How to highlight salary in a job interview?

No matter how promising the opportunity, there’s no denying that salaries are a major factor when accepting a job offer. For many of us, being compensated fairly for our skills and experience impacts job satisfaction.

While this is good news for jobseekers, it’s important to broach the salary conversation with your prospective employer at the right stage and with the right job interview preparation. Failing to do so could compromise your chance of securing the role or the salary you want.

If you are contemplating how to ask about the salary in a job interview, here are some factors to consider before you start discussing salaries during the interview process.

1. Avoid salary talk during initial steps

The initial goals for your potential employer is to get to know you and identify your attributes and strengths.
Before starting a dialogue about your salary expectations, you need to display suitability for the role and be sure the job is right for you, as well as attracting the attention of the hiring managers.

2. Don’t make money your main motivator

Although opportunities for a higher salary can be a catalyst for your decision to change jobs, suggesting that it’s your biggest motivation is a big mistake when discussing pay in an interview.
Discussing salary during the initial interview, or referencing it in your cover letter or resume, can send the message that you value dollar signs over opportunity and experience.

3. Make sure you leave room for negotiation

When you do decide to discuss wages, don’t mention a specific figure – provide your preferred salary range instead.
Showing that you’re flexible is the first step towards negotiating a pay packet that’s viable for your employer and reflects your ambitions.

Arm yourself with information by consulting colleagues in your industry and reviewing Lawson Delaney’s Salary Guide to assess your market rate. If you do your research, you’ll be better equipped to negotiate.

4. Present a solid case when discussing salary

Salary is a representation of the value an employee brings to the company.
You need to be able to talk specifically about your skills, experience and prior successes, especially those that have had a measurable effect on the bottom line. Knowing things like your charge out rate, yearly billings etc., is a great way for you to demonstrate your worth.

This will definitely benefit you when the time comes for salary negotiation. Don’t be afraid to let your enthusiasm for the role show – your passion can be contagious.

5. Don’t get ahead of yourself

Wait for the hiring manager to bring up the salary discussion and make sure you fully understand the requirements of the position before answering questions about your preferred pay. Ask prospective employers what they think would be an appropriate pay range for the position so you can avoid giving a figure that is too high or low when discussing salary.

6. Don’t bluff

It’s never a good move to mislead a prospective employer about your current compensation or other higher-paying job offers in an effort to get more money.
Instead, emphasise the value you can bring to the organisation when discussing salary, and be honest about your desired remuneration.

After the interviews, and receiving an offer – are you able to negotiate?

Yes. If you’re offered a salary that doesn’t meet your expectations, it’s okay to request additional compensation. Employers may start at the lower end of their salary range, leaving room to move.

But, think beyond the pay packet. Be sure to look at the full picture when evaluating a job offer. The job you love could offer a generous benefits package or opportunities to learn and grow with the company, which may compensate for a lower starting salary.

Finally…before officially accepting a job offer, make sure that you get an offer in writing stating the salary. It’s never a good idea to formally accept a job offer without seeing it in writing.