Talking about salary in a job interview can feel uncomfortable, but it’s an important part of the process. Whether you’re applying for a tech role, a finance position, or an executive-level job, knowing how to answer salary expectation questions in an interview is essential. You might wonder: What should I say when they ask about my salary? How do I avoid asking for too much or too little? Don’t worry! In this blog, we’ll break down exactly how to handle these questions with confidence, and we’ll walk you through step-by-step strategies to make sure you’re prepared.
Employers ask about salary expectations to see if what you want fits within their budget, but it’s also a way to measure how well you understand your own value in the market. Giving a well-thought-out answer shows that you’ve done your research and that you’re serious about the role. It’s about more than just numbers—it’s a chance to demonstrate your skills, experience, and how much you’re worth.
Throughout this blog, we’ll cover tips on how to prepare for salary discussions, share detailed examples for tech, finance, and executive positions, how to handle tough salary questions and offer strategies to help you confidently talk about salary. y the end, you’ll feel more confident and ready to discuss your salary expectations like a pro. Let’s get started!
Why Salary Expectation Questions Matter
When an employer asks about your salary expectations in an interview, they’re not just trying to see if you fit into their budget. This question tells them a lot more about you than you might think. Employers want to understand how well you know your own value and how prepared you are for this discussion. Let’s break it down:
1. It Shows Your Market Knowledge
When you give a thoughtful answer about salary expectations, it shows the employer that you’ve done your research. Knowing what people in similar positions earn in your industry and location is a key part of being ready for this question. For example, if you’re applying for a tech role in a major city, salaries are likely higher than in smaller towns. Similarly, finance jobs at big companies often come with different pay scales than smaller firms. Tools like Glassdoor and Payscale can help you research salary ranges so you can come prepared.
2. It Tests Your Confidence
How you respond can also reveal how confident you are in your abilities and what you bring to the table. If you confidently state a salary range based on your skills and experience, you’re showing the employer that you know your worth. On the other hand, giving an uncertain or lowball number can signal that you may not have a strong understanding of your value, which could affect how the employer views your capabilities.
3. It Helps the Employer Plan
Employers need to make sure they can afford to hire you, and your salary expectations help them figure that out. When you give a salary range, it helps the employer see if your expectations align with what they can offer. It also gives them a sense of how much you value yourself and your skills. If your number is way higher than they anticipated, they may decide you’re not the right fit financially. On the flip side, if your number is much lower than they expected, they may question your experience level or wonder if you’re underselling yourself.
4. It Sets the Stage for Negotiation
Discussing salary expectations isn’t the end of the conversation—it’s just the beginning. Employers often expect some level of negotiation, so they might offer you a bit less than what they’re willing to pay. By being prepared with your salary range, you leave room for negotiation later on. This is where it’s important to avoid locking yourself into a number too soon and staying open to other benefits and perks that might make the overall compensation package more appealing.
Preparation Before Discussing Salary Expectations
Before you even step into the interview, it’s essential to prepare for the salary conversation. You want to be confident when discussing your worth, and that confidence comes from being well-prepared. So, how do you do that? Let’s take a deep breath and walk through the steps to get you ready.
1. Research Salary Data
One of the most important things you can do before an interview is to research the typical salary range for your role, industry, and location. Use tools like Glassdoor, Payscale, and LinkedIn Salary Insights to gather data on what professionals with similar experience and skills are earning in your field.
2. Consider Your Location and Experience
Location plays a huge role in salary expectations. For example, if you’re a software engineer in a tech hub like Dublin, salaries will be significantly higher than for the same role in a smaller town in Ireland. Similarly, finance professionals working in bigger cities may expect higher salaries due to the demand and cost of living. It’s important to keep this in mind when researching salary ranges.
Your level of experience is another major factor. If you’re just starting out, your salary expectations will likely be lower than someone with years of experience or a specialised skill set. For senior professionals, particularly in executive roles, salary expectations should reflect the value you bring in terms of leadership, strategy, and the ability to drive results.
3. Assess Your Unique Skills
Think about what makes you stand out as a candidate. Maybe you have specialised certifications, like a finance professional with a CFA designation, or you’re a tech expert with a strong background in AI. These skills can justify higher salary expectations.
For example, if you’re applying for a position as a software developer and have a proven track record of increasing productivity or reducing costs through automation, be sure to factor that into your salary expectations. You’re not just asking for a number—you’re showing why you’re worth it.
4. Consult Your Network
Networking is key to getting insider knowledge about salary expectations. Reach out to people in your field, either through LinkedIn or professional groups, to find out what others in similar roles are earning. But be tactful—you don’t need to ask directly, “What’s your salary?” Instead, ask for advice:
“I’m preparing for an interview and would like to get a sense of the typical salary range for someone with my experience. Could you offer any insight into what’s reasonable?”
By doing this, you’ll have a clearer idea of the salary landscape in your industry and can adjust your expectations accordingly.
Strategies for Answering the Salary Expectation Question
When it comes to discussing salary expectations in an interview, the key is to be prepared. You don’t want to be caught off guard, and you want to make sure you give an answer that shows your value while keeping the conversation open for negotiation. Let’s break down three effective strategies you can use to answer this question, step by step.
Strategy 1: The Range Strategy
This is our recommended way to answer the salary question. This is done by providing a range rather than a specific number. This shows you’re flexible and willing to negotiate, but it also gives you some control over the discussion. Here’s how you can approach it:
- Do your research: Before the interview, research the average salary for your role in your industry. Look for data specific to your location and experience level using sites like Glassdoor and Payscale. This helps you come up with a reasonable range.
- Present the range confidently: When asked about your salary expectations, you can say something like, “Based on my research and experience, I believe a salary in the range of €65,000 to €70,000 is appropriate for this position.”
Example of how to answer the salary question in a job interview using the range strategy:
In a tech role, you might say: “Given my expertise in cloud solutions and the results I’ve delivered by reducing infrastructure costs by 30%, I’m confident that a salary between €80,000 and €90,000 aligns with my value and the market rate.” This example ties your salary expectation directly to your contribution, showing that you’re not just throwing out a number—you’re justifying it with your past results.
Strategy 2: The Deferral Strategy
If you feel that you need more information about the job before committing to a salary figure, you can politely defer answering the question. This strategy is useful if the job responsibilities or benefits haven’t been fully discussed yet. Here’s how you can use it:
- Keep the conversation focused on the role: When asked about salary expectations, you can say something like, “I’d like to learn more about the role and the responsibilities before discussing salary.” This keeps the focus on the job while showing that you’re flexible.
- Gather details first: Once you have a better understanding of the role, you can then discuss salary with more context.
Why This Works: Deferring the salary discussion allows you to assess the full scope of the job before putting a number on the table. This is especially helpful if the company hasn’t disclosed any salary range yet or if you want to make sure your expectations align with the job requirements.
Strategy 3: The Specific Strategy
In Azmi we would typically recommend using the range strategy but sometimes when you’re confident in your value and you know what the market rate is for the position, you can give a specific number. This strategy is ideal if you’ve done extensive research and are confident that your salary expectations align with the company’s budget.
- Give a specific number: You can say, “Based on my experience managing teams and leading high-profile projects, I believe a salary of €95,000 is appropriate for this role.”
- Use data to support your number: It’s important to back up your answer with market data and examples from your past work.
Example of how to answer the salary question in a job interview using the specific strategy:
In a finance role, you might say: “Considering my experience in financial reporting and successfully managing a team that reduced costs by 15%, I believe a salary of €90,000 is fair and reflects the value I can bring to your team.” This shows that you’ve researched your worth and are confident in your request.
How to Negotiate Salary Professionally
Salary negotiation is more than just asking for more money—it’s about knowing your value and ensuring that you’re compensated fairly for the work you do. According to a 2023 study by Robert Half, 61% of professionals negotiate their salary when offered a job. But only 39% of candidates actually feel comfortable discussing salary expectations in interviews. Don’t let discomfort stop you from getting what you’re worth! By knowing your value it shows you’ve done your homework, but it also signals your confidence in your skills and experience.
Let’s take a look at why salary negotiation is important and how you can approach it professionally during an interview.
Why Negotiating Salary Is Important
Negotiating your salary can have a major impact on your lifetime earnings. According to research, people who negotiate their salary at the beginning of their careers can increase their lifetime earnings by hundreds of thousands of euros. Even a small raise—like a 5% increase—compounds over time. For example, if someone earns an additional €5,000 per year due to a successful negotiation, that adds up to €50,000 over the course of 10 years.
Moreover, 73% of employers expect candidates to negotiate, yet 55% of employees still don’t. Those who negotiate typically see an average salary increase of nearly 19%. Avoiding salary negotiations can result in missed opportunities, costing you thousands or even tens of thousands of euros throughout your career.
Polite Phrasing for Negotiation
The key to a successful salary negotiation is polite, professional communication. Here’s how to approach it:
- Start with Gratitude: Always thank the employer for the offer before beginning negotiations. For example, you might say:
“Thank you for the offer. I’m really excited about this opportunity and the chance to contribute to your team.”
This keeps the conversation positive and sets the tone for a productive discussion. - State Your Case Confidently: Rather than demanding a higher salary, use clear and confident language that emphasizes your value. You could say:
“Based on my skills in managing high-impact projects and the market research I’ve conducted, I believe a salary closer to €X would reflect my experience and the responsibilities of this role. Is there any flexibility in the offer?”
This shows that your request is based on data and your contributions.
Responding to a Low Salary Offer
Sometimes, the initial salary offer might be lower than expected. It’s important not to let this catch you off guard. Here’s how to handle it:
- Acknowledge the Offer Respectfully: Start by thanking the employer again. Then say:
“I appreciate the offer, and I’m excited about the role. Based on my research and experience, I was expecting something closer to €X. Is there room for flexibility?”
This shows that while you respect their offer, you also know your worth and are open to negotiation. - Leverage Your Value: If possible, tie your salary request to specific achievements. For example:
“In my previous role, I helped reduce operational costs by 15%, which saved the company €500,000 annually. I believe that my ability to drive similar results here justifies a salary in the range of €X.”
By connecting your achievements to the salary discussion, you’re making a stronger case for why you deserve more.
When Not to Negotiate
In some situations, it might not make sense to negotiate salary. If the offer exceeds your expectations or if you know the company’s budget is fixed, pushing for more could backfire. Here are a couple of examples:
- When the Offer Is Already Competitive: If the offer is above your expectations, it’s okay to accept without negotiating. Simply say:
“Thank you for the offer. This meets my expectations, and I’m excited to accept the role.” - When the Budget Is Firm: If the employer tells you that the budget is fixed, consider negotiating for non-salary benefits instead. This could include things like additional vacation days, flexible working hours, or professional development opportunities.
The Bigger Picture: Why Negotiating Matters
By negotiating your salary, you not only increase your earning potential, but you also set a precedent for future negotiations. Employers who see that you value your contributions are more likely to offer competitive raises and promotions down the line. It also builds your confidence for future salary discussions.
Remember, negotiation is not just about the present offer—it’s about your long-term financial well-being. Studies show that negotiating salary early in your career can make a significant difference in lifetime earnings, with benefits compounding as your career progresses.
Detailed Examples of Salary Discussions for Tech, Finance, and Executive Roles
When discussing salary expectations, it’s not just about giving a number. You need to justify that number based on your skills, achievements, and market data. This section provides examples of how professionals in tech, finance, and executive roles can discuss salary in a way that reflects their value.
Tech Professional Example
As a tech professional, your value often comes from the specific projects you’ve completed and the measurable results you’ve achieved. Here’s an example of how you could frame your salary discussion:
“I’ve been working as a Software Engineer for five years, with a focus on cloud solutions and scalable infrastructure. In my previous role, I led the migration of our core systems to the cloud, which reduced our operational costs by 20%. Given my experience in driving such high-impact projects, I believe a salary in the range of €X to €Y would be appropriate.”
Justification:
In this example, the candidate ties their salary expectations to a concrete project they led that had a measurable impact (cost savings). This is a strong justification for a higher salary since it demonstrates direct contributions to the company’s bottom line.
Finance Professional Example
In finance, your ability to manage budgets, improve efficiency, or generate cost savings can justify your salary request. Here’s how a finance professional might handle the conversation:
“In my current role as a Financial Analyst, I’ve been responsible for optimising our reporting processes, which has reduced errors by 30% and saved the company €500,000 annually. Based on my experience and the significant impact of my work, I would expect a salary in the range of €X to €Y.”
Justification:
Here, the finance professional emphasises their ability to save the company money. This not only highlights their value but also provides a strong argument for why they deserve a higher salary based on their contributions
Executive Example
For executives, the focus is on leadership and driving company growth. It’s important to tie your salary expectations to strategic successes and large-scale contributions.
“As COO at my previous company, I led a restructuring that reduced overhead costs by 15% while increasing efficiency across our global operations. I also spearheaded a market expansion that resulted in a 25% revenue increase over two years. Given the scale of my leadership and the results I’ve delivered, I believe a salary of €X to €Y reflects my experience and the responsibilities of this role.”
Justification:
In this example, the executive links their salary expectations to major strategic decisions and leadership outcomes. This approach is ideal for senior roles where decision-making has a direct impact on the company’s success.
Using Achievements to Support Salary Requests
In all three examples, the professionals are not simply stating a number—they are backing it up with real achievements that demonstrate their value. This strategy helps build a strong case for why they deserve the salary they’re asking for. Whether you’re in tech, finance, or an executive role, it’s important to focus on the outcomes you’ve delivered and how those outcomes have benefited the company.
