How to Answer ‘What Is Your Expected Salary?’

How to Answer ‘What Is Your Expected Salary?’: A Strategic Guide with Examples and Process

Navigating the question ​**“What is your expected salary?”**​ can be pivotal in securing a job offer that aligns with your value. This guide provides actionable strategies, real-world examples, and insights into the interview process to help you negotiate confidently while maintaining professionalism.

​Why Employers Ask About Salary Expectations​

Employers use this question to:

1. ​Assess Fit: Determine if your expectations align with their budget.
2. ​Gauge Priorities: Understand whether you value compensation, growth, or other factors.
3. ​Streamline Negotiations: Avoid mismatched offers later in the hiring process.

​**When Does This Question Arise?**​

Salary discussions typically occur during:

1. ​Screening Calls: Early-stage recruiter conversations.
2. ​Final Interviews: Before extending a formal offer.
3. ​Job Applications: Some online forms require a salary field.

​Strategies to Answer Effectively​

​1. Research Market Rates​

• Use platforms like Glassdoor, Payscale, or LinkedIn Salary to benchmark roles in your industry and location.
  • Example: “For a Senior Software Engineer in Berlin, the average base salary is €75,000–€95,000.”

​2. Deflect Tactfully​

• Postpone the discussion until you understand the role’s scope.
  • “I’d like to learn more about the responsibilities and growth opportunities before discussing salary. What range did you have in mind?”

​3. Provide a Range​

• Anchor high but stay within realistic bounds.
  • “Based on my experience and industry standards, I’m targeting 90,000–90,000–110,000.”

​4. Highlight Flexibility​

• Show openness to negotiation if the offer includes non-monetary benefits.
  • “I’m flexible depending on equity, bonuses, or professional development opportunities.”

​5. Turn the Question Around​

• Ask the employer for their budget.
  • “Could you share the salary band for this role?”

​Examples of Strong Responses​

​Early-Career Candidate​

• “As an entry-level Data Analyst, I’m seeking 60,000–60,000–70,000, aligned with the market rate in Austin. However, I’m open to discussing the full compensation package.”

​Experienced Professional​

• “With 8 years in project management and certifications like PMP, my target is 120,000–120,000–135,000. I’m happy to refine this after learning more about the role’s impact.”

​Career Changers​

• “While transitioning from marketing to UX design, I’m prioritizing skill growth. That said, I’d expect a range of 65,000–65,000–80,000 based on my transferable experience.”

​Common Mistakes to Avoid​

1. ​Giving a Single Number: Ranges show flexibility.
2. ​Underpricing Yourself: Research thoroughly to avoid leaving money on the table.
3. ​Overemphasizing Salary Early: Focus on fit first.
4. ​Lying About Current Pay: Employers may verify this during background checks.

​Handling Follow-Up Questions​

If pressed for specifics:

• “I’m confident we can find a mutually beneficial number. Could you share more about the bonus structure or stock options?”

​Negotiating the Final Offer​

1. ​Express Enthusiasm: “I’m excited about this opportunity and would like to discuss the offer further.”
2. ​Counter Professionally: “Given my expertise in [skill], could we consider $115,000?”
3. ​Leverage Competing Offers: “I have another offer at $105,000, but I’m more aligned with your mission. Is there room to adjust?”

​**How to Answer ‘What Is Your Expected Salary?’**​

Mastering salary negotiations requires research, tact, and clarity. By anchoring your expectations in market data, emphasizing flexibility, and aligning your response with the employer’s budget, you can secure a package that reflects your value. Use this guide to approach the question strategically and turn salary discussions into a win-win outcome.