How to Answer the Question “What Salary Do You Want?” in Job Interviews
One of the most common yet tricky questions in job interviews is, “What salary do you expect?” This question can be particularly challenging because answering it poorly may limit your negotiating power or even cost you the job offer. On the other hand, answering it strategically can set the stage for a fair and competitive compensation package. In this article, we will explore effective strategies for answering the salary expectation question in interviews, helping you approach the topic with confidence and professionalism.
Understanding the Question
Before diving into how to answer the question, it’s important to understand why employers ask about your salary expectations in the first place. Employers typically ask this question to gauge whether your expectations align with their budget for the role. It can also help them determine if you’re in the right salary range for the position, so they can manage their financial resources effectively.
However, this question is not just about numbers; it’s a test of how well you understand your worth, how you negotiate, and whether you are well-informed about the market rate for your position. By answering it strategically, you can set a positive tone for the rest of the interview process.
Why It’s a Sensitive Question
For many candidates, discussing salary is a sensitive subject. Some may feel uncomfortable stating a salary range for fear of underselling themselves or pricing themselves out of consideration. Others may worry about being judged based on their answer or about damaging their relationship with the potential employer. However, a well-thought-out response can make a significant difference in the negotiation process and can even demonstrate your professionalism and preparedness.
1. Do Your Research: Know Your Worth
Before you enter any job interview, it’s crucial to know the average salary for the role you’re applying for in your geographic area and industry. Use online resources such as Glassdoor, Payscale, and LinkedIn Salary Insights to find out what similar positions are paying. Be sure to consider factors like your experience, education, and skill set, as well as the company’s size, location, and industry.
Understanding the salary range for the position allows you to provide a well-grounded and realistic expectation. It also ensures that you are not asking for too little, which could undervalue your expertise, or too much, which might price you out of consideration.
2. Deflect the Question (If Appropriate)
In some cases, you may not want to provide a direct salary expectation right away, especially if you are still gathering information about the role and the company. If the salary question comes up early in the interview process, you can try to politely deflect it until you have more information.
A good way to do this is by responding with:
- “I’d prefer to learn more about the responsibilities of the role and the team I’d be working with before discussing salary. Once I have a better understanding of the expectations and scope of the role, I’d be happy to discuss compensation.”
This allows you to delay the conversation until you have a better sense of the job and can make a more informed decision.
3. Provide a Salary Range
If the interviewer insists on knowing your salary expectations, it’s often best to provide a salary range rather than a specific number. A salary range shows flexibility, while still providing a framework for what you’re willing to accept. This approach also leaves room for negotiation and avoids locking you into a specific figure that could be too low or too high for the position.
To determine the right salary range, consider:
- Your current or most recent salary
- The industry average salary for the role
- Your experience, qualifications, and education level
- The cost of living in the region where the job is located
- The scope and responsibilities of the position
Once you have this information, you can offer a range that reflects your expectations while also signaling that you are open to discussing the offer further. For example:
- “Based on my research and the responsibilities of the role, I would expect a salary in the range of $60,000 to $70,000 per year. However, I’m open to discussing the compensation package in more detail once I learn more about the overall benefits and opportunities for growth at your company.”
This approach shows that you are prepared, flexible, and focused on the overall value of the position.
4. Be Prepared to Justify Your Range
When you provide a salary range, it’s important to be ready to explain how you arrived at that figure. This demonstrates that you’ve done your homework and are serious about the value you bring to the role.
You can justify your salary expectations by citing factors such as:
- Industry standards: “Based on my research, the average salary for similar roles in this area falls within this range.”
- Your experience: “With over five years of experience in the industry and a proven track record in [specific skills], I believe my expertise warrants a salary in this range.”
- Educational background: “Given my advanced degree in [field] and my certification in [relevant certification], this range is competitive for someone with my qualifications.”
- Specialized skills: “I have expertise in [specific skill], which I believe will be highly valuable to your company and worth this salary range.”
This approach helps the interviewer understand that your salary expectation is grounded in facts and data, making you seem more credible and professional.
5. Be Honest About Your Expectations
While it’s important to be strategic, it’s also crucial to be honest about your salary expectations. If you are not comfortable with a low salary range, or if the company’s budget does not align with your needs, it’s better to address this sooner rather than later.
If you’re asked what salary you want but the offer isn’t meeting your needs, you can respond with:
- “While I’m very interested in the position and excited about the opportunity, based on my experience and the current market rates, I was expecting a salary closer to [your desired figure]. Could we discuss the compensation package further?”
This approach allows you to express your concerns without closing the door on the opportunity. You also show that you are assertive and willing to advocate for yourself professionally.
6. Consider the Entire Compensation Package
When asked about salary, it’s important to remember that compensation is not just about the base salary. Other factors such as bonuses, benefits (healthcare, retirement, etc.), stock options, vacation days, and opportunities for professional development can all contribute to your overall compensation.
If you are flexible on the salary but want a higher total compensation package, you could say:
- “I’m looking for a competitive salary, but I’m also interested in understanding the full compensation package, including bonuses, benefits, and opportunities for advancement within the company.”
This ensures that you consider the broader aspects of the job offer, allowing you to make a more informed decision when the time comes.
7. Stay Confident
Salary negotiations can be intimidating, but confidence is key. Remember that you are offering your skills, experience, and expertise, and you deserve to be compensated fairly. If you’ve done your research and are clear about what you want, you should be able to discuss salary in a calm and confident manner.
If the interviewer is unable to meet your salary expectations, you can ask if there is room for negotiation or if other benefits, such as additional paid time off, flexible work arrangements, or professional development opportunities, could be offered in place of a higher salary.
8. Understand the Employer’s Budget
Finally, it’s important to recognize that an employer’s salary range is sometimes non-negotiable. For example, in government or nonprofit organizations, salary budgets can be tightly constrained. In these situations, understanding that the employer may have limited flexibility can help you approach the conversation with realistic expectations. You can still inquire about other ways to increase the value of the offer, such as performance bonuses or additional benefits.
Conclusion
Answering the salary question in a job interview requires a careful balance of research, strategy, and professionalism. By knowing your worth, offering a reasonable salary range, justifying your expectations with solid data, and being flexible when necessary, you can navigate this tricky question with confidence. Whether you’re negotiating your first job offer or advancing in your career, handling the salary discussion effectively can help you secure a fair compensation package that reflects your skills and experience.