Proper business etiquette to ask about salary?

Question

If you're job searching, is it proper business etiquette to inquire on the salary in the beginning, that way you don't waste yours and their time? I've been told yes and no. What does anyone think who's been in the job force awhile?

Answer 1

I use to be a hiring manager....and I would say that there is nothing wrong about asking about the salary in the beginning. However, bury the question a little by asking about the job responsibilities first and, maybe, the hours. Bury it so it doesn't just seem like you are interested in the money!!

Answer 2

It is not proper business etiquette to ask about salary in the interview process. Discussions about salary are usually undertaken after the decision to hire/accept is made.

In deciding whether to interview for a job you should have done the research necessary so that you know what salary range to expect from the job for which you are interviewing. Do not interview for a job where the lower end of the expected salary range is below what you would like to earn.

If you responded to a job posting then the posting may have indicated a salary range so that you know what to expect. Look at that job posting again.

If you were recommended for the interview by someone or someone suggested to you that you interview for the job then ask that person what the expected salary range is, do not ask the interviewer.

The interview is the time to present to the interviewer the reasons why they should hire you for the job. If you have reservations about interviewing for the job you will be unable to put your best foot forward. So make sure that both the expected salary and your understanding of the requirements of the job are accurate and attractive to you. You must be able to tell the interviewer clearly why you want this job.

If you win the job, they will then begin to discuss salary. If you know what range to expect then when they propose a salary you will know how much they want you. If they propose at the bottom of the range then you can complain and work your way up the range. If they propose at the high end then you know they really want you and then you should just take the job.

The worst mistake interviewees make is to not know the details about the job for which they are interviewing. It is most important that you do your research before you go to the interview. Its called being prepared.

You sound like an intelligent inquiring person and obviously by asking the question you are in the process of doing your research. Keep it up!!!

.... and good luck with the interview and job search.

Answer 3

Depends.

If you still have a job, and can afford to be picky, then always bring it up. Just do it the right way. At the end of the phone interview (or whenever they schedule you for the face to face interview) if they have not brought up a salary range, just say, "If you don't mind my asking, what is the anticipated salary range for this position?".

Sometimes they will just tell you, most of the time they will come back with, "what are you looking for?" Don't shoot yourself in the foot here, so keep it vague, I call my answer "specifically vague" and it usually works. Use the words "low," "mid" or "high" 40s annually. If you wanted 42k, you would say, "low to mid 40s, depending on the entire scope of the position" This gives them a pretty big range, and gives you wiggle room for negotiations after the offer.

If you are more desperate for the paycheck, and out of work, don't bring it up at all and just use the experience to get better at interviewing for the real job you want.

Good luck

Answer 4

Yes. Most job ads will provide a starting salary or a starting salary range which is dependent upon experience. If it is a range dependent upon experience they won't be able to give you a figure until after you have applied and they know something of your background and where you have worked before.

If there is no information given up front as to what the salary will be you have every right to ask.

Answer 5

always be upfront, honest and straight to the point. when i was younger i was always intimidated by potential employers and a few times i did not inquire about my wages and got taken advantage of. find out what the industry standard is for the position you are applying for just to give you a benchmark to start from. depending on your experience level you may get more or less.
i own my own business and have a few employees now. i don't look to hard at people that don't ask questions during the interview. i like to know what expectations a potential employee has and they should know what mine are.
best of luck

Answer 6

I have been interviewing/hiring people for 2 years.

On a phone interview - Do not ask

Interviewing with the person who does not make the final decision - Do not ask

During these stages you are only establishing a mutual interest in the company and in a working realtionship. It would be like you asking what size carat diamond is expected or how many babies you are willing to have on the first or second date.

End of first interview with the decision maker - "I have learned alot about your opportunites and am very excited about the possiblity of a future with your company, do you feel like there would be a place for me here?" wait for positive response, "Would it be appropriet for me to ask about what level of compemsation is expected for productive person in this position?", wait for positive response, "What does your company feel is an appropriet level of compensation for a producitve person in this position in terms of salary and benifits?" always remeber the LAW the one who names an actual dollar figure first always looses. If you ask the question in this manner you are not coming off as greedy, and note the word "Me" or "I" is never connected with compensation.

Good Luck

Answer 7

The easiest way to insure that you don't waste your time is to tell them your current compensation at the time you submit your resume. For example, in the message area of the email, you forward the equivalent of a cover letter and include your current salary plus bonus (if you have one) plus benefits (don't mention that you don't get benefits if you don't receive any). If you are earning $225000 and they can only pay $150000, TRUST ME the subject will come up early because they don't want their time wasted.

AND

TRUST ME when I say that a $55000 person is not hired at $120000. Not at any company worth joining any way!

Good luck!

Answer 8

It's like walking into a party...you don't start by saying, "where's the beer?" You learn about the job and the skills required - THEN you ask about the money. That way you don't come across as greedy, and you still find out how much the job is worth.

Answer 9

Read your employee handbook. The handbook may present the process whereby salary increases are granted. If a policy or a process exists, your best bet when asking for a pay raise, is to follow the process exactly.Or just ask

Answer 10

When they ask how much do I want to earn, I ask them for the salary range.

It's never what they say. If they like you, they are willing to work with you.

My employer told me they started at $32,000.00 but they offered me way more. Later I found out that $32000.00 was the starting salary range.