How to Dodge the Mid-Interview Salary Question

How to Dodge the Mid-Interview Salary QuestionHow to Dodge the Mid-Interview Salary QuestionWhat is it about the salary question that can strike fear in the heart of even the most seasoned job seeker? Is it the fear of asking too much (and subsequently losing out on the job)? Or is it the worry of wondering whether you low-balled yourself and wont earn what you want- or deserve?If youre in the middle of a job interview thats going great, learn how to dodge the mid-interview salary question with these tacticsRefuse to answer the question.Before you even contemplate answering the question, you should know that some states have banned employers from even asking about salary requirements. So before you settle in during your interview, know if your state has these laws in place. If so, it can make answering the question less uncomfortable, since you can state, According to the law in our state, I dont have to legally answer this question. This shows an employer that youre knowledgeable ab out the laws- and your rights.Now, if you dont live in a state that currently has this law (or if youre applying for a remote job in another state that isnt protected under this ban), then you can still refuse to answer the question- in a polite manner, of course Devay Campbell, a career coach, offers this tip You can say something like, I would like to hear all of the details of the job before quoting a definitive number. That way, an employer is aware that you dont want to rush to cite a number but would rather have all of the information so you can make an informed decision.Reassure your interviewer instead.Another alternative to answering the mid-interview salary question is by reassuring your interviewer. It helps you side-step the salary question but still lets your befhigung boss know that youre keenly interested in the job. For example, you might want to say The job sounds great. Im sure that salary wont be an issue. This conveys to an interviewer that youre confident that y ou can do the job and that you wont let salary come in between the two of you- or your chances of accepting their offer.A second option way to reassure your interviewer, states Campbell, is by saying the following I am open to considering the entire compensation package. This can be helpful because if your interviewer is testing the waters by asking you a salary-related question mid-interview, by answering the question this way youre prolonging having to quote a specific number prematurely.Change the subject entirely.Frankly, theres no real reason why you should have to answer a salary question if youre not being offered the job right then and there. Thats why, if you feel that you can pull it off, you should pivot away from the question altogether. You can answer their question with one of your own, such as, Where do you see the position (and the company) headed in the next few years? Or you can ask What are some next steps in the interview process? or What would be some character traits that you would want the person in this role to possess? These are all valid questions (and ones that you should ask an employer regardless), but timing it to coincide with the salary question helps you change the subject in a professional yet firm manner.Now, lets say that, despite your best efforts, your interviewer wants an answer. Campbell offers these tipsKnow your worth- literally.You should never let a company dictate your worth, advises Campbell. Most people make the mistake of allowing the company to be the expert, says Campbell. You should fully understand your market value before you say yes to an offer. If youve changed careers, or are on-ramping back into the workforce after a hiatus, or just really arent sure what the fair market value is for your job, there are a slew of salary calculators out there that can help you determine what youre worth.And make sure that the number makes sense to you. After all, if you accept a low offer, it not only affects your earning s now, but your earnings kompetenz throughout your entire career. This can be devastating, particularly for women, as it only contributes to the gender pay gap and prevents women from earning what their male counterparts do.Give a range.Its a good idea to give a salary range (and never a specific number) during a job interview. For example, you could say, I am willing to accept between $45,000-$60,000. But heres the trick make sure that your low-end range number is one that youre comfortable accepting, since many employers will veer towards that number. And dont make the range too wide, since it can imply to a potential employer that you dont really know the median salary for the job.Understand how to handle online applications.Some employers dont even wait for the job interview to ask you what your salary requirements are- they include it as a question on your online application If its possible (and you arent ready to answer the question), leave the section blank. But if you have t o answer the question in order to submit your application, use the job interview advice above (i.e., give a range, if possible, or write in an answer that states that youd like to know more about the job before committing to a figure). You can even write market-rate salary or competitive with todays market value to appease a potential employer.Whether its during the application process, mid-interview, or if you have a bonafide job offer on the table, always, always, always negotiate your salary Negotiating is not rude it is your right, says Campbell. Listen to the offer, take good notes, and return with a counteroffer if you find that the offer is below market.And always keep your self-worth first and foremost in your mind. If you accept a low offer, it might show that you dont value your own time, energy, and talents. Negotiating for what youre worth means that youll continue to earn a competitive salary (and one that youll be proud of) throughout your entire career.Know someone lo oking for a job? Refer a friend to with this link- youll get a month free service and theyll get 30% off