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Tiptoe Around Pay Talk During Job Interview

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By MARY ELLEN SLAYTER, The Washington Post

Published: November 5, 2007

Here are questions and answers from Career Track, an online discussion about workplace issues.

When you're asked what your pay expectations are during a job interview, would giving an amount slightly above what you think is reasonable hurt your interview? Will they still consider you if it's outside their budget?

Deflect that question as long as you can. When they start asking about money, turn it around and ask whether this means they are offering you a job.

That said, when you decide to talk money, tell them the real number, which should be the amount you need to take the job. And don't worry about whether too high a number puts you out of the running, assuming your pay expectations are in line with the market.

If they can't meet your financial needs, it's not the right job. Much as in dating, sometimes the best outcome is to not be chosen.

I'm a young lawyer, two years out of law school. I took the first job I was offered, and now I am ready to move to a different practice area. I did not have experience in the practice area for the job I am in; the office trained me.

I would like to practice procurement-contract law for a government agency. This is a field that I studied in law school. I am getting interviews, but employers question my lack of experience in procurement law.

How do I change practice areas? Is it worthwhile to take a graduate school course in government acquisitions or something similar?

Have you asked those near-employers what they would like to see? They are your best resource. Send an e-mail to one that seemed particularly promising, reiterating your interest in the field and asking advice on how you should bridge that gap.

Then, do what the employer says. Sometimes, it really is that simple.

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