Ask a Manager

In a comment on today’s post about talking about salary during the interview process, one commenter asked: In an ideal world, when would the salary discussion happen? In an ideal world, employers would post salaries in their job ads, so that you’d know before applying if the job was in your range or not. In […]

Here’s something I have a problem with: the idea that it’s somehow wrong for a candidate to ask about salary in a first interview. This BS idea is all over the place: Asking about salary and benefits in the first interview “always turns me off. I’m always disappointed when they ask this, especially in the […]

A reader writes: I’ve been at my current job for almost a year now with a gross salary of (redacted at letter-writer’s request, but close to national average). I also started grad school 2 months after employment, so I haven’t been the strongest performer at work and my relationship with my boss is tense. At […]

A reader writes: At the end of November, I went to my manager to discuss a raise. I told her that I had been approached about two job opportunities that are paying about $15k more than what I’m making now. I’m happy in my role and not looking to make a change — and I […]

A reader writes: For the last two years, I have received year-end bonuses (second year was larger than the first) for my work. After thanking my boss for them, each time he has said, “You deserve a lot more and hopefully next year’s will be larger.” Now, I never expect a bonus, but this year […]

A reader writes: From my experience and the going local rates, I was underpaid at my last job. Then I was laid off. My first job offer finally came as the unemployment was running out, and during the interview, when asked about salary, I pointed out that it was a buyer’s market. It is, and […]

Job seekers get more nervous about negotiating salary than seemingly any other part of the job application process. Negotiation doesn’t come naturally to most people, and they’re often not sure how hard to push for more money, or whether to push at all. Here are five myths you might believe about negotiating salary, and why […]

Here’s an interview I did with Young Professionals in Foreign Policy, talking about how to negotiate salary, common misconceptions people have about the process, how to negotiate for an internal promotion, and more.

A reader writes: I’ve been wondering about whether or not it’s ever okay to exaggerate your past salary. I currently work for a nonprofit and I’d like to transition to the for-profit world. I’m worried that I will not get paid the for-profit market rate because future employers will see what I am currently paid. […]