Q: Can I ask about money in the first phone call/interview? (DR, email).

A: Yes, you can, but I would generally advise against it. The early stages of the interviewing/application process should be about persuading the recruiter that you have what they’re looking for, and the money talk can come later. There’ll be time enough for counting when the dealing’s done…

You might think it’s a waste of time to burrow down a rabbit hole without knowing what is at the end, but, by and large, we should generally have a good idea of what the employer is going to offer. If it is a job in your sector, they will be guided at some level by industry norms.

If it’s a starter role, it may not be easy to discern the likely pay, but I would still leave it to before, or during, the second interview. The practice of doing the first interview will be of value to you no matter what happens. Wondering about how you might introduce the money question could deflect you from focusing on what you need to achieve.

You don’t want to get into negotiations too early. And more to the point, your negotiating position is stronger when you have given them a good taste of what you offer.

Others may give different advice on this. But that would be my opening gambit without knowing your story inside out.

Featured image courtesy of Pixabay.

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