Here's how you can discuss salary or raise during a job interview.

🌳 Money doesn’t grow on trees, and demanding a raise rarely goes over well. Instead, be strategic: 📄 Do your homework. Transparency laws are making it easier to find salary information. Research market rates; sites like Glassdoor and salary.com provide insights, but take them with a grain of salt. 💰 Understand the range. Companies have salary ranges for each role, and your experience and skill level will determine where you fit. 🗓️ Consider timing. Know the company’s budgeting cycle and start the conversation before budgeting begins. ✔️ Be flexible. Approach your boss with a specific number, but stay open to negotiation. 🤔 Remember, money is allocated to people or projects. Be your own advocate.

Discussing salary or a raise during an interview is sensitive but manageable. Wait for the employer to bring it up, or ask towards the end. Research typical salary ranges for your role and area, considering your experience. Provide a flexible salary range and consider benefits too. Phrase it professionally, e.g., "Based on my experience, a salary range of $X to $Y seems appropriate. How does this align with your budget?" For raises, choose the right time, highlight your contributions, and practice your pitch. Approach the conversation positively, focusing on mutual benefits.

First you need to Research: Know the industry standards and company norms for salaries. Timing: Wait for the employer to bring up salary or raise discussions. If prompted, aim to discuss it after showcasing your value. Value Proposition: Highlight your skills, experience, and achievements relevant to the role to justify your salary expectations. Negotiation: Be prepared to negotiate tactfully. State a salary range based on research, be flexible, and focus on mutual benefits. Professionalism: Maintain professionalism and avoid discussing personal financial needs unless relevant to the role or negotiations.

One thing I have found helpful is that you must the best time to introduce conversation about salary increase. Ensure you have satisfied all interview requests and remove all biases about your fitness for the job. When you are not yet sure that you are the best candidate for the job, don't reuse salary issues yet. That would be pouring sand in the rice. You can't separate it again!

You need to be very well prepared for the salary discussion. It's not a minor issue and, of course, it can take us out of the running for a good job opportunity. Initially, you should keep the following points in mind: 1) Study the company thoroughly before applying. A good internet search is mandatory whenever you apply for a job. 2) Be well aware of the salary ranges within the industry of the company where you are applying. 3) Wait until the recruiter or the company asks about your salary expectations. When the question arises, always respond with a salary range, always accompanied by the following phrase: "This range is negotiable depending on the growth opportunities and/or additional benefits the company offers."

-2- -check the cost of living where you are. Years ago I was transferred to LA, San Francisco, then Manhattan in rapid succession. All had significant additional costs than Chicago. -managing a career and salary is an all year process, don't wait until you have a financial crisis to renegotiate your salary. Ensure your accomplishments and performance are properly discussed and documented at every touch base and performance review. -always refer to your total compensation package, not just salary. Stock grants, 401k matching, and the like can be far more beneficial than a salary bump tax-wise. -remember, this is a delicate dance with lots of egos involved. Stay calm, don’t get emotional, don’t threaten, bring notes.

Also, while researching the particular position you're are applying for, ensure you take into account your proficiency at that role and salary of others with your same amount of experience. Many times a salary may include a bonus based on your individual talents or experience. You may start at a lower rate but receive an increase sooner based on job performance.

As I mentioned earlier, it is crucial to thoroughly research the company, including its size and industry. Additionally, many prominent consulting firms conduct salary surveys for various positions, companies, and industries. These surveys are published and are very useful for researching and requesting a compensation package that is as accurate as possible. This approach demonstrates professionalism, is highly regarded, and can enhance your ability to negotiate a better compensation package after showcasing your experience and skills that justify your salary request.

You must always be prepared to negotiate. If you are progressing with multiple job opportunities simultaneously, you should not only consider the take-home salary. Researching the growth opportunities within the company is vital; it indicates the real chances of economic advancement by developing a career within the company. This includes understanding whether the organizational structure is vertical. Investigate benefits such as bonus policies for achieving objectives, performance-based salary increases, work modalities, proximity and accessibility to the company, among others.

When discussing the salary expectations, there are always 3 levels that should be clarified with the candidate (when hiring) or the employee (when discussing growth). It's best to ask the employee personally: - MINIMUM - what is the minimum level that the candidate is willing to accept? Below what level are you not ready to reduce the salary? - OPTIMUM - what level is comfortable for the candidate? So that it is normal and the person feels satisfied. How much do you need now for a comfortable stay? - MAXIMUM - what level would you like to reach in 1-2 years? How much is realistic but ambitious for you? By clarifying such questions, the manager always understands how the expectations match the role's budget.