During an interview, salary should be

• A. First mentioned by the applicant
• B. Negotiated after the job offer
• C. Not discussed
• D. First mentioned by the employer

Answer: (D)

Salary is typically introduced by the employer in an interview to set a compensation anchor. This approach helps ensure the offered range aligns with the job’s responsibilities and the company’s pay structure, preventing misalignment early in the process. By having the employer name the salary first, both sides can gauge fit and keep negotiations focused on value and scope, usually moving to formal offer discussions once there’s clear alignment. If the candidate brings up compensation first, it can skew the negotiation or reveal assumptions too early, while not discussing salary at all leaves the practical question unresolved.