How to Handle Tough Salary Questions
In every interview, there are some tricky salary-related questions that might come up, and it’s important to be prepared with answers that keep the conversation professional and confident. Let’s go through a few of the most common and challenging salary questions, and how you can answer them.
1. How Do You Say the Salary is Too Low?
Sometimes, you might receive an offer that doesn’t meet your expectations. It’s important to respond politely and professionally to maintain a positive relationship with the potential employer. Here’s how you can phrase it:
“Thank you for the offer, I’m excited about the opportunity. However, based on my experience and market research, I was expecting a salary closer to €X. Is there room for flexibility in the offer?”
Why This Works:
This response is respectful and keeps the tone positive while making it clear that you’re looking for a higher salary. It also opens up the conversation for further negotiation without making demands.
2. How to Ask for the Salary Range
If the interviewer hasn’t brought up the salary or the company hasn’t disclosed a range, it’s perfectly fine to ask for more information. Here’s a professional way to ask:
“Could you provide me with the salary range for this position? This will help me align my expectations with the role and responsibilities.”
Why This Works:
This question is straightforward and keeps the conversation focused on aligning expectations. It also shows that you’re serious about making sure the compensation reflects the scope of the job.
3. How to Deflect the Salary Question if You’re Not Ready
Sometimes, you may want to delay the salary discussion until you have more information about the role or the entire compensation package. Here’s how you can handle this:
“I’d like to learn more about the full scope of the role and the responsibilities before discussing salary. Could we revisit this conversation later in the process?”
Why This Works:
This answer shows that you’re focused on understanding the job fully before discussing numbers. It keeps the conversation open without committing to a salary range too early.
4. How to Answer: “What is Your Current Salary?”
If the interviewer asks, “what is your current salary”, here’s how you can respond:
“Unfortunately I cannot discuss my current salary, but based on my skills and the responsibilities of this role, I believe a salary in the range of €X to €Y is appropriate.”
Why This Works:
This response shifts the focus away from your past salary and directs it toward what you believe you’re worth in the new role. It also keeps the tone professional without avoiding the question.
5. What If You Don’t Have Experience?
If you’re a recent graduate or transitioning into a new field, it can be difficult to know how to answer salary questions when you don’t have direct experience. Here’s an example of how to handle this:
“While I don’t have direct industry experience, my transferable skills in [relevant skills] and my research into market rates suggest that a salary in the range of €X to €Y would be fair for this role.”
Why This Works:
This response highlights the transferable skills you bring to the table, even if you don’t have specific experience in the field. It shows you’ve done your research and have realistic expectations
Final Thoughts on Handling Tough Salary Questions
Whether you’re asking for a higher salary or deflecting questions until you have more information, handling salary questions with professionalism and confidence is key. Always back up your answers with research and remain open to negotiation. By doing so, you’ll maintain a positive relationship with the employer while positioning yourself for the best possible offer.
Confidence is Key – Final Thoughts on Salary Discussions
At the end of the day, salary discussions are not just about the number you land on—it’s about how you approach the conversation. Employers are looking for candidates who can confidently express their worth, justify their salary expectations, and handle negotiations professionally. Whether you’re applying for a role in tech, finance, or as an executive, confidence and preparation are the keys to a successful salary discussion.
Key Takeaways:
- Do Your Homework: Always come prepared with market research to back up your salary expectations. Use resources like Payscale, Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary Insights and your Azmi recruiter to ensure your range is realistic.
- Know Your Value: Tie your salary requests to the concrete value you bring to the company. Whether it’s saving costs, improving efficiency, or leading teams to success, employers need to see that your salary expectations are justified.
- Practice Your Responses: The more you practice answering salary-related questions, the more comfortable and natural it will feel during the actual interview. Confidence grows through preparation and rehearsal.
- Be Open to Negotiation: Salary discussions are often about finding a balance. Employers appreciate flexibility, and negotiation is part of the process. Be open to discussing the full compensation package, which may include benefits like bonuses, stock options, or extra vacation days.
- Think Long-Term: The impact of negotiating your salary can compound over your entire career. Even small increases early on can significantly affect your lifetime earnings. Harvard Business School reports that negotiating salary early in your career can lead to a substantial increase in lifetime earnings, due to the compounding effect of even modest raises.
The Bottom Line
Salary discussions don’t have to be daunting. With the right preparation and mindset, you can navigate these conversations confidently and ensure you’re paid fairly for the value you bring. If you are looking for a tech, finance or executive role get in touch with us today and we can guide you through the process and guide you how to answer salary expectation questions in an interview, along with other tricky questions.
