Job interview questions

I had a disagreement with a bunch of people about this, so I was just wondering what other people thought. I learned through a seminar and in a class at school that when in an interview you never should bring anything up about pay or benefits and vacation time because it makes you look uninterested in the actual job. Well, these people I had the discussion with said it is not inappropriate to ask about pay. If it isn't, then what is the best way to approach asking about it, but without sounding like it is the most important thing in the world?

I don't see a problem with asking what the general pay and benefits are. I think first though, I would give the employer time to bring that up in the interview process first. If by the end of the interview, this was not mentioned, you can say something like "Would you please give me a general idea of what the pay rate is and the benefits of this position?" If done at the end of the interview, you have shown your interest by going through the whole of the interview and it is not the first thing on your agenda

Hope that makes sense LOL.

Wishing you much luck in your job search.


sabby

I've always believed, and always been told that it's not a good idea to ask about pay. Because then they will think you're just in there to find out how much money you will make and not care about the job.

I would never ask about pay or benefits on a first interview. Its an opportunity for both of you to learn a bit about each other, as well as you asking questions about the company.

If called back for a second interview, they most likely will bring up the subject of benefits/pay.

Good luck!

Dee

usually the employer brings it up..

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MyBestKids2 said:
I would never ask about pay or benefits on a first interview. Its an opportunity for both of you to learn a bit about each other, as well as you asking questions about the company.

If called back for a second interview, they most likely will bring up the subject of benefits/pay.

Good luck!

Dee

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Exactly, that should only come up when they invite you back and in some cases there is a negotiation when offered the job...

TJ

If pay hasn't been discussed and they ask, "Do you have any questions?" ... it's a good time to say "Are you at liberty to discuss the starting pay range for this type job?" ...

You might not want to ask if you have a pretty good idea about this company and this type job, but if you're totally in the dark, the interviewer will think you're a little off if you don't even mention it.

A lot of companies will offer so little that you don't want to work there. They don't mention it because they know it will cause you to go away. They're hoping to bring you back a couple times, let you get to know people, etc. and then be more willing to take on a low paying job.

This is not the time to bargain. Just accept the information and move along. However, once you open the door, the interviewer might ask you whether you'd find that acceptable. Here's when you become cagey ... "It sounds pretty good, depending on the specific responsibilities and other things that go with it. Maybe you can tell me more about it if a job offer is forthcoming."

Good luck on the interviews!
T,