How to interview for a job and negotiate pay

There are a lot of factors to consider when interviewing for a job — but with the right preparation, it’s also an exciting opportunity to build your future. As you navigate the process, understanding how to approach interviews and salary discussions is a smart way for you to establish long-term financial success.
Even a small negotiation on pay can make a big difference in your income each year, so we want to provide advice on how to interview effectively and get the most out of salary negotiations.
How to prepare for a job interview
Preparation is more than just printing your résumé and showing up on time. Here are four key steps to being fully prepared for your future job interviews:
- Research the company: Do your due diligence to gain a better understanding of what the company is like. Check their website, social feeds, Google reviews, and even ask around about what it’s like to work there. Understand the company’s mission, values, culture, and recent news.
- Know the role: Review the job description and think about how your skills align. The more you know about the role, the better you’ll be able to talk about how you’d be the perfect fit.
- Practice common questions: Be ready to talk about your strengths, challenges, and goals.
- Dress appropriately: Even for virtual interviews, appearance matters. Looking your professional best gives the interviewer the impression that you’re mature and capable of representing the company appropriately.
Example questions you might be asked
It’s important to get comfortable with being asked tough questions, and to know the best ways to answer. Practicing in front of the mirror or with a trusted mentor or friend is an important part of interview preparation. Interviewers may ask the following questions:
- “Tell me about yourself.”
- “Why do you want to work here?”
- “What are your strengths?”
- “What is your biggest weakness?
- “Describe a time you worked on a team.”
- “Tell me about a time when you handled a difficult situation.”
- “How do you handle feedback or criticism?”
How to ask good questions during an interview
An important part of any job interview is when it’s your turn to ask questions. It’s a good idea to have a list of questions prepared ahead of time, but be sure to pay close attention so that you don’t ask a question that’s already been answered by the interviewer. Asking thoughtful questions shows you’re engaged, serious, and that you truly care about your role on the team should you be hired. Here are some starter questions, but you can come up with others based on your research about the company:
- “What does a typical day in this role look like?”
- “How is success measured in this position?”
- “What opportunities are there for growth or learning?”
When (and how) to talk about compensation
While it’s common for candidates to wait until later stages of the interview process — or even until after receiving an offer — to discuss pay, employers welcome these conversations when approached with curiosity and professionalism. It’s best to wait until the employer brings up the topic of compensation — usually after the first interview or once you’ve been offered the job. When the time comes, ask about compensation in a way that reflects mutual respect and shared goals. For example:
“Thank you for the offer. Could we discuss the full compensation package and benefits that come with the role to help me to better understand it?”
Remember, they decided to extend a job offer to you, based on your qualifications and interviews, and the compensation the employer offers should align with those qualifications as well as factors like internal benchmarking, market data, and pay equity reviews. To give yourself an idea of what to expect going in, consider doing some research on average salaries for similar roles in your area.
Why even a small pay difference matters
Negotiating a salary isn’t just about the number on your paycheck — it’s about setting a foundation for your future growth. Even a modest increase in salary can compound over time through future raises, bonuses, and retirement contributions. Employers understand this and are often open to conversations that help align compensation with your experience and potential.
Let’s say you’re offered $38,000, but you negotiate to $40,000. That $2,000 difference might seem small, but with annual raises and bonuses, it adds up. Here’s a quick example:
Year | Salary (3% annual raise) | Difference from $38k starting |
1 | $40,000 | $2,000 |
2 | $41,200 | $2,060 |
3 | $42,436 | $2,122 |
4 | $43,709 | $2,185 |
5 | $45,020 | $2,251 |
Total | — | $10,618 |
That’s over $10,000 more in just five years — just from asking for a better salary.
Understanding total compensation
Compensation isn’t just about salary. When evaluating an offer, it’s important to look beyond base pay and consider the full value of the total compensation package. This includes:
- Health and wellness benefits like insurance and HSA contributions
- Work-life flexibility — e.g., remote work, flexible hours, and mental health days
- Professional development opportunities like tuition reimbursement and training budgets
- Financial perks such as retirement matching, commuter benefits, and bonuses
- Time off, including vacation, sick leave, and parental leave
These benefits can significantly impact your financial well-being and work-life balance. Some employers will have their benefits and perks detailed on a website, so make sure you review this information thoroughly. And remember, most employers will be happy to walk you through how these elements contribute to overall value. In most cases, benefits packages offer much more money based on how much the employer contributes to their benefits packages. Some employers will even spell out how much the benefits package adds to your annual salary — often referred to as total compensation.
A shared goal of long-term success
Interviewing for your first job and negotiating a salary is a learning experience. With preparation, confidence, and a willingness to advocate for yourself, you can set the stage for a strong financial future. And remember — negotiating isn’t just about money, nor is it a confrontation. It’s a conversation between you and your potential employer where you work together to build a strong, mutually beneficial relationship that supports your goals, both personal and professional.
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