Don’t answer it: the common interview question that’s better left unsaid

What are your salary expectations?

It’s a simple question, but the subtext is uncomfortable. In a workplace culture where salary ranges are increasingly not included in a position description, job seekers are often making it to interview stage without knowing what a role pays.

And it’s not like it’s an unimportant question: LinkedIn research shows a job’s salary is one of the top two priorities for job seekers.

Being asked what you want to be paid could be seen as an opportunity to share what you’re worth. However it also comes with risks: Am I way off? Will I scare them away by asking for a big salary? What if I undersell myself and end up being paid less than my compatriots?

And as Mark Beltran says, “If you over or undersell yourself, this sends a message to the manager that you really don't understand the industry too well.”

There’s also a good chance the way you answer this question will depend on your gender, culture, age and other factors.

In light of all this, I asked career coaches in Australia and New Zealand how they advise answering the question. Check it out and choose which approach will work best for you when you’re next applying for a job.

Make sure you have the salary range before interview

Impossible, right? Sarah Burgess says there are avenues to try in order to get the salary range.

“We know a lot of job salaries are not advertised, but I would call the recruiter or HR to speak to someone about salary before applying. This is a good opportunity to find out more on the role as well as ask for a pay range.”

Pam Foster suggests looking up salary information on PayScale or Glassdoor. Lynda Bundock uses the Hays Salary Survey. Then there’s LinkedIn Premium insights and looking up the pay of other roles in the industry, or speaking to people working in similar roles.

Answer the question with a question

Feeling bold? Try putting it back on the hirer. Here are a few choice wordings to try:

“I am sure you have already seriously considered the range you intend to offer the successful applicant so what is that range you have decided on?” Neil Baker.

“Could we discuss this if I am offered the role?” Grant Hill.

"I am sure you have a target range in mind for this role. Are you able to share that with me?" Heather Gillbanks.

"I have none. Just pay me what you think I am worth." Carmelo Cincotta.

"My salary expectations are to be paid monthly and to expect it in my account on the specified date." Christopher Price.

“I just smile, look them in the eye and say: what’s your range?” Stephanie V.

“You know what my responsibilities will be for the position and what will be the job functions it requires and will have applied this into the budget for the position — so what are you offering?” Keith Rolston.

“While I have a range in mind I would like to learn more about the expectations and reality of the role before committing to a figure,” Ali Uren.

If you want to share your expectations, use a range not a number

Julie Knox says, “Never commit to an exact figure in the interview if at all possible." Instead, she recommends giving a 20K range "with your actual preferred salary at the bottom". Warren Frehse agrees, saying, "That gives you and the employer room to move.”

Include non-salary packages in the discussion

Sophia Poulos suggests finding out what is on offer as a whole package, including education, bonuses, shares, car spaces and more, as, “Many companies are adding in juicy bonuses to entice quality candidates.”

Finally, have confidence in your worth

"Too many people are willing to drop too quickly and in the current talent short market especially, there's no reason to," says Sarah Felice. “If an employer isn't paying what you know you are worth, find someone who will.”

How do you answer the question? Tell us in the comments.

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