What is a tactful way to bring up the question of how much a job pays?
Don’t bother. Starting salaries for new graduates are within 3 5% of a national average. Most companies and colleges participate in the salary surveys, which are available at the Placement Office. Experienced interviewees may receive more unique considerations of salary, and they are in a position to negotiate; new college hires seldom are. Will questions about the prospective company’s level of involvement in an area of business/technology better one’s chances with the company? Yes. If you have done your homework, you should be able to ask questions to better understand your job options, to communicate your interest in that area, and to show how you can be a specific contributor. Would an interviewer care if you asked him about the fishing or skiing at the work location? To do so for opening “chit chat” is fine. You should not take much time to do this, as you have more important questions to ask. Is it proper to ask about the competition for a particular job for which one is intervie
