Blog

Don't Do It! Salary Negotiation In The First Interview

Don't Do It! Salary Negotiation In The First Interview
Asking About Salary In The 1st Interview - Coaching Moment

Hey there, it's JT. Today, I want to talk to you about something that's actually pretty controversial! When you're looking for a job, you want to make sure you're looking at something that is going to pay you a salary that fits your life and your needs, right? That being said, you should never talk about salary and benefits in the early stages of the interview.


Thinking Like The Employer

via GIPHY

A lot of people have issues with that and say, "Hey look, you should talk about it right away because you need to know whether or not you're wasting each other's time."

Now I get that in theory, but this is one of those coaching moments. Knowing this can really separate you and get you the success you're looking for. You're not thinking about it from the employer's point of view.

You know they're actually a company that's buying your services. You're a business of one selling your services, and anytime we buy something, we have to really think about it, especially something expensive. And guess what? You're expensive. Your salary and benefits are not cheap.

Respect And Trust Come First!

Two employees smiling about their jobs

Bigstock

In those early stages of the interview process, they're trying to understand whether or not they trust you, whether or not they respect you, whether or not they think you'd be the right fit. After they figure this out, then it makes sense to talk about salary negotiations.

I want you to imagine for a minute, if you were to walk in a store and you were about to buy something expensive, and the salesperson walked up to you and in the first few minutes of the conversation said, "How much are you looking to spend?"

You're In The Driver's Seat

Woman driving thinking about her new job offer

Bigstock

"I don't want to waste my time here." That's exactly the impression you're giving when you, the job seeker, start asking about salary and benefits in the very first interview. It's just a disrespectful thing. You need to wait your turn.

It's up to you to sell your skills and abilities. You want them absolutely in love with you so that when they decide you are the perfect person for the job and they extend you the offer, you are in the driver's seat. You'll be able to negotiate for what you really want because you've earned that opportunity.

When You Get An Offer

via GIPHY

Now, when you get the job offer, if it's not exactly what you wanted, you could then say, "Wow, I'm so excited about this opportunity, but this wasn't exactly the salary I was looking for, and here's why."

Explain to them if they could pay you a bit more, you would be so much happier and able to fully complete the job for them.

Increase Your Negotiation Power

A job candidate negotiating his salary

Bigstock

They're going to be listening to this because they don't want to lose out. They don't want to pick their second best candidate. They want you, and this is where your negotiation power really increases.

So, when you talk salary and benefits in the beginning, not only do you send a bad message, but you actually take your own negotiation power away. You don't want to do that.

If you learn anything today, wait to talk about salary and benefits. The more trust and respect that you can earn throughout the interview process, the better the chances that you get offered the job.

Do you feel like you might need some extra help during your job search? You're not alone! Find out how our career growth club can help you!

Featured