Job Interview Question & Answer: What Kind of Salary Do You Need / Expect? |
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How to Answer the Question:
Do not answer this question unless you have to. Answer as vaguely as possible when you must. Good answers during the job interview include: “a salary that is both just and fair” or a very large salary range. Your lowest number in a salary range should not be lower than what you are willing to do the job for. You might also consider asking what the typical salary range of the work is. Research the average salary and benefits a person working the job you want usually earns, and remain within reason given your education and experience.
Do not give a single answer response. Never use a low number hoping to get hired and work toward a raise, unless you are willing to wait for the appropriate pay. Do your best to avoid this discussion during the hiring process or keep the decision making on their side, but ensure they know you won’t do the job for less than you’re worth. Keep in mind this negotiation may involve discussions of other job benefits or perks, as well. Be prepared to discuss everything you may be offered, such as healthcare, 401(k) retirement plans, company cars, and more.
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I never know what to say when it comes to this question. I never want to set the bar to high and seem greedy, and I don’t want to set the bar low and seem like i do not know what I am doing. How would I figure out how to answer this question?
June 15th, 2011 at 8:33 amI agree with you Lana. It is a tough question. I believe I would simply say “I would really like to make such such a week so I know I am able to pay my bills and not have to worry about not having money to put food on the table, clothes on my (or kids) back, or being late on bills because I do not make enough.”
July 28th, 2011 at 12:20 amwould that be good?
Starting off as minum wage if it is a franchise but would like a raise if I have been there for long enough or if my talents suceed what there expectations are.
August 4th, 2011 at 5:19 pmI would probably say that; “Based on my experience, training that I have as well as my research based on the industry standards, I would feel comfortable with top 25 percentile of your company’s pay range for the position.”
August 4th, 2011 at 9:16 pmwhen i was being asked salary expectations,i say equal to minimum wage or more
October 25th, 2011 at 12:12 pmI do not expect so much but I also do not want to low mine so much to create the problem to the one who needs money to feed their family. Therefore, i rest mine on your mercy. I believe and trust your good heart.
August 16th, 2011 at 6:56 amScott, I would agree with you but so many prospective employers now really push for an answer. Not to sound old (I’m 39) but I remember a time when pay wasn’t even discussed until the job offer was extended. It’s a different market now, that’s for sure. I’m one of the long-term unemployed (laid off from a professional job) and trying to find ANY type of work. I recently interviewed for a position I know wouldn’t pay anywhere what I used to make but I would be happy to have it. The employer kept pushing me for an exact hourly rate I wouldn’t go less than. This was tough for me because 1) I had no experience in this field and 2) I haven’t earned an hourly rate since college.
March 16th, 2012 at 6:28 pmALWAYS defer this question. Say “let’s talk a little more about the position first and then we will discuss salary”. Then hope the interviewer does NOT bring it back up.
February 6th, 2012 at 3:54 pm