Employers might discuss salary expectations at some point during your job interview. They could ask you how much you want to be paid early on, such as during your first phone call, or they might wait until they meet you in person. You could be asked to state how much you hope to earn, write it down on a form, or consider a salary range the employer has already established.
Talking about the money you want in a job interview can make you nervous. But you can feel less worried by preparing beforehand. Check websites that show how much salary other people in similar jobs get. This research will help you think of a good salary range to talk about when asked. Think about how much money you need to live in your area or where you want to move. If living there costs a lot, you should ask for more money. Getting ready this way lets you discuss your desired salary, showing what matters to you and what you need.
3 Ways to Answer the Salary Expectation Question
When they ask about how much salary you want, it’s essential to handle it smartly. Here are three ways you can do that:
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Put off the question
If it’s still early in the job talks and you need more info about the job, it’s okay to wait to discuss salary. The interviewer gathers info before offering the job. To wait a bit, you can say:
Example: “Before I say I want to know more about the job. That way, I can give you a better idea of what I expect.”
2. Give a salary range
Instead of saying one specific number, give a range that fits what you learned about the job and what’s expected in the industry. This shows you’re flexible but gives the employer an idea of your thinking.
Example: “From what I learned and experienced, I’m thinking of something between some amount of X and some amount of Y.”
3. Be open to talking about it.
Say you’re okay with discussing salary and want a fair deal for both sides. This leaves room for talking and working together on how much you’ll get paid.
Example: “I’m cool with talking about salary, and I want us both to be happy with our agreement. I think we can figure it out together.”
Handling the salary question with politeness and smarts ensures you have a good talk about how much you’ll get paid.
Why Do Recruiters Ask About Salary Expectations When Helping Find Jobs?
Recruiters ask because they want to make sure they can pay you. They need to know if they have a high enough salary for the job. They don’t want to spend time (or waste your time!) talking to you often and making a job offer if they can’t give you the salary you want. A career expert says, “Recruiters always ask this question “salary expectations” because every job has a set amount of salary, and they want to be sure you’re okay with that amount before going ahead.” The person talking to you wants to check if what you wish for pay and other benefits matches the set amount for the job.
Answering this question helps ensure the job is right for you, and everyone knows how much salary and benefits come with it. It also gives a starting point for discussing your salary later in the process.
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