Why not to ask these 3 questions first in a job interview
Why do you need to be careful what you ask in a job interview?
I often see people putting up roadblocks to progress in their job search. Let’s talk about what not to say when contacting an employer.
Three Job Search Questions guaranteed to create a roadblock
How much is the Money? (Salary)
Everyone wants to know how much the job pays. You will get stuck for sure if you are the first person to ask the question.
Use other resources to figure out what you are going to be paid. Salary.com or Payscale.com or Glassdoor.com are research tools that give you an idea based on the position in your zip code or from insiders who work there.
Do you pay for relocation?
Unless you are targeting a high-level position or you are the one-of-a-kind person who is hunted by recruiters far and wide, you pay relocation expenses.
Don’t make this a barrier. You don’t have to move everything you own. You don’t have to do it all at once. You can store some things or you can take temporary housing. If the position pays enough for you to make the move, don’t blow your chances by asking for relocation expenses up front.
Do you pay for me to come to the job interview?
Just like question #2, unless you are someone in top demand, don’t ask. Companies don’t want to pay for you to come to the job interview unless you are a rare commodity. Many use technology like Skype or WebEx to interview so they don’t have to make the candidates come to the interview in person.
If you travel for an interview, track your mileage and expenses and ask your accountant if you can deduct your job search expenses. Your resume writing expenses or other job search costs may also be deductible.
When you ask these questions too early in the interview or make them a condition, you set up roadblocks in your job search.
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Julie Walraven
Professional Resume Writer
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Exactly, Julie! Job seekers should focus on the value they can bring to a prospective employer, not what they can get out of them, especially when talks are just beginning.
One other thing I wanted to add is that relocation expenses may also be a tax deduction if the move is far enough. Definitely something that is worth looking into for job seekers.
Thanks for stopping by to comment, Melissa! Too often job seekers don’t put planning into negotiations. Too early talking about money will make it seem all about them. However, you and I both know there are strategies and timing that job seekers need to know to be able to negotiate the best potential salary when that time has come to negotiate.(Hint: generally in interview #3 or later)