An answer like this shows that you’re open to budging if needed, but still puts you in a good position within the range. Essentially, when recruiters ask about your ideal pay, they put you in a tricky position because you don’t really know what they want to hear. And so, even if your answer is backed by thorough research, it doesn’t have to be the right one. As you can see, this question requires some analysis from your side. Analyze the situation, think about your negotiation power, and decide how much money you can ask for.
Before, they were looking for a minimum compensation number. Now, they’re looking for a compelling compensation number. With over eight years of experience in the field, Mitko is a seasoned content specialist who has penned thousands of articles covering a wide array of topics. Before writing, he spent a few months working as a Bartender in one of the best bars in his hometown.
- For example, a graphic designer with six years of experience in New York will likely command a higher salary than a graphic designer with two years of experience in Cleveland.
- If you want to see how to handle the salary negotiation (final steps of the hiring process), we have a full lesson on this.
- First, research the industry standards for your role in your location.
- Show flexibility by offering a salary range instead of a specific number.
- You still have a steady income coming in, but you want to reach the highest salary potential possible.
- —to gather data and insights on the opportunity in front of you,” McCarthy says.
- If you aren’t comfortable with a single number, you can also present a range.
Explain how your skills, experience and achievements justify the proposed figure. Research salary ranges for positions similar to the one you’re applying for in your specific geographic location. Consider factors like experience level, industry demand and regional cost of living. Answering the salary expectations question can be tricky. But with the right approach, you can navigate this part of the interview with confidence. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you respond effectively.
Common Variations of “What Are Your Salary Expectations?”
- You want to aim high but not price yourself out of the running.
- Avoid listing an unrealistically high or low number, as it may disqualify you from consideration for the position.
- In general, giving a thoughtful answer to the salary expectations query can improve your chances in the interview.
- Your best bet is to negotiate the offer as well as possible.
- But if the response is lower than you’re happy with, you have to come up with a plan to respond.
So, although you do not want to seem desperate, you can still provide a vague answer to this common interview question. Comparing salaries with people in your network who have the job you want is another way to gain insight, Fink says. “Ideally, employers and recruiters how to answer what are your salary expectations would be upfront with salary information and volunteer it first, but that’s not often the case,” Fink adds. If you’re filling out a paper job application with questions about your current, previous, or expected salary, just leave those questions blank. Either the recruiter will just let it go, or they’ll verbally ask you for those numbers, and you can fall back on the scripts we covered earlier. Now it’s time for them to decide whether to extend a job offer.
Salary expectations questions – How should you answer them?
If you had told them your salary expectations, you may not have even gotten this far. They may not have continued interviewing you if you were “too expensive”, and you never would have had the opportunity to show them that you’re the ideal candidate for the position they’re trying to fill. Instead, open a line of conversation about how you’re searching for a job.
If the interviewer gives you a number or range in line with what you expected or higher, great! But if the response is lower than you’re happy with, you have to come up with a plan to respond. Next, figure out how much pay you personally need (and want).
Example Answer #10: Offer a Lower End Amount
An employer with salary expectation questions wants to know if they can afford to hire you and if you value yourself in the workplace. Advance planning by researching current salary trends will help you answer this question in your next interview. Usually, this interview question is asked to ensure that both parties are on the same page regarding compensation expectations before proceeding with the hiring process. It helps employers save time by not pursuing candidates with unreasonably high salary expectations that might lead to disappointment and eventual turnover. Employers ask for your expected salary during a job interview to determine if your expectations align with their budget for the position.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Discussing Salary Expectations
Job search sites, like Indeed and Glassdoor, or dedicated salary sites, like Payscale, offer salary research tools. You can also turn to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, which tracks the vast majority of job titles in the country and provides median annual salary data. For example, a graphic designer with six years of experience in New York will likely command a higher salary than a graphic designer with two years of experience in Cleveland.
Answers
Before attending an interview, it’s essential to do your homework. Research the average salary range for the position you’re applying for in your industry and location. Make use of websites like Glassdoor, Payscale, and Indeed to get an idea of the salary range. Ensure you’re aware of your own value and experience, so you can confidently answer the salary question when it arises.
Identify any gaps between your current compensation and the industry standards. At a later stage, during interviews or job offer discussions, discuss your expectations openly, backed up by research on industry earnings. This tactic can help you check if the employer’s range aligns with your expectations before committing to a specific figure and set the stage for a more collaborative and transparent negotiation process.
This response suggests you have not done a preliminary research and are not in a strong negotiating position. Instead, convey that you have a clear understanding of your value and industry standards. If a company isn’t willing to start that conversation, it’s a sign that they might not be willing to work with you in other ways—which could be a red flag. While talking about money can be uncomfortable, it’s also a critical step in the hiring process—especially at the beginning. However, it’s important that you also have realistic expectations. According to a recent study, undergraduates tend to overestimate their starting salaries.
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