Tracy Schario, APR, Fellow PRSA

Money talk can make many feel anxious. Start by knowing your value, the market rates for your role, and average salaries at the company you wish to work for. When the subject of salary comes up, ask a question about compensation. Your paycheck is more than your salary. If asked, what are your salary expectations, don’t answer with a number. Lead with your value and impact that you bring and ask them what the range is. Remember - you can answer a closed-ended question with a question that opens a dialogue. The goal is to have the interviewer provide the salary range so that you can negotiate. It’s the one time where you have the greatest advantage with an employer.

Money talk can make many feel anxious. Start by knowing your value, the market rates for your role, and average salaries at the company you wish to work for. When the subject of salary comes up, ask a question about compensation. Your paycheck is more than your salary. If asked, what are your salary expectations, don’t answer with a number. Lead with your value and impact that you bring and ask them what the range is. Remember - you can answer a closed-ended question with a question that opens a dialogue. The goal is to have the interviewer provide the salary range so that you can negotiate. It’s the one time where you have the greatest advantage with an employer.

Money talk can make many feel anxious. Start by knowing your value, the market rates for your role, and average salaries at the company you wish to work for. When the subject of salary comes up, ask a question about compensation. Your paycheck is more than your salary. If asked, what are your salary expectations, don’t answer with a number. Lead with your value and impact that you bring and ask them what the range is. Remember - you can answer a closed-ended question with a question that opens a dialogue. The goal is to have the interviewer provide the salary range so that you can negotiate. It’s the one time where you have the greatest advantage with an employer.

Money talk can make many feel anxious. Start by knowing your value, the market rates for your role, and average salaries at the company you wish to work for. When the subject of salary comes up, ask a question about compensation. Your paycheck is more than your salary. If asked, what are your salary expectations, don’t answer with a number. Lead with your value and impact that you bring and ask them what the range is. Remember - you can answer a closed-ended question with a question that opens a dialogue. The goal is to have the interviewer provide the salary range so that you can negotiate. It’s the one time where you have the greatest advantage with an employer.

Begin with clear communication among those who need to know when handling confidential and sensitive information. Having established processes for sharing, reviewing, and filing are also essential. And know that leaks can and will happen. Have a response plan so you aren't iterating in the moment.

This is a very timely question as I'm at Aspen Ideas Health this week. After 20+ years of conferences, I must admit that sometimes I dread going. However, preparation makes a significant difference once you have arrived. Review the agenda, speakers, and media attending, and set a goal for connections. Two essential tips for creating new connections. 1) Review LinkedIn bios and photos of those you don't yet know but want to meet. You can scan faces and approach a new connection with more confidence. 2) Remember that the conference begins at the airport. Chat with those around you and might discover a naturalist and book author flying to the same conference. Or a neighbor you didn't know you had. Active engagement yields positive outcomes.