Let's say your first interview with a prospective employer leads to further discussions. Congratulations. You are moving ahead in the process. Next you may face additional interviews and, inevitably, a conversation about compensation.
If an employer asks how much you expect to be compensated, give a salary range instead of a definite number. Come to the interview prepared with knowledge of a reasonable salary range for the position. Use a career information website to learn about the salary range for related positions. Otherwise, contacting the human resources office or a networking contact that works in the company may be helpful.
Let the employer bring up salary first and try to avoid the issue entirely in the initial interview. Delaying salary negotiation as long as possible allows you to better understand what the position entails before the question of salary is addressed. It also gives you more time to articulate what you'll bring to the employer before an offer is made.
The next step is salary negotiation. It can set the tone for your work life and experience with the employer. These are some suggestions to consider when you receive a job offer. Negotiating is a two-way street. Try to achieve a win-win situation. It's up to you to decide which tips will work best for you.
