INTERVIEW RESOURCE GUIDE

Knowing how to discuss pay in an interview can be one of the most stressful aspects of the job search process, but it doesn’t have to be! When you discuss pay, remember that negotiations often involve give and take. Focus on what’s most important to you. For example, if working for a great mentor is your top priority, you might be more flexible on components of your total compensation.

Your Ambrion recruiter is a valuable partner. We offer objectivity when you need it. Our compensation is directly related to the offer amount you receive, so trust in your recruiter’s negotiation skills. Our goal is to lead you confidently toward the career path you want.

Preparing To Discuss Pay

Review these points before you interview. If you have any hesitations or concerns, please discuss with your recruiter:

• Be honest about your salary requirements. Tell your recruiter if they change.
• Don’t base your decision on salary alone. Make sure you’ll be happy in the position. No amount of money can make a bad fit good.
• Be flexible. Compensation packages usually combine salary, bonuses, benefits, and other perks—consider all these when evaluating a job offer.
• Companies want to make a fair offer and bring you in at a level that allows them to give you a fair increase at review time. They also consider internal equity. If they have other people in similar positions, they must be careful not to bring you in outside these employees’ salary range to avoid internal conflict. Salaries should always be kept confidential, but it is amazing how fast salary-related rumors/facts spread throughout a department!
• If you are working with a recruiter, you will know the position’s salary range before an interview, and you can feel comfortable stating that your requirements fall within the range that the company offers. It’s important to discuss pay with your recruiter ahead of time. They have the most intimate knowledge of where the hiring managers will bend and can give you the most specific advice on answering this question and leveraging your options.
• We’ve seen candidates eliminated because they would not provide any salary information. It’s okay to start with broad answers, but if the interviewer continues to ask more specific questions about compensation, you’ll need to become more specific with your answers. Be conscious of how the interviewer is feeling about your answers here.
• If you are asked a money-related question during the first interview, it is usually designed to eliminate those making too much or too little. If you are unaware of the position’s salary range, try to get that information before answering the question. Then, answer the question strategically so as not to eliminate yourself.

Handling Salary Questions Strategically

You may want to use one of the following responses when asked: