'What are your salary expectations?' is the most strategically important question in any interview process. Your answer can cost or earn you lakhs. Here are proven response strategies for the Indian job market.
Strategy 1 — Deflect and redirect (best approach): 'I'm really excited about this role and want to ensure we find a number that works for both of us. Could you share the compensation range budgeted for this position? That would help me give you a more informed answer.' This puts the ball in their court and avoids anchoring yourself.
Strategy 2 — Give a researched range (when pressed): 'Based on my research for this role in [City] — considering my [X years] of experience in [domain] and relevant skills in [key skills] — I'm looking at a range of ₹[Lower]-₹[Upper] LPA. But I'm flexible and value the overall opportunity, including growth potential and team culture.' Set your range so your target salary is at the lower end.
Strategy 3 — Value-first response (for senior roles): 'Compensation is important, but so is the role's impact, growth trajectory, and team I'd be working with. Based on the scope of this position and what I bring to the table — specifically my experience in [key achievement] — I'd expect the compensation to reflect senior [role] market rates in [City], which I understand to be in the ₹[X]-₹[Y] range.'
What NOT to do: Don't give a single specific number (it becomes a ceiling), don't base your expectations on your current salary (you may be underpaid), don't say 'I'll take whatever you offer' (signals desperation), and don't give an unrealistically high number without justification (it can end the conversation).