When do you ask the million dollar question, "What is the salary for the role you are hiring for?"

As an employer and someone who interviews potential candidates on a daily basis, I have been navigating the salary question for many years. In today's climate, most interview processes are at least 2 (and sometimes 3) parts. The first part is usually a phone screen/interview and the second (and sometimes third) part is usually a skype or in-person interview. If the hiring manager brings it up first, it's okay to discuss your salary requirements at any point. However, if it hasn't already come up, the job seeker should wait until after the initial interview/conversation so that you fully understand the responsibilities and other details of the position before you put your price sticker on it. If you are invited back to continue on to the second interview, you should be prepared to discuss salary at this point (before you commit to the second interview).

My advice would be to open the salary conversation with a question rather than a demand. Salary negotiation should be just that - a negotiation and not a demand. Something like "Are you the right person and is this a good time to discuss salary?" If you are asked about your salary at a previous job, try to gently deflect by saying something like "My last position was a different role with different responsibilities and different company culture. What I am looking for is a company that can compensate me fairly for my skills, knowledge and experience." Of the course the next question will be something like "OK, how much are you expecting to make in this role?" Do your research and know what the area market rate is for that skill set/position and be prepared to confidently speak about your expectations and goals.

First, if you are interviewing with a large company, and some small companies, they have a compensation manual that provides the guidelines based on experience and education. Depending on those and your success in getting an offer will place you in a salary range, again based on HR direction. The hiring manager normally has the discretion to work within that band. Anyone that interviewed with me that asked that question right out of the chute had a much more difficult time climbing the hill and being hired. JMHO, and my experience while hiring a large number of sales and training professionals in the private industry.

I don't ask. I research the role on sites such as Indeed or Glass door for a rough estimate of what I should be receiving. When I am asked the magic question, my answer is usually an average based on my research, or something along the lines of "I like to be compensated based on my skills, experience, and the position".