Salary & Benefit Negotiation

Do your salary research before the interview

You've just gone through a full day of interviews at a company. Your head is spinning with information and observations. The last thing you want to do is throw out a salary figure that will knock you out of consideration, or leave you with a lower than necessary salary.

It's important that you do research on the industry and organization before any money is discussed. Research salary information with alumni, professors, professional associations and on the Internet. There are numerous salary sites online:

Try not to discuss salary before the end of the interview process and after you understand all that the job entails. A salary discussion is appropriate when:

The employer understands how well you match the job description, and sees how you stand out from other applicants.
You know the full responsibilities and expectations of the job.
You've made it to the final interview, and they really want you to work there.

If pressed to name a figure first, here are a few responses to have ready: "When you created this position, what salary range did you have in mind?" or "I'm looking for a salary in the range of $XX,000 to XX,000 a year."

TIP: Tap into your peers for salary info. If you've become friends with some of your student peers in a specific company or industry you're interested in, ask them to provide whatever information they have on salary ranges for positions.