The question of how to answer what are your salary expectations is a common one that arises during job interviews.
Your salary expectations are important to employers because they use this information to gauge whether you are a good fit for the position and the company.
The correct answer to the question of how to answer what are your salary expectations depends on several factors, including your experience, skills, and education.
Giving the right answer will increase the chances that you will be offered the job and be able to negotiate a higher salary at the same time.
On the flip side, the wrong answer could mean that you lose the opportunity to be offered the job.
In this guide, we will provide tips on how to answer questions about salary expectations, as well as examples of what to say.
Let’s dive deep into this topic.
Why Employers Ask About Salary Expectations
Employers ask about salary expectations during job interviews because they want to gauge how much you are worth.
They want to know if you are a good fit for the position and the company and if your salary expectations are in line with what they are willing to pay.
Knowing your salary expectations also allows employers to budget for the position and factor in your compensation when deciding if they can afford to hire you.
When responding to the question of salary expectations, it is important to ensure your expectations are realistic. You don’t want to ask for too much or too little, as this could hurt your chances of getting the job.
Alternatively, you could try to avoid answering the question directly.
This is often seen as a negotiation tactic, and it can be effective if done correctly – however, some might consider this to be a more advanced strategy (more on this later).
Examples of Best Answers To Salary Expectation Questions
There are various ways to answer what your salary expectations are, and the best answer depends on your experience and the company you are interviewing with.
When responding to this question, you want to make sure your answer is tailored to the specific position and company you are interviewing with.
Here are some tips on how to best answer.
Provide a range
One way to answer the question is to provide a range. This is a good way to signal that you are flexible and willing to negotiate.
It also shows that you have done your research and you know what the market rate is for the position.
For example, you could say something like:
- “I am looking for a salary in the range of $60,000-$70,000.”
- “I am open to discussing salary expectations after I have learned more about the role.”
Include negotiation options
Another way to answer the question is to include negotiation options.
This shows that you are willing to compromise and that you have a realistic understanding of the market rate for the position.
For example, you could say something like:
- “I am looking for a salary of $60,000-$70,000, but I am open to negotiating based on benefits and other factors.”
- “I am interested in the role and I am willing to negotiate salary based on the company’s budget.”
Deflect the question
If you want to avoid answering the question directly, you can deflect it.
For example, you could say something like:
- “Can we discuss salary after I have had a chance to learn more about the role?”
- “I am not sure what my salary expectations are yet.”
- “I am more interested in the opportunity and what the company can offer me.”
Consider the company’s budget
Another way to answer the question is to consider the company’s budget. This shows that you are mindful of the company’s financial situation and you don’t want to overburden them.
For example, you could say something like:
- “I am aware that the company has a limited budget and I am hoping to find a salary that is within the range of what the company can pay.”
- “I would be happy to discuss what my salary expectations are, but I want to make sure that it is feasible for the company.”
Mention your experience and skills
If you have a lot of experience or specialized skills, you can use this to your advantage when answering questions about your salary expectations.
This shows that you are worth more than the average candidate.
For example, you could say something like:
- “Based on my experience and skills, I am expecting a salary in the range of $70,000-$80,000.”
- “I am confident that I can provide value to the company and I am expecting a salary that reflects my experience and skills.”
Research the market rate
It is important to do your research before going into an interview where you will be asked about your salary expectations.
You don’t want to ask for too much or too little, as this could hurt your overall chances.
For example, you could say something like:
- “I have done some research on the market rate for this position and I am hoping to find a salary in the range of $60,000-$70,000.”
- “I want to make sure that I am being fair and realistic with my salary expectations based on the current market.”
Each of these responses will help you answer the question in the right way and ensure that everyone gets what’s best for them in the situation.
As mentioned before, always tailor your answer to the company and position you are applying for.
By being prepared and confident, you can effectively negotiate your salary and get the pay that you deserve.
Amazing Tips To Determine And Communicate Salary Expectations
Be confident
When you go into an interview, it is important to be confident. This will help you feel more comfortable and it will show the interviewer that you are capable of doing the job.
It is also important to be confident when discussing your salary expectations. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you deserve and don’t be afraid to negotiate.
By being confident, you are more likely to get the salary that you want.
Aim high
Although it might seem counterintuitive, aiming high can help you get the salary that you want. The employer might not meet your initial request, but they could come close.
This gives you room to negotiate and it shows that you are serious about getting a fair salary.
Explain your reasoning
When you explain your reasoning for wanting a certain salary, it will help the interviewer understand why you are asking for that amount.
This can help them see that you are worth the money and it can help them justify giving you a higher salary.
Be sure to highlight your skills, strengths and experience as you are explaining your position.
Have other options
Going into an interview with other options can help you negotiate a better salary.
This shows the employer that you are in high demand and it puts more pressure on them to give you a good salary.
If the employer knows that you are interviewing with other companies, they might be more likely to meet your salary expectations.
Bonus: How To Research Job Salaries
It is a good idea to research how many other people make for the same job you want before going to your interview.
That way, you will have a number in mind that you can ask for. You don’t want to ask for too much or too little, as that could hurt your chances of getting the job.
There are a few different ways to research salaries:
- Ask your friends and family who work in the same industry
- Check out job boards and review pages to see what people are earning for similar positions
- Use salary calculators to get an estimate of how much you should be making
- Research the average salary for your position on websites like Salary.com or Payscale.com
- Use mobile applications to get information about salaries, reviews, and benefits at specific companies
By doing your research, you will be able to confidently answer the question of what your salary expectations are.
You will also have a better understanding of what the market rate is for your position. This information will help you negotiate a fair salary with the employer. If you are not happy with the research results, you can always try to look for another career path. A detailed career test can clarify your options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salary Expectations
What is your salary expectation sample answer for freshers?
If you are a fresher, your answer to this question may be based on what you have heard from others or researched online. You may want to give a range rather than a specific number.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Do your research and know what the going rate is for your position and experience level
- Be realistic – if you ask for too much, you may not get the job
- If you ask for too little, you may not make as much as you could
Here is an example of how you might answer this question: “I am flexible with my salary expectations and would like to discuss this further.”
What is your salary expectation sample answer for experienced?
If you are experienced, you likely have a good idea of what your skills are worth in the current market. Be sure to take into account any benefits or perks that come with the job, as these can add value.
This obviously means that you may want to give a higher number than you would if you were a fresher.
Case Studies, Academic, and Research-Based Sources:
- Malhotra, D., & Bazerman, M. H. (2007). “Negotiation Genius.” Bantam Books.
- Thaler, R. H., & Sunstein, C. R. (2008). “Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness.” Yale University Press.
- Ury, W. (1991). “Getting Past No: Negotiating in Difficult Situations.” Bantam Books.
- Pink, D. H. (2018). “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us.” Riverhead Books.
- Adler, R. S. (2007). “Women Negotiate: Secrets to Successful Negotiation for Women.” McGraw-Hill Education.
- Stone, D., Patton, B., & Heen, S. (2010). “Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most.” Penguin Books.
- Mnookin, R. H., Peppet, S. R., & Tulumello, A. S. (2000). “Beyond Winning: Negotiating to Create Value in Deals and Disputes.” Harvard University Press.
