When To Ask About Salary

An interview question not to ask during the beginning stages of an interview is "how much vacation do I get," before interviewers make fringe benefit statements first. You can also apply the same rule for when to ask about salary.

While there are exceptions to any rule, the right time to ask about vacations and money is during the last leg of the interview process. This is called "the offer interview."

There are three legs to an interview. It's helpful to know which leg you're standing on so you don't stumble.

First leg - interviewing with human resources (HR)

While you might not start interviewing with human resources, it's often the first leg. This can be the toughest interview you'll get. HR is topdog. You're underdog. HR representatives have been trained how to interview. Their intention is to screen you out, not in. The HR recruiter wants to select a handful of candidates to refer on to one or more hiring managers.

So fasten your seat belt and do your best to get to the next interview.

Second leg - interviewing with hiring manager(s)

Unlike the HR person who introduced you, most hiring managers don't know how to conduct an interview, would rather be doing their own work than interviewing you, and could be even more anxious than you are about the interview process. Because when a manager makes the wrong hiring decision, that person's job is on the line.

While the hiring manager is still topdog and you're still underdog, you can begin to take some control over the interview by using techniques you've learned through reading the how to columns on Your Career Service.

Third leg -- the offer interview

You've come a long way, baby, whenever you get to the third leg of the interview process with a corporation. Now, you are topdog. The company is underdog. Why? You are the candidate the company wants, that's why. They've invested time and money interviewing and discussing you. Now, they're prepared to make you an offer.

When to ask about fringe benefits

This is your chance to ask about compensation - salary and fringe benefits - and negotiate the offer. Many of you fear doing so. But it's no big deal to ask for more money when you understand that, like a car or house, you are a big-ticket item.

When buying a car or home, do you pay the asking price? No. You make a bid for the car just like the employer is making a bid for your services. You're expected to negotiate pay and fringe benefits.

Bottom line: You need to aim your conversation towards the company during the first two legs of the interview process. Talk only about the company and how you can help. Avoid talking about money until...

...the third leg, the "offer interview." Then go for it! This is your chance to negotiate compensation.
Randy Place, a career management consultant in private practice, and Internet host of Your Career Service -- http://www.yourcareerservice.com Daily posts feature job-finding tips and career management advice. Topics include job interview tips, networking strategies, dealing with job loss, resume writing and personalized cover letters, getting ahead at work, how to handle standard interview questions and much more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randy_Place