What should I say when asked "what are your salary expectations?"
I'm currently in the process of looking for a job and every time I get asked "What are your salary expectations?" in an interview I get nervous. I don't want to say a number that's too low and not get paid what I'm worth, but I also don't want to say a number that's too high and risk losing the offer. How do I navigate this question?
I like to research the mid-range salary for the position and location I'm looking at on sites like Salary.com, Payscale.com, or Glassdoor.com. This gives me a reasonable range to keep in mind when asking for a salary and ensure that I don't get low-balled. When they ask you about salary expectations, don't just give one number, but rather give them a range, with the bottom of the range being a salary you'd be happy with. That way, if they go for the low end of your range (which they often do), you'll be happy with the offer, but there's also a chance they offer you more!
If you've made it to the end of a long interview funnel, chances are the company is pretty interested in you since they've already invested a bunch of time interviewing you. Don't be afraid to negotiate for the salary that you deserve
If you've made it to the end of a long interview funnel, chances are the company is pretty interested in you since they've already invested a bunch of time interviewing you. Don't be afraid to negotiate for the salary that you deserve
Before we even get to salary expectations and negotiation, I tell my clients to do their research. So, look at what the market rate is for that position and industry within that area. Let's say you want to be a product manager in Los Angeles. Look up a product manager in Los Angeles. Look up different job descriptions and look at the salary range for that. And then once you do that, then you could use the thank you sandwich. So, "Thank you so much for considering me for the product management position for ABC Company. At the same time, I did research with several companies around the area, and I see that the current compensation for this position within other companies and industries is X amount, and I would like to ask for X amount." So, whether it's even asking that … or even educating them like, "Hey, I want to ask for X amount because I've been able to do ABC with my current employer." So, you could use that in terms of salary expectations and negotiation, but make sure you have evidence for that.
One trick I always try is asking what the salary range is before I tell them what I'm expecting. If you ask, "What is the range offered for this position?" the employer will tell you the minimum and maximum salary they can offer. This can save you from saying a lower number and getting low-balled for the work you're doing.
If the salary range seems a little low, keep in mind the other benefits they're offering you too. If the salary is a little lower but they offer full insurance coverage or match 401k contributions, it can be a pretty good trade-off.
If the salary range seems a little low, keep in mind the other benefits they're offering you too. If the salary is a little lower but they offer full insurance coverage or match 401k contributions, it can be a pretty good trade-off.
Fully agree with the above comment. I've been in the position so many times where I'm unprepared for that question and I get flustered and lowball myself because I'm afraid they won't hire me if I don't give a low answer, and then I get frustrated and resentful because I deserve more money! I've also been in the position where I ask for the salary range and they beat around the bush like thy don't want to tell me. This is a red flag: if they won't tell you the salary range upfront, it means they want to lowball you.
It's taken me a long time to learn that you really need to advocate for the salary you deserve (and like someone already said the company may not even realize they're lowballing you sometimes, but also, it's in their best interest to lowball you...) and that if the company can't or won't meet your financial needs and pay what they should (and they don't compensate with great benefits), it's OK to move on and wait for the job you really deserve.
It's taken me a long time to learn that you really need to advocate for the salary you deserve (and like someone already said the company may not even realize they're lowballing you sometimes, but also, it's in their best interest to lowball you...) and that if the company can't or won't meet your financial needs and pay what they should (and they don't compensate with great benefits), it's OK to move on and wait for the job you really deserve.
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Reader Tips from 15 Tips to Negotiate a Great Salary
Don't go into too many details explaining why you need a higher salary. Giving too much information can weaken your bargaining position and it could be harder to negotiate the salary you want.
Consider saying that you have an offer from another company for a higher salary. Your original employer may increase the salary they can give you so you don't take a different offer.
Reader Tips from How to Negotiate a Higher Starting Salary
Ask the employer if they are "firm" on the number they're giving for a salary. They'll usually be honest if they can give you a higher pay.
Be sure to get the final salary offer in writing before you accept the position so details don't change.
Reader Tips from How to Negotiate
Try to be the first person to say a price during the negotiation so you control the starting number. It's easier to start with a higher number and negotiate down to the number you want than trying to work your way up.
Trying being silent during the negotiation to stand strong in your position. The other person may lower their price or give you what you originally asked.
