How to answer salary expectations during an interview
Here’s how to discuss salary expectations with ease.
A job interview doesn’t have to be uncomfortable, assuming you’ve prepped and practiced to ensure things go as smoothly as possible. That said, even the most confident candidate can get a bit uneasy when it comes to certain types of interview questions, including the inevitable question about your salary expectations.
Yes, a recruiter or hiring manager will probably ask, “What are your salary expectations?” And it’s worth it to invest some time into deciding how you plan to respond. In this post, we discuss how to answer salary expectations questions, including how not to answer them.
Why do recruiters ask about salary expectations?
As you decide how to answer salary expectations questions, an excellent place to start is understanding why employers ask them in the first place. The long and short of it is that they want to know they can meet your expectations.
If you’re out of their price range, employers need to know as early in the hiring process as possible so they don’t waste your time or theirs. They’re also looking to see if you’re willing to negotiate and what other factors you might consider regarding desired compensation.
Tips on how to answer salary expectations during an interview
When it comes to how to answer salary expectations during an interview, the first step is to do your research. From there, either choose to turn the question around or provide a salary range during the interview.
Do your research
When determining how to answer salary expectations for a specific role, do your research to prepare. If you're walking into an interview without having done your salary homework, you’ll be put on the spot without having a roadmap to guide you. You’ll likely want to delay the salary conversation initially. However, if you’re pushed to provide a response, your research will help guide you.
Start by identifying the general salary range for the position, including the industry and location. Websites like Glassdoor, Payscale, and Salary.com are good options. They're like the Googles of the salary world. Cross-referencing many sites will help you get a well-rounded view.
Next, take an honest look at your own experience and skills. Are you fresh out of college, or are you a seasoned pro with a track record of success? Be sure to be honest either way. This isn't the time for modesty, but it's also not the time to let your ego run wild.
Finally, consider your current salary, if you have one. Generally, you'll want to aim for an increase unless you make a significant career change or move to a lower-cost-of-living area. Of course, if you're not currently paid what you’re worth, let the research guide you.
Turn the question around
A solid strategy for the salary expectations question is to diplomatically turn it back to the interviewer to put the ball back in their court. You can do this by sharing that you need more information. For example:
"I'm excited about this opportunity and know that [Company Name] is an excellent company to work for. I'd love to hear more about the role and the range you've budgeted for it before I share my desired salary."
Of course, if they press you for a number – and you’re okay providing it – it's time to put your research to work. However, you want to offer a range instead of a specific number.
Provide a salary range
As you consider how to answer salary expectations, always provide a salary range instead of a single number when you choose to answer. This gives you negotiation flexibility and indicates you've done your research. After all, salary is just one piece of the puzzle. Benefits, company stock, annual bonuses, and other perks impact your overall compensation. For example, you might say:
"Based on my research and experience, I'm looking for something in the $X to $Y range. However, I'm flexible and open to discussion based on the overall compensation package."
How to answer salary expectations examples
Here are some additional examples of how to answer salary expectations based on different scenarios.
Scenario: you don’t have enough information
“I’m still learning about the role and what it requires. I’d love to continue sharing my skills and qualifications and come back to the salary discussion once I fully understand the role.”
“I’m not yet comfortable answering that question. I’d love to learn more about the role and am happy to discuss my qualifications for now.”
Scenario: inquiring about the budget
"I'd prefer to focus on my qualifications and the value I can bring to this position, as well as what you've budgeted for it."
“I’d like to learn more about the position, the duties, and the department before discussing salary. However, may I ask what the salary range is for this position?”
Scenario: offering a desired salary range while seeking additional information
“Based on my research of similar roles in this area and my six years of experience in communications, I'm looking for a salary in the range of $85,000 to $95,000. However, I'm also very interested in learning more about the overall compensation package, including benefits and development opportunities. Could you tell me more about the budget for this position?"
Scenario: the interviewer shares a budget lower than the range you provide
What do you do if you state that your desired salary range is $75,000 to $85,000, and the interviewer then shares, "Our budget for this role is $60,000 to $70,000"? This is where your negotiation skills come into play.
You might respond with something like:
"I appreciate your transparency about the budget. Given the experience and qualifications I can bring to the role, would you be open to discussing options, like a signing bonus, to bridge the gap?"
How NOT to answer salary expectations questions
Now, let’s discuss what to avoid when considering how to answer salary expectations.
Don’t provide a number if you’re not ready
You want to feel confident about your response to this critical question, and there are several reasons why you might not want to give a direct answer about salary too early. You have a right to protect yourself by not answering if you’re not ready. An employer will often respect your request for more time and information before you share.
Be wary of going too high or too low
Do your research and self-assessment before discussing your desired salary. You don’t want to go too low, as it can be challenging to negotiate upwards once you’ve said a number out loud. Conversely, you don’t want to price yourself out of a job you really want by going too high, especially if you were willing to start at a rate that’s somewhat lower.
How do you answer, “What is your current salary?”
What if you're asked about current or past salary? This can be tricky, especially if you feel that the current or previous pay rate is low. First, know the laws for your area since asking about current salary is illegal in several states and local regions.
Suppose you're in an area where the question is still allowed. In that case, you can deflect by responding with one of the answers similar to the above examples. If you do choose to disclose, be honest.
Final words: how to answer salary expectations
Discussing salary during the interview process is about finding the balance between your worth and the market. Though it might initially feel uncomfortable, with practice, discussing salary expectations can become as natural as talking about your skills and experience. And, once you've had the conversation, it’s no longer hanging over you.
So the next time an interviewer drops the salary question, use the tips above to guide you and take a deep breath, remember your research, and negotiate confidently.
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Written by
Ronda Suder, Professional Writer
With a drive to foster safety and expand possibilities through writing, performing, and working with others, Ronda brings 25 years of combined experience in HR, recruiting, career advice, communications, mental and behavioral health, and storytelling to her work. She’s a certified career coach and holds a Master’s in Human Resources, a Master’s in Film and Media Production, and a Master’s in Counseling and Development. As a writer, she’s covered topics ranging from finance and rock mining to leadership and internet technology, with a passion for career advice and mental-health-related topics. When she’s not at her computer, Ronda enjoys connecting with others, personal growth and development, spending time with her beloved pooch, and entertainment through movies, television, acting, and other artistic endeavors. You can connect with Ronda on LinkedIn and through her website.
