How to Answer Salary Expectations in Job Interviews Like a Pro
Certain questions are asked in almost every job interview, and one of the most common is about salary expectations.
Discussing compensation can feel tricky, especially when you are unsure of the employer's budget. Asking for too much may take you out of the running, while asking for too little can undervalue your skills.
Below is a guide on how to answer salary expectations the right way, with tips and sample answers to prepare you for this question.
Why is it important to prepare for salary expectations?
Career experts suggest that salary questions are often designed to "screen candidates out," which makes preparation critical. If you share a specific number too early and it does not fit the employer's range, you risk being removed from consideration.
Preparation also shows that you know your value. As the Young Entrepreneur Council explains, the right person or job candidate is "someone who knows their value," and being able to communicate this confidently helps you stand out.
Former Google recruiter Farah Sharghi adds that potential employers ask about salary to make sure salary expectations align with the pay band for the role. By preparing, you can give an informed response that keeps you in consideration and positions you for a fair compensation offer.
How to determine your desired salary answer
Before starting your job search, you need to determine a fair salary range as a reference point to guide your expectations and support confident salary negotiation. So how can you figure this out?
Start by doing research. Resources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provide federal data on wages across industries, while the latest salary guides from Salary.com give average salary ranges based on factors such as job title, location, industry, and years of experience.
Speaking of location, always factor in the cost of living and your personal financial needs, since pay often varies depending on where the role is based. For example, a marketing manager in San Francisco may earn more than in a smaller city because living costs are higher.
Pay transparency laws are also evolving, and many states now require hiring managers and employers to include salary ranges in job descriptions and job postings. Reviewing these advertisements can give you a clearer picture of what employers are willing to offer.
Lastly, evaluate your own value. Consider your skills, years of experience, and recent accomplishments, as these help determine where you fall within a salary range and strengthen the case for your expectations.
How do you answer salary expectations?
Answering "What is your salary expectation?" can be tricky. Your goal is to be confident, flexible, and aware of your value while showing you've done your research.
- Do your homework first: As mentioned, there are numerous online resources for salary research, including Salary.com, Glassdoor, PayScale, and LinkedIn Salary. You can also check government data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics or ask people in your professional network.
- Provide a range: Jennifer Fink of Fink Development suggests keeping the bottom of your range near the mid-to-high point of your target. For example, if your desired salary is $70,000-$85,000 and you estimate the company's budget is $65,000-$80,000, you could state $75,000-$85,000. This way, even if they negotiate lower, you remain satisfied.
- Justify your expectations: Be ready to explain your range. Base it on your experience, specialized skills, and the market rate. Emphasize the value you bring. You can say: "I'm asking for this range because of my experience and the results I've delivered, along with current market rates."
- Redirect if needed: If asked early in the interview process, you can politely ask what salary range the company has budgeted. This helps align your salary expectations with theirs. You might say, "Could you share the current salary range budgeted for this role?"
- Communicate confidently: A 2020 study found that self-confidence has a strong impact on whether recruiters perceive job seekers as suitable for a role. So, answer confidently, using tone and body language that show you know your value.
Sample answers to salary expectation questions
Here are sample answers for different experience levels.
- For no experience
If you have no professional experience, focus on research and aim for a fair, entry-level salary based on the market.
Answer #1
"Based on my research for similar entry-level roles in this industry and location, a typical salary range is between $X and $Y. I am confident that my skills in [mention a relevant skill, e.g., data analysis, customer service] will allow me to quickly add value to your team, and I am seeking a salary within that range."
Answer #2
"I am still in the early stages of my career and am more focused on finding a role where I can learn and grow. I am open to a salary that is competitive for an entry-level position. I'm also very interested in learning more about the overall compensation package, including benefits, training opportunities, stock options, other perks, and any potential for performance-based bonuses." - For experienced
As an experienced professional, emphasize your successful track record and the value you bring when negotiating.
Answer #1
"With [number] years of experience in [your industry/field] and a proven track record of [key accomplishment, e.g., 'generating demos'], I am seeking a salary between $X and $Y. This range is based on the market rate for this level and the value I can bring to your company's goals."
Answer #2
"I am flexible with my salary expectations and confident we can agree on a fair number. I am seeking a total compensation package that reflects my experience and the responsibilities of the role. If possible, may I know the salary range budgeted for this position?" - For freshers
This category is very similar to "no experience" but works well for new graduates who want to showcase their academic background and recent skills.
Answer #1
"As a recent graduate, I am seeking a salary competitive for an entry-level role in this industry. The typical range for similar positions is $X to $Y. I believe my academic background in [your major] and skills in [specific skill] will allow me to contribute effectively to your team."
Answer #2
"I am excited about this opportunity to start my career in a field I am passionate about. My priority is to find a role where I can grow and make a positive impact. I am confident a fair entry-level salary will be part of a package that also includes professional development and a supportive company culture."
How to answer salary expectations: FAQs
Here are some common questions about salary expectations:
What's the best way to answer the salary expectations question in an interview?
The best way to answer the salary expectations question is to research beforehand and give a well-informed salary range instead of a single number. Career coach Joyel Crawford calls this the "secret recipe," explaining that showing you know your worth signals to the interviewer that "you're serious about your skills and what you can bring to their company."
What factors should I consider when setting salary expectations?
The important factors that determine your salary expectations include the market value of the role, your experience and skills, and the entire compensation package. As mentioned earlier, research industry standards and location, assess your achievements, and consider benefits, bonuses, and cost of living to understand your overall earnings.
What are the tips for talking about salary expectations with employers?
A few of the best tips for discussing salary expectations with employers are to be confident and ready to justify your range based on the current job market, practice your responses beforehand, and approach the conversation with positivity and professionalism.
How do I respond if asked about my salary range?
When asked about your salary range in an interview, the best approach is to give a well-researched, flexible answer. Your range should reflect your skills, the industry standard for the role, and the cost of living in the job's location. Tools like Salary.com's Cost of Living Calculator can help adjust your salary expectations based on regional differences.
