A new Accountemps survey has found that most hiring managers are becoming more comfortable with discussing salary early in the hiring process.
About 38% of executives said it was appropriate for a job candidate to ask about compensation and benefits in the first interview; 34% said it was acceptable during the second interview; 12% said it was acceptable during the initial phone interview. Only 8% said it was acceptable once a job offer has been made.
Managers' preferences are consistent with their own practices as more than half discuss compensation early in the hiring process. About 23% of managers said they discussed compensation during the first interview, and 35% said they discussed it during the second interview. About a quarter of respondents said they discussed compensation only after a job offer was made.
Accountemps chairman Max Messmer said general salary expectations should be discussed early in the process to avoid any surprises later. However, candidates should first highlight their accomplishments and the value they bring to an employer before discussing compensation.