When is it appropriate to discuss salary during a job interview?

Discussing salary during a job interview is most appropriate after you have received a job offer. This timing allows you to fully understand the employer's interest in you as a candidate and shows that they are ready to invest in you. By waiting until an offer is made, you can negotiate from a position of strength, having demonstrated your value and fit for the position throughout the interview process.

This approach also helps in maintaining a positive flow during the interview, allowing you to focus first on demonstrating your skills, qualifications, and how you would contribute to the team. This creates a better context for a salary discussion, as you are then seen in the light of the value you bring to the company rather than just as a number. Engaging in salary discussions too early can detract from building rapport and may even lead to misunderstandings about the role or company culture.