Asking about the salary makes you sound kinda desperate, or uninformed, if you do it in a physical interview.

Wait until they make a offer then counter, or say you have a better offer, etc

Generally you can use resources to know the range of a company before going to a physical interview. Before the physical interview asking the recruiter the expected pay bands for this position is also fine. Recruiters understand.

Asking about my skills, competencies, in an interview seems dumb because that was what the CV and cover letter were for.

Wait until the candidate asks for the salary and then wait until you get the cheapest candidate who probably lacks skills and talent.

Generally there are resources that companies can use to train newbies to upskill them and pay the taxes they are due.

Asking about the salary makes you sound kinda desperate, or uninformed, if you do it in a physical interview.

Wait until they make a offer then counter, or say you have a better offer, etc

Generally you can use resources to know the range of a company before going to a physical interview. Before the physical interview asking the recruiter the expected pay bands for this position is also fine. Recruiters understand.

I don't have time for that, I need to know what to invest my time in and if it's a no because of salary, I need to know that as soon as possible. Not many people live in a world where salary is not very very important to their living.