Interview Tips >Interview Question: What Are Your Current Salary Expectations?
You should not talk about salary until you have the job in hand. If you are asked about salary, you politely say you would like to learn more about the job and would be happy to figure out salary once it appears you are a good fit for the position. However, if you are forced to talk about salary, or you have finished both interviews and it looks like you are about to be hired, you will need to answer that question.
How to Answer
Do research. The more research you have on hand, the easier it will be to negotiate salary. Don’t talk about what you want. Talk about what you know the job is worth. Look up labor statistics, etc. Also, see if it is possible to make the interviewer give you a range first. We will show two options of that below.
Bad Answer
“I would like $50,000 plus full benefits, including vision. I would also like maternity leave, and I would like a company care. No, wait… Two company cars. And a masseuse. Shaken, not stirred.”
Good Answer #1
“What salary range is your company looking for?”
Good Answer #2
“According to the bureau of labor statistics, the average salary for this job in well-populated cities is between $40,000 and $50,000 per year. Based on both my experience and the work expected in the position, I am looking for around $47,000.”
Good answers will either make the employer give you an offer first, or be backed with a considerable amount of research so that you can justify why you deserve the amount of money you are asking for. If you make the first move, remember to always start with a number above what you want to make, in case the employer tries to bargain you down.
Take Away Interview Tips
- See if you can get the company to make an offer first.
- If not, back up your salary expectations with research.
- Never answer questions about salary until you have the job in hand, if you can help it.
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Please advise – In a pre-interview questionairre, I have been asked three questions. Based on my responses, the company will decide whether they will proceed with an interview or not. What is the best way to answer – Please advise your expected salary? Thanks.
You should provide them with your expected salary. You don’t want a job that isn’t going to pay you what you think you deserve, because if you get the job you won’t be paid enough and you’ll be miserable. Give them a real answer. If they don’t ask you to come in for an interview just because of your answer, then you probably were not going to make enough anyway.