What are your Salary Expectations? | Best Answer (from former CEO) (2024)

FAQs

What are your salary expectations use previous answers? ›

You can say something like, “Based on my 10 years of experience in this field, I would expect a salary in the range of $Y to $Z.” Before mentioning any numbers, remind the interviewer why he or she should offer you a salary in the first place.

The best and simplest tactic for answering this question is to offer a salary range you'd be willing to accept rather than a set amount. A range is much more likely to fit into their budget for the role, and it lets the employer compare you better against other candidates.

Applicants “should not disclose their previous salary but instead reframe their answer to express their salary expectations or requirements for the job,” according to Hoy. In other words, tell them what you expect to make, not what you're currently paid.

A salary expectation is the amount of money you would like to earn in a year. This number can be expressed as an hourly wage, annual salary, or monthly salary. The two primary reasons potential employers ask about salary expectations is to: Verify if the position's budget fits what you want in pay.

They want to determine your market value. Your salary history — specifically the salary you earned in your most recent position — is one factor an employer can use to gauge your level of experience and the value you'll bring as an employee.

Rather than offering a set number of the salary you expect, provide the employer with a range in which you'd like your salary to fall. Try to keep your range tight rather than very wide. For example, if you want to make $75,000 a year, a good range to offer would be $73,000 to $80,000.

What to Say: “I really appreciate that, and benefits are an important part of the package. But I would be more comfortable if we could find a way to meet in the middle about the salary. Is there any way to find flexibility in that number, given my experience level and strong credentials?”

I answer it like this, “As an experienced professional, I expect you to make me an offer, but I am willing to give you my salary history so you can make an appropriate offer”. Do feel free to share your current and past salary and benefits, but don't ever let a recruiter talk you into giving them a number.

Why do recruiters ask for salary expectations? ›

Employers want to know salary expectations because they have a budget to stick to. They want to be certain your salary expectations align with the amount they've allotted for a specific role. If most applicants expect a certain range in terms of compensation, the company may provide more budget.

Your desired salary is simply the total compensation you'd like to receive in a new job. This should be a realistic number but it's also totally fine for it to be a significant jump from your current salary depending on what you're applying for.

To avoid confrontation, focus the conversation on facts and data. You can say, “Based on my research, the average employee in this role in our city makes [salary range]. Based on my background and experience, I think [this range] would be fair.” Giving a range can show that you're willing to negotiate.

As a fresher, my first priority is to enhance my skills, knowledge, and experience. Coming to my salary I will go according to the company's norms. I will expect a considerable salary for this position that will help me to achieve my economic needs.

What to Put for Desired Salary on Job Applications. The best way to answer desired salary or salary expectations on a job application is to leave the field blank or write 'Negotiable' rather than providing a number. If the application won't accept non-numerical text, then enter “999,” or “000”.

“My salary expectations I feel are in-line with my experience and qualifications.” “I would anticipate the salary for the role to be competitive within the current market.” “If I'm a good fit for your business and this is the right job for me, then I am sure we can come to a fair agreement on salary.”

Questions about your expectations for the company

“My expectations for the company would be to provide a work environment in which I can contribute to the team, I receive appreciation for my contributions, I have job stability and the ability to grow with the company.

The answer is simple… do not disclose your current or past salary to your potential employer, ever.

Consider giving a salary range, not a number

If a job post asks applicants to state their expected salary when applying for the position, then give a range — not a specific figure — you're comfortable with. Answers like “Negotiable” might work, but they can also make you look evasive.

Wait for the prospective employer to disclose the salary range. It's always a good idea to wait for the prospective employer to talk about their budget for the role before you throw out your own expected salary numbers.

How to tell candidate their salary expectation is too high? ›

If a candidate's target salary is too high, you may respond with the following. “I just want to be honest with you. Your target salary is outside our range. If this is still negotiable, I would like to invite you for an interview and further discuss the role with you.

Rule #1: Prepare

There's a lot you can do to prepare for this conversation, Menkel-Meadow said, but what's most important is finding out how much people with your experience and title make. “You could actually call people up in the workplace that you're negotiating with,” she said.

Dear (Name), I am thrilled to be offered the [Position] role at [Company]. As requested, my expected base salary is ($_______). This is based on the average annual salary range of ($_______ to $_______) for this job, as well as [2–3 qualifications/skills or summary of major past achievements].

If you're asked for your salary expectations, you could deflect by saying “What do you usually pay someone in this position?” or “I'd like to learn more about the role before I set my salary expectations. I would hope that my salary would line up with market rates for similar positions in this area.”

“I should be hired for this role because of my relevant skills, experience, and passion for the industry. I've researched the company and can add value to its growth. My positive attitude, work ethics, and long-term goals align with the job requirements, making me a committed and valuable asset to the company.”

Provide a range

For example: “I would like to earn between $83,000 and $87,000 per year. Due to my advanced skill set and experience level, I feel that this is a comfortable, appropriate range for my work.”

What does it mean when HR asks about salary expectations? ›

You will be asked what your salary expectations are. Your employer needs to know if they can afford you and you need to know if you can afford to work there. So you need to be prepared!

California's ban prohibits private and public employers from seeking a candidate's pay history.

When answering desired salary or expected salary questions on an application, the best approach is to write in “negotiable” or keep the field blank. If a numerical response is required, enter “000” and in a notes section, mention that salary is negotiable based on further understanding of the position.

A good rule of thumb is to keep the lower end of your range at least 10 percent above your current salary, or the number you determine is a reasonable salary for the position. For example, if you currently earn $50,000, you may say that your range is $55,000 to $65,000.

Example: How to answer “What are your salary expectations?” in an email. “I am very flexible, but I understand that similar positions pay between $60,000 and $75,000. With that said, I look forward to learning more about the specific job duties during the interview.

Don't negotiate your salary until you have a firm offer. Don't try to get one company to match another company's offer. Don't rely on the estimates you see on a salary website. Don't fixate only on money.

Start with a figure that's no more than 10-20% above their initial offer. Remember, you're applying for entry level, and you shouldn't expect something on the higher range. Consider negotiating lower if 10-20% places you above the average.

Your answer to the "tell me about yourself" question should describe your current situation, your past job experience, the reason you're a good fit for the role, and how you align with the company values. Tell the interviewer about your current position and a recent big accomplishment or positive feedback you received.

Why are you interested in this position? ›

“I see this opportunity as a way to contribute to an exciting/forward-thinking/fast-moving company/industry, and I feel I can do so by/with my …” “I feel my skills are particularly well-suited to this position because …” “I believe I have the type of knowledge to succeed in this role and at the company because …”

Sir, because I am fresher, for me, salary is not the first priority. This is a fantastic forum to launch my career, and I want to develop my expertise, skills and experience as well. So, due to my capacity and your business expectations, I expect a considerable wage that will satisfy my economic needs.

“My expectations for the company would be to provide a work environment in which I can contribute to the team, I receive appreciation for my contributions, I have job stability and the ability to grow with the company.

Rather than offering a set number of the salary you expect, provide the employer with a range in which you'd like your salary to fall. Try to keep your range tight rather than very wide. For example, if you want to make $75,000 a year, a good range to offer would be $73,000 to $80,000.

To avoid confrontation, focus the conversation on facts and data. You can say, “Based on my research, the average employee in this role in our city makes [salary range]. Based on my background and experience, I think [this range] would be fair.” Giving a range can show that you're willing to negotiate.

If you're open to negotiations, you might choose to structure the question like this: “The salary I have in mind for this role is $XXX. Is that in line with what you were thinking?” This offers an opening for more of a back-and-forth discussion.