What Are Your Salary Expectations?

One of the most sensitive questions in a job interview - the fear of naming the number too low or losing the opportunity by demanding too much is almost tangible.

Some recruiters ask it already on a phone interview. Some request to fill out the form and put your expectations on paper. Some leave it to the Hiring Manager at the last stage of the interviews. Various approaches, but the same concern - how to nail the question?

Here's what you need to know when answering "What are your salary expectations" to the recruiter:

The recruiter needs to know your current salary package or your expectations to see, how close or far you are from the range of the company's planned budget for the position.

And that`s the key here - the budget is planned. With a variation to it. In my experience, up to some 25%. Therefore, unless you are precisely within the range, negotiation is inevitable.

Here are 5 steps on how to navigate the answer.

1. Do your research.

Use your network, and dig the internet to gather information on salary levels for similar positions in the industry and company that you are interviewing with. This will give you a baseline for forming your expectations.

2. Understand the role.

If possible, first get a better understanding of the role, responsibilities, expectations, company structure, and future plans, before talking about your salary expectations. This allows you to demonstrate your value and expertise first.

3. Discuss the total package.

Don’t make a mistake talking only about the salary. Mention the entire package you are interested in, including benefits, bonuses, retirement plans, and car Instead of giving a specific salary figure, mention the range and express your flexibility to negotiate.

4. Express flexibility.

Instead of giving a specific salary figure, mention the range and express your flexibility to negotiate. You can note that you are open to discussing a competitive package.

5. Know your value.

You are there because they need, you, too. Be confident and avoid sounding overly focused on salary. Show that you are more interested in the opportunity to make an impact.

To summarize: Providing a salary range allows for more flexibility and negotiation and can lead to a more satisfying and successful hiring process for both – the job applicant and the hiring manager.

Share your best tips for a salary negotiation in the comments.

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I am Inuta Sert, a Career Coach and Former Executive Recruiter, supporting mid-career professionals to get the right job.

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p.s. I am working on a to-the-point online course for busy middle-senior-level managers looking for a job. It will spare you hours of googling and you will get all the know-how on how to stand out in a job interview in less than 1.5 hours directly from a former Executive recruiter. Stay tuned!