How to Answer “What Are Your Salary Expectations?”
“What are your salary expectations?”
Why interviewers ask it
The employer wants to know whether you’re within their budget before investing more time. A well-researched answer also shows you understand the market for the role.
What they want to hear
- A figure or range grounded in research
- Flexibility on the whole package
- Confidence without being rigid
How to structure your answer: Research, range, flexibility
- 1Do the research firstThe range in the ad, salary surveys for your role and city, and what peers earn.
- 2Give a rangeA realistic range with your target near the bottom of it, or a single considered figure.
- 3Stay openSay you’re open to discussing the whole package: leave, flexibility, development.
Example answers
Made-up examples to show the shape of a good answer. Yours should use your own experience and numbers.
Based on the range in the ad and what I’ve seen for similar product analyst roles in Wellington, I’m looking at around $105,000 to $115,000. That said, I’m interested in the role for the work itself, and I’m open to talking about the full package, including flexibility and professional development.
For a marketing manager role in Denver leading a small team, the research I’ve done puts the market at roughly $95,000 to $115,000, so I’m targeting something in that range. I’d want to understand the bonus structure and benefits too before settling on a number.
Mistakes to avoid
- A number with no research behind it.
- A range so wide it means nothing.
- Refusing to answer at all. You can ask about their range first, but be ready with yours.
Other ways it’s asked
- “What salary are you looking for?”
- “What are you earning now?”
- “What’s your expected compensation?”
Practise it out loud
Answers that read well often run long when spoken. This mock interview asks “What are your salary expectations?” first, then more questions: answer out loud, take the interviewer’s follow-ups, and get a scored report with a stronger version of each answer. Free, no account.
5 interview questions, answered out loudIt starts with “What are your salary expectations?”. The interviewer reads each question, you answer as you would in the room, and may get a follow-up question. Then see how each answer scored and a stronger version of it.
- Free, no account
- Answer out loud or type
- An interviewer’s voice and follow-up questions