Interview Questions - The Biggest Question to Avoid Asking on an Interview

Do you know the ONE question that will shut down thecompany to match or 2) lower than what they were
interview?going to offer. If it's too high, you might price yourself
Here it is: "How much does this job pay?"out of the competition: they might decide to go with
You might be wondering why this is a question toanother candidate. If your number is low, they might
avoid. After all, it's your right to know the salary of thedecide to offer you the number you threw out, and not
job for which you are interviewing.the number you would have received. You've just bid
Tactically, this is a question you want to avoid becauseagainst yourself.
the unwritten rule on the salary question is that you willOpening up the salary question creates a "no-win"
want to wait for the company to start thesituation for you.
conversation about money. Why? Because you don'tEven worse, it creates a bad impression.
want to be put in a position where you have to offer aThe biggest reason NOT to ask this question is that it
number first. They are offering the job; they shouldcommunicates a "What's In It For Me?" attitude, rather
have a pay scale associated with the tasks that arethan a "Here's What I Can Do For You" mindset.
wrapped up in that job and you need to wait for themCompanies want to know that you are interested in
to tell you more about the associated compensation.helping them, not just satisfying your own needs. When
If you ask about salary, the interviewer might turn theyou ask the question - "How much are you paying?" -
question around and ask you what you were makingyou are communicating that "It's All About You" when
on your last job. So, just by asking the question, youit's really all about what you can do for them. Just
have opened the door on the salary question. Alwaysposing this question can convey the wrong standpoint
let them put out a number first. The danger of yourand imperil your chances of getting the job offer.
naming a salary level - whether it is the salary level ofBe smart. Let the company open the conversation
your last job or the salary you hope to make - is thatabout salary.
you name a number that is 1) either too high for the