How to answer the question "What salary do you expect?"

"What salary do you expect?" is perhaps one of the most challenging questions you can be asked during a job interview. When this question comes up mid-interview, it can be panic-inducing. If you state too high of a figure, you might overestimate your worth and miss out on the job you want. On the other hand, if you mention too low of an amount, it can raise questions about your skills, experience, and what you could or should be earning.

Why the question "What salary do you expect?" is asked

The main reason employers ask salary-related questions is to gauge candidates' expectations in relation to the budget allocated for the position they're applying for.

Therefore, the answer to the question "What salary do you expect?" is crucial, as it could disqualify you from further rounds of the job interview. However, this isn't necessarily a bad thing, as you wouldn't be satisfied with the job or you might feel that you're not being paid enough.

The goal is to find someone who would be content working for the stated salary

Don't be afraid that the employer will judge you if you state a salary that is too high or too low. The purpose of this question is to find someone who would be content working for the employer's budgeted salary.

Addressing the salary question early on ensures that time and effort aren't wasted on multiple rounds of job interviews only to discover that the salary is far from what both parties expect. Ideally, employers should mention the salary first or even disclose it in the job application.

Research the company before the Interview

Regardless of how you choose to answer the salary question, it's essential to know what your ideal salary is. You can research the company and find out what salaries are typical in your industry, taking into account the company's size, industry and location. It's also important to determine how much salary you personally need and want, considering expected expenses and goals. Consider other benefits as well, such as on-site meals, transportation reimbursement, childcare allowances, additional vacation days, etc.

"What salary do you expect?" – Three strategies for responding to the question

In a job interview, there are three main strategies for responding to the question "What salary do you expect?" depending on the stage of the interview process.

1. Provide a salary range

Stating a specific salary figure in the early stages of the interview can eliminate you from further rounds of the job interview. Therefore, be flexible and provide a salary range that you are willing to accept. This demonstrates your willingness to adapt to the prospective employer and also shows that you know your worth. It indicates your seriousness about your skills and how you can contribute to the company.

There are some drawbacks to giving specific salary figures in the early interview stage, such as the fear of stating too high or too low an amount. However, if you've done your research, you're less likely to state a figure that's too low. Also, waiting for a job offer can give you an advantage in negotiations.

When giving a salary range in the interview, it's recommended to keep the lower end of the range towards the middle or high point of what you're seeking. For example, if you're looking for €1,500 to €2,000, and your assumption about the company's budget is €1,000 to €1,700, you can state a range of €1,700 to €2,000. This leaves room for negotiation even if the company offers less than your range.

In your response, it's also important to emphasize that salary is not the only crucial component of your expectations and that you consider it as part of the overall package. It's advisable to reiterate what you bring to the potential employer to support the salary range you mentioned.

2. Turn the question to your advantage

One tactic you can use is to redirect the question about your expected salary by asking about the salary range for the position within the company. For instance, you can say, "It would be helpful to know what the salary range is for this position in your company." When the employer responds, you can adjust to their budget and answer the question about your expected salary.

If the employer's response aligns with your expectations or is higher, you can express positivity about it. However, if it's lower than your expectations, you'll need to carefully consider how to respond.

For example, if the employer offers a salary of €1,500 and you were hoping for a higher salary, you can say, "I was hoping for a higher salary, somewhere in the range of €1,700 to €2,000, but I'm open to negotiations on other terms." Afterward, you can focus on other aspects of your benefits, such as additional health insurance or annual check-ups.

However, if you're seeking a significantly higher salary, such as €2,000 or more, you may have already reached the limit of the employer's budget. In that case, you can say, "Unfortunately, with my experience and current salary, I'm not sure I can accept less than €2,500 per month. Is there flexibility in your budget for this position?"

3. Postpone the salary discussion

It's possible to delay the salary discussion until you learn more about the responsibilities and the overall offer. Instead of immediately responding to the question about your salary expectations, you can indicate that salary is important, but your priority at the moment is finding the right position. You can then state that you'd prefer to learn more about the role, the company and other benefits before discussing money.

Note, however, that you shouldn't employ this strategy out of fear of losing the opportunity. If you truly need the job, it might be tempting to accept any offered salary, but ultimately, it could be detrimental to you.

Remember that the question "What salary do you expect?" in a job interview is essentially asking, "Why should we invest in you?". Knowing the value of that investment to both you and your potential employer is a key part of making a business deal.