What the Hiring Manager Is Really Asking…

Although most of the questions brought up in a job interview are asked to see if you would work well within the company climate, some practical questions may get asked as well such as: “What salary are you seeking”

The amount of money you will be making is obviously important. The employer knows that you want a fair salary that will compensate you well for the work you will be doing. However, this question is asked specifically to verify a couple things. First, the interviewer wants to see that you are actually interested in the work you will be doing. Second, the interviewer wants to make sure that the amount of money you are seeking is not out of range for what they are willing to pay.

• What is your target salary? Make sure to have a range in mind (ex. $60,000-$80,000)
• Consider the salary at your current position. Think of the way you would justify it to your current boss (ex. tasks that you complete, strengths you bring to the job)
• How would you translate this skill set to a different position? Why should you earn your target salary?

Points to Emphasize

There are various ways to answer this question to prove that you would be an asset to the organization regardless of how much you are getting paid.

• Give a salary range as opposed to a single figure
• Do research beforehand to know what other people in this position are making
• Reiterate your desire to work with this company and this line of work
• Sidestep the question if it is asked too early in an interview

You want to give a salary that is indicative of your skills and experiences, but giving a salary estimate that is too high could put you out of the running for the job.

• Is your salary expectation reasonable for the company? Why or why not?
• Figure out what the industry standard is for similar roles. How would you rise above and beyond the standard?
• Demonstrate the thought that you have put into your salary target by referencing your industry research, reasoning, and qualifications

Mistakes You Should Avoid

This question has a tendency to trip up a lot of interviewees, so avoid making these common errors.

• Don’t give a salary that is too high or too low
• Avoid saying that money is not important to you (the interviewer will know you are lying)
• Don’t bring up salary and benefits unless the interviewer mentions them first
• Don’t make it seem like the salary you are asking for is iron-clad

It is important to appear flexible in a job interview, so when discussing salary, mention that you are willing to negotiate your exact salary if offered the position.

• Give two reasons why you have arrived at your particular salary range. Why should employers take you seriously?
• Ask yourself beforehand how much you are prepared to negotiate. How would you phrase this?
• For when the question of salary is raised, practice how you will bring the question back to you, and the reasons that you are uniquely qualified for the job. Practice your answer!

Sample Answer

Talking about salary can be tricky in an interview, so frame your answer like this:

“I am looking for a salary between $60,000 and $70,000 a year. However, I am flexible, and I would be willing to talk about salary in more detail if offered the position. More than anything, I’m really invested in this line of work and would love to work with this company.”

You should use the interview to talk about how qualified you are for the position, and if you are the best person for the job, an employer should be more than willing to give you a fair salary.

• Write the first draft of your answer with your tutor.
• Are there any words or phrases that you are not comfortable pronouncing?
• Now rehearse with your tutor until you are comfortable answering the question without the script.