“What kind of salary are you looking for?” Unskillful answers to interviews question about salary expectations– your salary requirements, desired salary, etc. – can cost you a lot of money, or even the offer.
Naming a figure in your salary expectations answer is a tricky strategy. It your number is too high, the employer can’t afford you. Too low, you hurt your credibility. Even if your number is right on, you limit your freedom to negotiate.
Follow the arrows in the diagram to see how to reply to the interviewer’s questions (in purple) with your smart answers (in green).
Interview questions about salary expectations are stressful, and stress can make you say the wrong thing. So practice your answers out loud – several times, preferably with a friend or an interview coach – before you’re in the hot seat. Good luck!
