You’re in a job interview and they ask about your salary expectations. How do you answer?

1 Research the market

Before you go to the interview, do some research on the average salary range for the position and the location. You can use online tools, such as Glassdoor or PayScale, to get an idea of what other nurses are earning in similar roles and settings. You can also ask your colleagues, mentors, or professional network for their insights and advice. This will help you determine a realistic and reasonable salary expectation based on your skills, experience, and qualifications.

3 Be prepared to negotiate

When the interviewer asks you about your salary expectation, you don't have to give a specific number right away. You can start by saying that you are flexible and open to negotiation, depending on the overall compensation package and the scope of the role. You can also ask the interviewer what the salary range is for the position, or what they have budgeted for it. This will give you a sense of how much they are willing to pay and how much room there is for negotiation. If you have to give a number, you can use your research and your needs to provide a salary range that reflects your value and your interest in the job.

4 Avoid common mistakes

When answering the salary question in a job interview, it's important to avoid some common mistakes. Don't apologize or act embarrassed for asking for a fair salary, as this will make you seem insecure and unprofessional. Also, don't base your salary expectation on your previous or current salary, as this will limit your potential and prevent you from getting paid what you are worth. Furthermore, don't accept the first offer without asking for more details or time to think, as this will make you seem desperate and unprepared. Lastly, don't make unrealistic or unreasonable demands that are out of sync with the market and the job, as this will make you seem arrogant and unrealistic.

5 Show your value and enthusiasm

The most important thing to remember when answering the salary question in a job interview is to show your value and enthusiasm for the job. You want to demonstrate that you are a qualified, competent, and passionate nurse who can add value to the organization and the team. You also want to express your interest and excitement for the opportunity and the potential for growth and learning. By doing so, you will create a positive impression and increase your chances of getting the salary and the job that you want.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?