Interviews are all about selling yourself.
In the same way a salesman sells you a car by telling you all about the benefits, and never mentioning the dodgy suspension, you need the interviewer to hear only positives.
Many job seekers make the mistake of asking about compensation, travel, health cover, and flexible working too early in the interview process. While these topics are important, bringing them up during an interview can create the impression that you’re more focused on personal gain than on contributing to the company. Employers want to believe you’re eager to add value to their organization, and questions about benefits can make them hesitant about your true motivations. Instead, focus on demonstrating your skills and why you’re the best fit for the role.
Negotiating aspects like salary and travel is possible, but timing is everything. Salary discussions should happen only after an offer is extended, just as a salesperson waits until a customer is sold on a product before discussing the price. Similarly, if travel is a concern, wait until you understand the expectations of the role before trying to negotiate better conditions. The same applies to health cover—asking too soon can signal desperation, which can hurt your chances. A confident, focused candidate who appears committed to the role is far more appealing than one who seems preoccupied with benefits.
Flexible working arrangements should also be approached carefully. Many employers worry that flexible work leads to decreased productivity, and bringing it up too soon can make them doubt your dedication. Instead, establish yourself as a valuable employee first, then negotiate these benefits later—ideally after six months in the role. Ultimately, interviews are about making the best impression possible, and every question about "what do I get" can be seen as a drawback. To maximize your chances of success, keep the focus on what you can offer, not what you expect in return.
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