The First Interview: Don't Ask About Salary

Asking about salary and benefits in the first interview is a good way for you to eliminate yourself from consideration for the job. Find out why this practice should be avoided.

By Matt Krumrie, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: November 3, 2009 - 10:19 AM

Print this story

Search jobs

More from Jobs : Career management

Dear Matt: Is it appropriate to ask an employer about salary or benefits during the first interview? It has always been my understanding that this is not good interview practice, but my husband and several friends strongly disagree. What is the right or wrong approach and why?

Matt: I agree with Lonny Gulden, a Twin Cities technology recruiter (chiefconnectionsofficer.com), who says that inquiring about salary or benefits during the first interview is absolutely detrimental to your employment chances with that employer. Why?

"You will be viewed as selfish and focused on your needs rather than the employer's," says Gulden. "In today's market, where HR is looking for ways to whittle down the candidate pool to a manageable number, it would be a shame if you were excluded right out of the shoot for asking this question."

When you go into that first interview the only thing you should be focused on is making it to the next level, adds Gulden. Sell yourself by effectively communicating your value to the interviewer. Keep in mind, the interview will be thinking "why should I hire this person?" You don't want to raise any red flags during that process.

"Never bring up money in the first interview," says Gulden. "Try to defer or deflect questions about compensation as late in the process as possible. Once you've sold yourself and the employer has extended you an offer, then, and only then, does the power shift from employer to prospective employee. "

Graham Riley, of Back-2-Work (www.back-2-work.com), a Twin Cities company that offers job hunting support services and career counseling, echoes the same thoughts as Gulden. Riley says it's premature to discuss salary and benefits during the first interview because your relative or perceived value to the hiring organization is still being assessed - and you're still in the process of building your case as to why they should offer you the role versus the other candidates.

"Asking at the initial interview means that you are asking for them to put a dollar figure on their first impression," says Riley."

Matt Krumrie is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, and has nine years of experience reporting on the employment industry. This column will answer readers' questions. E-mail questions or subject ideas to askmatt@startribune.com.

Recent Jobs : Career management stories

Shop Early For Holiday Jobs - November 3, 2009

Shop Early For Holiday Jobs - Holiday jobs may be difficult to find this year. Start early and be creative in your job search. Remember that employee discounts and free services are dollar-stretchers. More

Marriage, Infomercials, and Your Job Search - November 3, 2009

Marriage, Infomercials, and Your Job Search - Can your job search be similar to marriage and infomercials? More