How to Answer Interview Questions About Salary Expectations (3 Simple Steps)

By Becky - November 29, 2022

Salary Expectations Interview Question

If your job interview goes great, one of the following steps is likely talking about salary expectations. This portion of the interview can often be tricky to navigate - but it doesn’t have to be.

Here’s how to answer the salary expectations question in an interview and show the interviewer you’re qualified for the position.

While some states prevent employers from seeking or relying on an applicant's salary history to make wage decisions - many will still ask about your expectations.

Suppose you don’t know how to answer this question correctly. In that case, you might seem uninterested in the job or give the employer an opportunity to offer less than they would have typically offered.

Not something we want! Below, we outline a few details on how to prepare yourself to win that future conversation.

3 Steps to Answering salary expectation interview questions

1. Know the Market Rate for Your Skill Set

First, you need to know the market rate for your skill set. You can use sites like SimplyHired, GlassDoor, or jobs.google.com to see what people are making in your field and provide you with a better idea of what to ask for.

Know your worth, and don’t be shy here - you’re one of a kind and should be making good money for all your hard work!

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask What the Position Pays First

Many candidates beat the employer to this salary-related question by asking how much the position pays before they bring it up.

Most times, this will be followed up with a “Well, what are your salary expectations?” response from the hiring manager - but other times, they will provide a range they are willing to pay. The number they provide will likely be a starting point and is almost always negotiable.

3. Show How Your Skills Will Benefit the Company

If your salary expectations are on the high end of what they offer, follow it up by discussing why you would be an excellent fit for the company and the position.

The hiring manager wants to know that if they spend “X” amount of money to bring on a new employee, solid results will follow. Put their minds at ease by showing why you will knock it out of the park!

Example Answers

“With my current experience and success growing similar marketing departments like (their company), I’m looking for ($ amount) to make a change in my career. I believe I have a lot to offer (their company) in this position and will prove that if this opportunity plays out.”
"Based on my research and understanding of this role's responsibilities, I am confident that my skills and experience would be an asset to the company. I am looking for a salary that is competitive for someone with my qualifications and that reflects the value I can bring to the organization."

Related:

Wrapping Up | Salary Expectations Interview

Knowing your goal rate, asking the hiring manager first, and explaining why you deserve a specific salary are all you need to put yourself in a good position for this portion of the interview.

And regardless of what is said after discussing your salary expectations, you need to wrap up the interview by thanking them for the opportunity and letting them know you look forward to hearing from them.

Keeping things professional will only help in the hiring manager's decision to make a hire. We hope this helped, and best of luck with your interview!

"National average income: The national average U.S. income in 2021 was $97,962. The median U.S. income in 2021 was $69,717. Highest paying jobs: Chief executives and nurse anesthetists earned over $200,000 a year on average in 2021, making them the highest paid occupations"

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Title: How do you answer salary expectations

Category: Interview

Tags: salary expectations interview question, how do you answer salary expectations, how to answer interview questions about salary expectations, salary expectations answer examples

Co-Author: Becky is a contributor for theJub. She's a writing and talent acquisition specialist who loves to apply her skills through creative writing and editing.