How to Answer “What Are Your Salary Expectations?”

Go too low and you may end up making less than a prospective employer was willing to pay, but go too high and you could price yourself out of the job. Luckily, there are smart ways to answer–or not answer–this question. Here’s how to be ready for this point in the job interview, so you can maximize your pay without minimizing your chances of getting the job offer.

00:00 You’re probably going to get this question.
00:55 Why do they ask this?
02:05 Strategy 1: Redirect the conversation.
04:18 Strategy 2: Offer a salary range.
09:00 Conclusion

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[norah]

Since every position is budgeted, why isn't salary amount included in the job ad?, Saves everyone's time

[Alorand]

There should be a "Job interview board game" so that everyone can get used to these conversations starting from middle school.

[googoofeesmithersmits]

"They don't ask for it to try to pay you as little as possible" *proceeds to explain that's exactly the reason why they ask but with different words*

[Awesomes]

“Money is important but not as important as my environment, work, or teammates.” This has paid huge dividends my whole life. I’ve never suggested a salary and their offers are always higher than I would have asked for.

[alexspata]

I so love that meme:
-Your salary expectations are very high giving your low experience.
-Of course, it will be a very hard job for me, since I don't know what I'm doing 😂

[mark_tolver]

Put the pressure on them and ask “What salary range are you able to offer?” It’s straightforward and they won’t want to be judged as being too cheap.

[anastasiiazdorikova]

These strategies are so American specifically. I just went through a hiring process in Germany and there you are expected to give a specific number. German coaches coach you to state it confidently, in one sentence, without any explanations, and then just pause and wait for a response.
I'm also not German, and in my country I'd do the same. But my sister in the US did tell me that those negotiation strategies were what one should train oneself to do

[BM-zvxz]

Specifying a range is exactly like specifying only the lower number in that range, because that is the only thing the interviewer will hear.

[TheNefastor]

I'm halfway through my career and I don't take that shit anymore. Now I'm the one who asks that question of potential employers if they dare post a job offer that doesn't come with a number. It's time to end that BS.

You said it yourself: every position is budgeted and they know the budget, I dont.

[artpil]

More than once you've advised saying you don't fully understand the role in order to dodge the question of salary expectations. Can't imagine this sounds very good to the interviewer.

[a.j.]

I wish she had a comment for the VERY COMMON reality that this question is asked in the online application process. You HAVE to answer. The answer HAS to be ONE number, not a range (although some do offer ticky boxes for ranges). It's awful, esp when they have offered no salary range in the description.

[keikofay]

About the comment at 1:27 "typically, hiring managers and recruiters want to make sure they can afford you". I am not sure I agree with that. I think it is more typical --no matter a company's budget-- that they will pay as little as a candidate allows. Few companies will pay out one cent more than they absolutely must. If it weren't largely true, wages would be more openly disclosed.

My two cents is, it comes down to a candidate knowing their worth and pitching it plainly and with pseudo-nonchalance. Desperation is just as bad (or worse) than being too rigid or aggressive!

[xvsotomayor]

I understand her perspective on the discussion of salary as an interview question response, but, let's face it, a number or range is generally expected once you've been made an offer. I live in California, where certain employers are required to advertise a salary range, so that helps me weed out positions that don't pay what I would potentially be asking. Personally, I took ALL my expenses for living, added my reasonable yearly savings goal, and that became the low end of my range. I then multiplied that number by 1.5 and took the median between my number and that product as the high end of my range. This makes sure I've got everything covered to live and thrive and I'm only negotiating on how big a cherry is on top.

[wednesdaysangel]

The entry level catch 22 where a person would need experience to land an entry level role, say help desk, and in turn...that same person would require having worked to gain experience doing the entry level thing that they'd need experience to be accepted into doing.

[thorstenreitz]

At my company, we always list the salary band on the job description. However, sometimes it is quite wide, so, after the initial 30 to 45 mins, I will also ask what they (as a candidate) expect. At this point, we will already have determined principal role and contribution level fit, so a discussion along the lines of "let me talk more about my skills/contributions" would not work well there.

However, I explicitly invite candidates who are not satisfied with the band we propose to ask the question "what do I have to do to reach salary xxx". We can then discuss how they could get there. I really enjoy these discussions, as they are focused on value, and not cost.

[immcguyver]

Ambiguous question equals Ambiguous answer. "You said we are a groundbreaking industry leader with top pay and benefits. I would say that a salary in the 90th percentile for this area for this position is perfect."

[thespeedygoalkeeper]

When they ask my salary expectations, I always give them this line --- which has doubled my salary: "I just want an offer that's fair. One that reflects my skills and experience." You will be surprised at what they offer you. You nailed the interview. They love you.

[SailingCatamaranElement]

My previous company had salary brackets attached to levels 1 through 8 for the different career paths within the company. My answer would be to ask whether the interviewing company has such a system in place, and based on my qualifications and experience, where do I fall into their level system, and what salary bracket applies to that level? If they do not have such a system, my next question is what system do they use equitably pay their employees....

[JoelJohnson]

"What are your salary expectations?"
*heist music intensifies

"What's your budget?"
"We don't have a budget."

"What's the market range?"
"A little down at the moment."

"I believe I bring a lot to the table."
"Possibly. But this is a pretty standard role."

"Can I get back to you on this?"
"We'd rather have an initial number to start with. What was your salary in your previous job?"

"CAN'T SAY! SIGNED AN NDA."

[dneary]

I don't answer that question. Turn it around. "I'm not concerned about the salary, I care more about the role and responsibilities, and whether I'm a good fit. As long as the salary is at a fair market rate, I don't think salary will be an obstacle."