How to Answer “What Are Your Salary Expectations?” (2024)

FAQs

What is your salary expectation sample best answer? ›

Sample Answer:

While compensation is important, my primary focus is on finding a position where I can utilize my skills and experience to make a meaningful impact. I am confident that with my qualifications and track record, we can agree on a competitive salary that reflects the value I would bring to the team.

Consider giving a salary range, not a number

But that doesn't mean the employer won't ask about salary requirements during the initial contact. If a job post asks applicants to state their expected salary when applying for the position, then give a range — not a specific figure — you're comfortable with.

You eventually have to give your expectations, but if this question is asked too soon before you have a complete understanding of what the role entails, you can dodge the question by saying something like: "Before I answer, I would like to find out a bit more about the role and your company so I can give you my precise ...

When you do decide to discuss wages, don't mention a specific figure – provide your preferred salary range instead. Showing that you're flexible is the first step towards negotiating a pay packet that's viable for your employer and reflects your ambitions.

The conversational, positive ask

“I'm really excited about this opportunity. If we decide to work together, I'm sure we'd find a salary that matches the value I'll bring to your organization. Can you give me an idea what you've already budgeted for this position?”

Redirect the Conversation: Instead of disclosing your current salary, steer the conversation towards your salary expectations based on the role and market standards. For instance, you could say, “I prefer to focus on the value I can bring to this role and what the market rate is for a position like this.”

A salary expectation is the amount of money you would like to earn in a year. This number can be expressed as an hourly wage, annual salary, or monthly salary. The two primary reasons potential employers ask about salary expectations is to: Verify if the position's budget fits what you want in pay.

To determine if the company can afford you.

The primary reason recruiters ask about your compensation expectations is because they want to understand whether you and the company are in the same ballpark.

For instance, if you would like to make $35,000, then you should state that your salary requirements are between $30,000 and $40,000, rather than $35,000. This way, there is an opportunity to negotiate.

How to write salary range in job description? ›

When including a salary range, provide the range either with spaces between the dash and the numbers or without. For example: $110,000 - $125,000 or $110,000-$125,000. Don't forget to add the pay period to which the salary or salary range applies. For example: $110,000 per year, or $110,000/year.

Highlight What Makes You Unique. When answering "Why should we hire you?" it's important to highlight what makes you stand out as a candidate. Think about your greatest strengths, unique experiences, or qualities that separate you from others.

If you're asked for your salary expectations, you could deflect by saying “What do you usually pay someone in this position?” or “I'd like to learn more about the role before I set my salary expectations. I would hope that my salary would line up with market rates for similar positions in this area.”

“I'd like to know more about the salary range on offer for this role. I am currently earning $X. If my expectations are in keeping with your salary offerings, this will be a role I am interested in.”