I hate talking about money. My parents had a very strict “we don’t talk about money” rule—not just at the table or at parties, but ever. Discussions about taxes or partisan fiscal policies make my palms sweat. I don’t even know how to barter at street stands—I just overpay what they ask me to. And that’s why in the final steps of an interview process, I clam up like the tide’s coming in. Because that’s when the hiring manager puts in his or her “let’s get down to business” face and asks how much money I think I should be making. “I don’t know,” or “whatever’s standard,” don’t cut it as answers, so here’s some advice on approaching this awkward conversation.
