How to answer ‘What are your salary expectations?’ and other tips for talking pay in interviews

Interviewing for a new job can be exciting — every conversation is a chance to say exactly what you want in a new role or company, and to make the case for why you deserve it. But one thing that can trip up even the most enthusiastic candidate is figuring out how to discuss money in job interviews.

It’s natural to want to be paid fairly for your work. And yet discussing pay plainly with someone you hope to have a long working relationship with, not to mention with a hiring manager who has way more inside information than you, can feel unnerving.

Experts say you should go into every first interview with your salary expectations in mind. You ca check industry salary reports, use online databases and tap your network to figure out where you stand in the market.

As for timing, there are a few different schools of thought as to when to bring up salary in a job interview.

More companies are beginning to state their pay upfront, in which case you might discuss salary in first or second rounds. If you’re confident in what you want your salary to be, you might bring it up on the early side to make the most of your time.