How to Talk About Salary in an Interview | Talent Guardian

Salary conversations don't need to be awkward. They're part of recruitment. The important thing is being clear and realistic.
Know your market value
Before interviewing, understand what comparable roles are paying. Consider experience, location, industry, responsibility and total package rather than relying purely on your current salary.
Think about the whole package
Base salary is only one element. Consider bonus, commission, pension, healthcare, car allowance, holiday, flexibility and other benefits.
Be honest with your recruiter
This is particularly important. Tell us what you're earning, what you're looking for and what would realistically make you move. That allows us to manage expectations on both sides before an offer is made.
Don't suddenly change the number
If you've said throughout the process that you'd happily accept £60,000 and then request £70,000 after receiving the offer, you're likely to create frustration. If your circumstances or expectations change, communicate that early.
Know your minimum
Before an offer arrives, ask yourself: what would make me genuinely happy to accept this job? That gives you a much clearer basis for the conversation.
Salary matters. You shouldn't feel uncomfortable discussing it. Just make sure you're evaluating the opportunity as a whole rather than making a long-term career decision based purely on one number.

A good recruiter should help both sides have the salary conversation clearly and early.

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