Also, it’s important to remember that this article is focused on how to answer the salary expectation interview question (usually asked at the beginning of the hiring process). In your answer, you can subtly emphasize why you’re a good fit for the position. I’m open to discussing what you believe to be a fair salary for the position.
Which Company did you get hired at?
- So for example, if you want to be paid $90,000, start your range from that figure and end at $95,000 or $100,000.
- So learn from this example and remember that you need to research the local pay rates and industry and role averages before the interview.
- „Based on my 5 years of experience in digital marketing and current market rates in this region, I’d expect a salary in the $90,000–$105,000 range. Of course, I’m open to discussing this based on the full compensation package.”
In his free time, Mitko enjoys immersing himself in the worlds of gaming and nature. Personal financial needs are important, but such a statement can make you appear desperate. Instead, focus on your skill and experience and the value you bring to the role. Attend industry events, join professional networking groups or use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with people in your field. To do that, use online resources, such as OysterLink’s salary database, wage surveys industry reports.
- Always anchor your minimum salary within a range that doesn’t undersell your worth or overshoot the employer’s budget.
- „Have proof to back it up to say why you’re worth it,” Vicki Salemi told Investopedia.
- In the next section, we’ll look at how to do the essential prep work to formulate your salary range and response.
Communicating Your Salary Range
I am open to negotiation but have a strong sense of what I deserve and am not afraid to stand up for myself. With that said, I am also realistic about the current market conditions and am willing to compromise if it means landing the job I want. In addition to researching salaries, you can come up with a salary range by using your current or previous salary as a starting point, especially if you’re making a lateral move in the same industry.
Research the standard pay for a similar role in your location.
In fact, some say it starts as soon as you submit your application, so you can avoid being undervalued or having unrealistic expectations. Providing detailed examples of your successes before an interview and being prepared to expand on the information in your resume and cover letter will ensure you have a game plan for succeeding in a salary negotiation. But answering the salary expectation question doesn’t have to feel like a high-stakes game of poker. With thoughtful preparation and a dose of confidence, you can navigate this tricky terrain and come out with a job offer and compensation package that recognizes your true value.
Prepare your answer in 4 steps
While they may provide a pay range when advertizing the role, it is likely that they will negotiate the salary according to various factors based on your experience and skills. At a later stage, during interviews or job offer discussions, discuss your expectations openly, backed up by research on industry earnings. When engaging in conversations about salary, collect information about the factors that influence compensation in the industry, such as experience level, skills and location. Instead of providing a fixed number, present a well-researched salary range based on your industry knowledge and the specific demands for the position. Our interview prep tool will guide you through all the questions you can expect, let you record and analyze your answers, and provide instant AI feedback.
Example Script (Mid-Level Candidate)
As the lower end of the range, mention the minimum you find acceptable, considering your financial needs and industry standards. For the higher end, use an aspirational but still reasonable figure. How you approach this interview question might be an indicator of how you approach problems at work — so be resourceful and strategic when answering. This question is probably the most uncomfortable one for job seekers. So I decided to check out popular forums to see what people are saying and if their advice is any good. Turns out, it’s a popular topic, people are opinionated, and there’s a bunch of wildly different pieces of advice to choose from.
Have you upskilled and completed certifications or a master’s degree since then? Was the last employer paying you unfairly, below the average range for someone with your experience and how to answer what are your salary expectations skill set? Did you acquire a significant breadth of expertise and accomplishments in your last job that justify your new salary expectations? First, research the industry standards for your role in your location.
„I understand compensation is important. Based on my research and experience, I’m targeting something in the $80–$90K range, but I’m open to a broader discussion based on the full package and role expectations.” „My current role is below market value for my skillset and responsibilities. I’m now seeking something in the $95K–$100K range, which aligns with typical compensation for this level.” With the right strategy, you can handle this question without selling yourself short — or scaring off your potential employer.
Strategy #2: Flip the question
Your response should reflect a balance between your worth in the job market and the employment package the company can offer. Expressing a well-researched salary range demonstrates that you understand your industry’s standards and are flexible within reason. Last but not least, remember to take the entire compensation package into consideration. Think about other benefits that you would potentially be willing to sacrifice part of your salary for if needed. Factor these into your salary negotiation with the hiring manager. Do you have a unique skill set that you can provide which is of high value to the new employer?
If the first offer isn’t exactly what you hoped for, don’t panic — it’s often just a starting point. Employers expect some back-and-forth, especially for experienced roles. These samples are flexible templates — you should always adjust based on your tone, role type, and what you’ve learned during the interview process. At a startup, equity or flexible hours might be part of the compensation conversation, while corporate roles may stick to rigid pay bands. When you do answer, be confident — but also show that you’re open to a fair conversation.
Start off on the right foot when asking for a raise by knowing how to ask and when and where to make the request. Human resources firm Robert Half recommends beginning the process in writing to maintain a record and to get a clear timeline for when you plan to discuss it. It is great to have a job that we love, one that creates value for other people, one we enjoy doing. At the end of the day, however, we have to pay our bills, and nobody (or almost nobody) would go to work if they did not get paid for the hours in the workplace. Join our newsletter for weekly tips, remote job opportunities, and exclusive resources. If you are searching for a remote job and need help finding where to look?
Remember to focus on the big picture – your skills, experience, and the unique contributions you’ll bring to the role. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be ready to handle salary discussions with confidence and professionalism. Knowing what to say when discussing salary expectations is important. Use this information to justify your desired salary when discussing your salary expectations for the new role.
Researching the norms of the country or company you’re applying to and being aware of local practices will help you navigate the conversation more effectively and ensure a smoother negotiation process. Be mindful of the appropriate timing for discussing salary expectations. The early stages of the hiring process, which include application forms and initial interviews, typically focus on the company’s needs and your qualifications.
Rather than leaving up to luck or chance, undertake due diligence and do your research of the job market and the salary expectations for your industry and specific role, including your seniority level. Assess the value of your current or previous total compensation package, including base salary, bonuses and benefits. Ask about the entire compensation package offered by the company, including benefits, bonuses, stock options and other perks. So instead of relying on others to assess what’s fair for the value you’d bring, or leaving it up to them to tell you what’s a competitive market salary, do your homework before the interview. Demonstrate your value (by bringing up key achievements or skills), and suggest a specific range you find appropriate (research the industry standard, ask around, take into account your location and seniority). These were all examples for the salary expectation question, but we have a full article on the rest of the most common interview questions if you’d like examples for more questions you’ll get on your next interview.
If you are requested to fill in your salary expectations in the application form, do not provide a specific figure. Offer a broad range or state your preference for discussing compensation during an interview. A little research will help you come up with a reasonable salary range to suggest when asked about your expectations, but remember to follow your gut.
