How to Answer: What Are Your Salary Expectations? (Without Lowballing Yourself)
The salary expectations question is one of the most financially consequential moments in a job search — and most candidates handle it worse than they need to.
Why You Shouldn’t Give a Number First (If You Can Avoid It)
Whoever names a number first anchors the negotiation. Before giving your number, try to find out theirs.
“Before I answer, could you share the range budgeted for this role? I want to make sure we’re in the same ballpark before we get into specifics.”
Many interviewers will just tell you. If they do, you’ve avoided the anchoring problem entirely.
When You Have to Give a Number
“Based on my research and experience, I’m targeting somewhere in the $90,000 to $100,000 range, though I’m open to the full picture of the compensation package.”
Give a range with your actual target at the bottom of it. “Open to the full picture” keeps benefits and other factors on the table.
Do Your Research First
Know the market rate for the role, the company size, and the location before you walk in. Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and asking people in your network all give you real data. Walking in blind is the most common way people leave money on the table.
When Their Range Is Lower Than Yours
Ask if the range is firm. Sometimes roles have flexibility for the right candidate, and expressing that you’re interested but had expected something higher can open a conversation that a direct refusal wouldn’t.
