Interview Questions About Your Salary Expectations

No matter how great the job interview is, the interview question about your salary expectations may stop you in your tracks.

What Do Interviewers Want to Know?

Why do interviewers want to know your salary expectations? Employers may ask this question to get an idea of whether they can afford you. They may also ask this question to gauge your worth and the value of your work.

Why Are Salary Questions Difficult?

There are several ways to answer interview questions about salary, and it’s important to determine the best way to respond so you can enter the interview with confidence.

When you want to aim for a high salary, you don’t want your asking price to be so high that you price yourself out of what the company is willing to pay. If your compensation expectations are too low, you leave the employer room to cut them even further, and you may feel stressed about not receiving appropriate compensation.

It’s also difficult to know what you want from the salary even before you know what the job entails. This often happens when you are asked to disclose your required salary range on a job application before you have learned the essential details of the position.

Salary is not an easy topic, and while there is no right answer, there is a way to prepare for the question and get what you want.

Stating Salary in the Job Application

Some paper and electronic applications require you to state your salary expectations. One option is to simply skip this question. However, if it is marked as a required question and you ignore it, the employer may think you are bad at following instructions. Some electronic applications may not allow you to move to the next page unless you answer all questions. In this case, here are some options:

• State a salary range based on your research.
• Write a phrase like “negotiable” to show your flexibility.
• Avoid stating a single specific salary. This will make it seem like you are unwilling to compromise.

How to Answer Salary Expectation Questions

To prepare for your answer, you should have an idea of what someone in your industry and geographic area typically earns. This will allow you to determine a reasonable salary range for the position.

Use one of the many sites that provide average salaries and estimates. Sites like Glassdoor.com, Salary.com, PayScale.com, and Indeed.com all have salary data you can review.

Salaries should be relatively similar across sectors, but there may be some variations based on location, experience level, and company size. If you have time to check more than one source, you should.

Remember to narrow your search to your area. Salaries for a job in Austin, Texas may be different than those in New York.

A little research will help you determine a reasonable salary range to suggest when asked about your expectations, but remember to trust your instincts. You don’t want to go to the hiring manager with a salary range that is too high or too low.

Examples of the Best Answers

Example Response #1:

My salary range is flexible. Of course, I would like to receive fair compensation for my years of experience and award-winning sales record. However, I am open to discussing specific numbers once we explore the job details.

Why It Works: This answer works well for the candidate because it indicates that the applicant is well-qualified for the job, but is also flexible regarding salary requirements.

Example Response #2:

My salary requirements are flexible, but I have significant experience in the field that I believe adds value to my candidacy. I look forward to discussing the specifics of my responsibilities with the company in more detail. From there, we can establish a fair salary for the position.

Why It Works: Asking for more information before committing to a salary range is a good way to avoid mentioning compensation before the hiring manager does. You could follow up with a question about what the company expects to offer the candidate who will be hired.

Example

Answer #3:

I would like to learn about the specific tasks required for this position, which I look forward to during this interview. However, I’m aware that similar positions typically offer salaries in the range of $X to $Z in our area. Based on my experience, skills, and qualifications, I expect to receive something in the range of $Y to $Z.

Why it works: With this answer, the employer is informed that the applicant is aware of what similar jobs pay. The answer also mentions a range, providing more room for negotiation rather than setting a specific salary demand.

Sample answer #4:

I am open to discussing what you think is a fair salary for the position. However, based on my previous salary, my knowledge of the industry, and my understanding of this geographical area, I would expect a salary in the general range of $X to $Y. Again, I’m willing to discuss these figures with you.

Why it works: As with the other responses, it’s always a good idea to note that you are willing to discuss a reasonable salary for the position.

Tips for Giving the Best Answers

• Say you’re flexible. You can try to avoid the question with a general answer like “My salary expectations are in line with my experience and qualifications.” Or “If this is the right job for me, I’m sure we can come to an agreement on salary.” This will show that you are prepared to negotiate.
• Provide a range. Even if you start by emphasizing your flexibility, most employers still want to hear specific numbers. In this case, give them a range (up or down around $10,000 to $20,000). This will allow you to remain flexible while giving the employer a clear answer. You can establish this range based on research or your own experience in the industry.
• Consider your current salary. In addition to researching salaries, you can define a salary range using your current or previous salary as a starting point, especially if you are making a lateral move within the same industry. Assume that your current salary is in line with market expectations, unless your last company is known in the industry for low pay. Of course, if you are making a geographical move, consider any changes in the cost of living. Always think about what you’re worth in the current job market.
• Give yourself a salary increase. Think about what you consider a fair raise from your current employer, which could be a low starting point for the new job. Alternatively, increase your current salary by up to 15% to 20%, which gives you a motive to transition to other companies while still remaining within a reasonable range for your industry and level of experience.
• Offer numbers you would be satisfied with. Only provide a range that allows you to support yourself and your family.
• Highlight your skills. You can indirectly emphasize why you’re suited for the position in your answer. You might say something like, “Based on my ten years of experience in this field, I would expect a salary in the range of $Y to $Z.” Before stating any numbers, remind the interviewer of your reasons or rationale for them considering a salary for you in the first place.
• Be prepared to negotiate. Many candidates hesitate to ask for more money because they fear it might cost them the job opportunity. However, you may be able to negotiate a higher salary to start. Wait until you receive an offer to consider before you ask for that.

What Not to Say

• Avoid mentioning a specific amount. If you can avoid giving a specific salary until after the employer mentions it, the negotiations will be in your favor.
• Don’t price yourself out of a job opportunity. Don’t ask for a salary of $100,000 if your research shows that the job is worth half that. You could exclude yourself from the chance to receive a job offer if you ask for too high of a salary.
• Don’t

Don’t be negative. Even if the amount offered to you seems embarrassingly low, respond politely and ask if there is room for negotiation.

Key Takeaways

• Research salaries. Before your job interview, research salaries so that you are prepared to answer the question.
• Determine your minimum. Calculate the amount you need to cover bills and what the minimum salary is that you would accept.
• Be prepared to negotiate. Many employers expect candidates to make counter-offers, so be ready to negotiate as soon as you receive an offer.

Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/interview-questions-about-your-salary-expectations-2061235