How to Answer Salary Expectations in an Interview

Never walk into an interview without knowing the market rate for the role. Use platforms like Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary Insights, AmbitionBox, and Levels.fyi (for tech roles) to research compensation ranges for your role, experience level, and location.

Talk to people in your network who work in similar roles. Recruiters and mentors can provide valuable data points. Industry salary surveys from consulting firms like Mercer and Aon are also reliable sources.

Consider the total compensation package, not just base salary. Factor in bonuses, stock options, health insurance, retirement benefits, learning budgets, remote work flexibility, and other perks. A lower base salary with excellent benefits might be more valuable overall.

Create a range for yourself with three numbers: your walk-away minimum (below which you would decline), your target (what you would be happy with), and your aspirational number (what you would negotiate for). This framework gives you clarity during the conversation.

Strategy 1 - Deflect to later: 'I would like to learn more about the role and responsibilities before discussing compensation. Could we revisit this after I better understand the full scope of the position?' This works well in early rounds.

Strategy 2 - Give a range: 'Based on my research and experience, I am looking at a range of X to Y. However, I am open to discussing this based on the total compensation package and growth opportunities.' Always make your bottom number equal to your target, not your minimum.

Strategy 3 - Return the question: 'I trust that your company offers competitive compensation. Could you share the budgeted range for this role so I can tell you if we are aligned?' This is bold but effective, especially with recruiters.

Strategy 4 - For freshers: 'As a fresher, I am focused on finding the right role for learning and growth. I am open to your standard compensation for this position, though I have researched that the market range is approximately X to Y.'

Once you receive an offer, take time before responding. A simple 'Thank you for the offer. I am excited about the opportunity. Could I have 2-3 days to review the complete package?' gives you time to evaluate and prepare your negotiation.

If the offer is below your target, negotiate with data: 'I am very interested in this role. Based on my research and the value I bring with my specific experience in X, I was hoping for something closer to Y. Is there flexibility in the offer?'

Negotiate beyond just salary. If the company cannot increase the base, explore signing bonuses, performance bonuses, stock options, flexible work arrangements, professional development budgets, or early review cycles.

Always negotiate respectfully and from a position of genuine interest. The goal is to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement, not to 'win' at the employer's expense. Companies expect negotiation and usually have room in their budget.

In application forms, if a salary field is required, enter your target range or write 'Negotiable.' Do not enter your current salary unless required, and do not undersell yourself at this stage.

During phone screens with recruiters, this is an alignment check. Be direct with your range: 'I am targeting X to Y based on my experience and the market. Is that within your budget for this role?' This prevents wasted time on both sides.

During final interviews with hiring managers, the discussion becomes more nuanced. Connect your salary expectations to the specific value you bring: 'Given the scope of this role and my track record of delivering results like X and Y, I believe Z is a fair compensation.'

Never lie about your current salary. This is increasingly illegal in many regions and always damages trust if discovered. If asked, you can say 'I prefer to focus on the value I bring to this role rather than my current compensation, which may not reflect the market.'