<\/em> the interviewer reacts can give you an idea about the values and culture of the organization<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, an interviewer who seems comfortable discussing pay and benefits likely feels that way because the company values transparency and honesty around salary. Likewise, an interviewer who dances around the topic may feel they can’t talk about pay because the company discourages it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hinterstoisser says the best way to handle a negative reaction is to remain confident. Don\u2019t apologize for asking. Instead, explain that it\u2019s critical for you to understand all aspects of the job and that one of those aspects is the salary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

\n\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

You Are Extraordinary<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Learn how to identify and overcome imposter syndrome in this free course from Ashurst UK. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJoin Now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAvg. Time:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t3-4 hours\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSkills you’ll build:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tInterview prep, causes of imposter syndrome, positive self-talk, growth mindeset\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJoin Now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Hinterstossier says you can respond with, \u201cMy decision to join the company is an important one and I want to be sure that on the financial front I am being paid adequately.\u201d You could substitute \u201cadequately,\u201d with a more specific explanation, such as explaining that if you\u2019re relocating, you want to ensure you can afford the change in the cost of living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>>MORE:<\/strong> Should I Move for a Job?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Time It Right<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In some respects, it makes sense to ask about salary early in the interview process. If the job doesn\u2019t pay enough to cover your basic living expenses (rent, food, student loans), it\u2019s unlikely you\u2019ll accept the job. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, salary isn\u2019t generally discussed in the early interview stages, and that\u2019s OK. Hinterstoisser advises candidates to hold off on asking about salary until the later stages of the interview process. \u201cYou want to be sure that the employer is interested in you as a candidate and starts getting a sense as to what your worth really is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She also notes that holding off on asking about salary in an early interview allows you to evaluate if the pay range is representative of the actual work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many employers have a multi-stage interview process. You may start with a phone screen<\/a>, then meet with the hiring manager, and possibly have a panel interview<\/a> with your potential team. Between these three interviews, you’ll likely learn a lot about the job and what you would be doing. With this information you’ll be better able to evaluate if the pay matches the work you’ll be doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do Your Homework<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The \u201crisk\u201d in asking about salary in an interview is that the interviewer will flip the question back on you and ask what kind of salary you\u2019re looking for. But don\u2019t skip asking the question because you don\u2019t want to take that risk!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

\n\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Interview Preparation: Own Your Story<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Get prepped and ready for your next job interview in this free course from BCLP. You'll learn how to craft a memorable story about your abilities, ask the hiring manager the right questions, and more.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll Now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAvg. Time:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t3-4 hours\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSkills you’ll build:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCareer management, storytelling, career development, interview prep\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll Now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Do your homework before the interview and have a salary range in mind. Hinterstoisser says that Salary.com, NerdWallet, and Indeed are all great places to start. Keep in mind that many of the tools show the average salary range for all<\/em> experience levels. Make sure to use the filters to see the salary range for someone with your level of experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practice, Practice, Practice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hinterstoisser points out that while asking about salary in an interview can be a dicey proposition for anyone, it can be especially hard for first-generation college students<\/a>, people from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, and women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To help you feel more comfortable asking about salary in an interview, Hinterstoisser says to practice in a mock interview, with an advisor, or even a friend you trust. The more you practice asking about salary, the more confident you\u2019ll feel bringing it up when the time comes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sample Questions for Asking About Salary in an Interview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hinterstoisser says there\u2019s no right or wrong way to ask about salary in a job interview. But one crucial point is that you should ask about a salary range.<\/em> This \u201cshows that you\u2019re aware an organization has a budget for a role and the budget is determined by [the] company for whatever factors they deem necessary,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hinterstoisser suggests starting with, \u201cWe haven\u2019t spoken about compensation. I\u2019m wondering what you have budgeted for this role?\u201d If that\u2019s a little too direct for you, she suggests asking, \u201cI\u2019m curious what the pay band and benefits are for this role?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other ways to ask about salary in an interview include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n