How to answer: “What are your salary expectations?”
Whether you have researched realistic pay, can discuss it professionally, and stay open to the whole package without ultimatums.
The answer, step by step
If possible, ask for the employer's budgeted range first.
If asked to go first, give a researched range, not a single number.
Say what the range is based on (role responsibilities, location, comparable listings).
Stay open to discussing the full package; you can choose not to share past pay.
A strong sample answer
Benchmark answer for this question
Fictional example for learning only. It is not your experience; replace every detail with facts that are true for you.
I'd like to understand the budgeted range for this role first — could you share what you've planned for it? If it helps to have a number from me, based on my research of similar roles in Columbus and the responsibilities in this posting, I'm looking at $52,000 to $58,000. I'm open to discussing the full package, including benefits and training, so I'd look at the offer as a whole.
Why this example works
It asks for the employer's range, gives a researched range with a stated basis and stays open to the whole package without an ultimatum.
- Gives a range or asks for theirs: Asks “could you share what you've planned for it?” and gives “$52,000 to $58,000”
- Gives a basis: “based on my research of similar roles in Columbus and the responsibilities in this posting”
- Open to discussion: “I'm open to discussing the full package”
- No ultimatum: No “final offer” or “non-negotiable” language
- Length: About 65 words — under 30 seconds
What you can learn from it
Research the specific role and location first. The example's method is instructional, not a market quote.
Make it yours — with true details only
Research the role in your city before the interview (for example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and current local listings with posted pay). Replace the range with your own researched range; the figures here are only an illustration.
From generic to evidence
Generic: “I need at least $60,000, that's non-negotiable.”
With evidence: “Could you share the budgeted range? Based on my research of similar roles here and these responsibilities, I'm looking at $52,000 to $58,000, and I'm open to discussing the full package.”
Mistakes that cost points
- A single number — Give a researched range
- “Whatever you think is fair” — Show you've done research
- Ultimatums (“I won't take less than…”) — Stay open to the package
- Sharing past pay you'd rather keep private — You can decline and focus on the role's value
Before you answer, check
- Did I ask for their range or give a range?
- Did I say what my range is based on?
- Did I stay open to the full package?
- Did I avoid any ultimatum?
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