Salary expectations: how to answer in a job interview
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Talking about money is uncomfortable, and many people answer too quickly or too low. The question is routine for the employer, so you can prepare for it. A little research and one calm sentence are enough. This guide gives you a method, not a number, because the right figure depends on the role, the country and your experience.
Find a realistic range before the interview
Look at salary information for the same role in the same city or country: job advertisements that show a range, salary surveys, professional associations and people in your network. Note a low, a typical and a high figure. Remember to compare like with like: gross or net, with or without bonus, full-time or part-time.
Know your own floor
Decide the lowest offer you would accept after counting rent or transport, and the figure you would be happy with. Do not share the floor; knowing it helps you stay calm.
Give a range, anchored in the market
If you are asked first, give a range whose lower end you would be happy with, and say what it is based on.
Example answer
From what I have seen for this role in this city, roles at this level are usually between X and Y. I would expect to be in that range, depending on the full package and the responsibilities. Can you tell me the range you have budgeted?
If you are asked too early
I would like to understand the role and the team better first, so I can give you a fair figure. Can we come back to this once we have talked about the responsibilities?
Look at the whole package
Salary is one part. Ask about bonus, pension or retirement contribution, paid leave, training budget, flexible hours, equipment and the review process. A lower salary with strong training and a clear path can be better than a slightly higher one without them.
If the offer is lower than you hoped
Stay calm and thank them. Ask how the figure was reached and whether there is room to move, for example on the starting salary, on a review after six months, or on training and flexible hours. If you want the job, say so while you ask. If the number is below your floor, say that you would need to think about it, and answer within the time you agreed.
Do not lie, and do not apologise
Never state a false current salary. In some places employers are not allowed to ask about your pay history; you can say you would rather talk about the value of the role. Ask for time to consider an offer: a day or two is normal.
Practise this out loud, free
Take a live AI mock interview with questions built from your resume and the job description, then read a feedback report on what you said and how you said it.
Start a free mock interviewFrequently asked questions
- Should I give a number or a range?
- A range, with the lower end at a figure you would accept. A single number can leave money on the table or price you out.
- What if they ask my current salary?
- You can redirect to the market range for the role. In some countries employers may not ask about pay history at all.
- Can I negotiate an offer for a first job?
- Yes, politely. Even if the salary is fixed, you can ask about training, review dates, hours or start date.