What is a key point to remember when discussing compensation during an interview?

Waiting for the employer to bring up compensation during an interview is a strategic approach. This method allows you to gauge the employer's interest in you as a candidate before discussing salary. It shifts the focus away from the financial aspect and places emphasis on your fit for the role and the value you can bring to the organization. By allowing the employer to initiate the conversation, you may also gain insight into how the organization values the position and what they are willing to offer, enabling you to respond more effectively to their proposal later.

While discussing salary first can illustrate confidence, it may inadvertently suggest that salary is your primary motivation for seeking the job. Additionally, discussing other companies' salaries could come across as unprofessional or may not accurately reflect the unique value of the role or the organization you're interviewing with. Avoiding the topic altogether could leave you unprepared for negotiations, potentially leading to an offer that doesn’t meet your financial needs. Thus, the most effective strategy is to wait for the employer to introduce the topic of compensation.