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How do I talk about salary? I don't want to sound greedy, but I also don't want to sell myself short.

Talking money is never easy, but this is a question you need to face head-on – don't try to deflect it. The number you give should be a reflection of your years of experience, but the company's size and locational will also factor in. Do your research using sites like Glassdoor to get an idea of your market value and use that as a basis for determining the number you'll give to the interviewer. More and more often, questions about salary are making their way into phone screens so an employer can determine right away if you fit their budget. In this case, pick a number toward the middle of your range – you don't want to take yourself out of the running, and you can always negotiate later when you have more leverage. When answering this question, be careful of your word choice. Even if they are used in the question, avoid words like “deserve” and “should get” in your answer because they make you seem entitled. Instead, preface your answering by mentioning your research and qualifications.

I want to sound knowledgeable, but I'm afraid I'll sound arrogant. How can I show the right amount of confidence?

This is an important question because your confidence level can have a big impact on what a hiring manager thinks of you in an interview. In fact, according to a study, overconfidence is considered the most offensive personality trait in a job candidate. One way to avoid coming off as arrogant is the avoid big, sweeping statements when describing your accomplishments. Declarations like “I'm amazing at sales” and “I'm the best one on my team” don't tell an employer anything, and they sound like you are patting yourself on the back. Instead, demonstrate how good you were in your past jobs by getting specific about what you've achieved – let the facts speak for themselves. You can also avoid appearing arrogant through the questions you ask at the end of your interview. Thoughtful inquiries about the individual, company, or field can show that you are ready and willing to learn. You can even show your interest in their expectations by asking about what they'd like to see you achieve, should you get the job.

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