6 Tips to answer the question, "what are your salary expectations"?

"What are your salary expectations?" When most interviewees hear this question, they find themselves frozen in their tracks. They would start feeling uncomfortable because they do not want to come across as greedy by giving a higher number, look too desperate in need of a job, or even sabotage their future financial goals by specifying a lower number.

There is one primary reason why you get asked this question; the employer wants to ensure that the salary you expect is something they can offer. Most companies have a set budget for hiring employees and must stay within this budget to avoid having to make cuts elsewhere.

"A person's success in life can usually be measured by the number of uncomfortable conversations he or she is willing to have." -Tim Ferriss.

Well, the above quote pretty much sets the theme for this article. The following tips may help you deal with this sticky situation if you ever find yourself in it.

1. Do a little research: Know the average salary range for your future job position?before you attend an interview by visiting sites like GlassDoor.com, PayScale.com, and Salary.com.

2. Know your potential employer: Do a little research on the company, the size of the company, and its financial position, and learn what salary current employees are receiving by reaching out to them in person at the work location, on LinkedIn, or via other means and methods of communication.

3. Know what you want: Know the exact salary and minimum salary you would be happy to accept.

4. Know what stage you are in:?Know at what stage you are getting asked this question; if it's an early stage of the interview process, there might be a good chance that they want to eliminate you as a candidate if you don't fit their salary budget; If it's at the final stage of the interview process chances are they probably want to hire you.

5. Hold your ground:?If it is an early stage, it is best not to give a number, But let us say if the interviewer is trying hard to get a number from you, for instance, say something like, “I am seeking a position that pays between $70,000 and $75,000 annually (your desired salary range), but I am open to negotiating salary depending on benefits, bonuses, equity, stock options, and other opportunities.”. If the interviewer persists in getting a specific number, ask the interviewer, "What do you think should be the top salary one should expect for this position?".

6. Market yourself well:?The interviewer should give you a number at this point or a salary range, but if you are not happy with the number or the salary range, consider negotiating; by marketing yourself well during the interview process as to what value you can add to the company, and list out your previous achievements, accomplishments, and previous track record that would align with the company objectives and growth.

After doing so, if the number or range does not fall within your desired salary range given by the interviewer, it's time to look for another employer as you may find an employer willing to pay you more, but if you are satisfied, continue with the interview.

Remember, it has to be a win-win situation for you and the company, so focus on companies willing to pay more and offer you an excellent work-life balance that ensures you and the company are happy to grow together.