How do you answer when HR asks, "What is your expected salary?"
by Austin
Oct 23, 2023
at 11:53 AM
A common question in a job interview is, "What is your expected salary?" This question can be tricky to answer because you want to avoid underselling yourself or pricing yourself out of the job.
Why do employers ask about expected salary?
There are a few reasons why employers ask about expected salary:
They want to ensure they can afford to pay you what you are worth.
They want to understand your expectations and whether you are realistic about your market value.
They may use your expected salary to negotiate a starting salary for you.
How to prepare for the expected salary question
Before your interview, preparing for the expected salary question is important. This means doing your research to find out what the market salary is for similar positions in your industry and geographic area. You can use online salary checkers or job boards to get this information. Once you have a good understanding of the market salary, you can start to think about your own expected salary. Consider your skills and experience, as well as your career goals. You can negotiate a higher salary with ample experience or specialized skills. If you are early in your career, you may be willing to accept a lower salary to gain experience. Check your salary with Salary Checker and compare it with industry standards for your job. Try it now!
How to answer the expected salary question
Be confident and realistic when asked about your expected salary in an interview. Avoid giving a specific number; instead, provide a salary range. This will show the employer that you are flexible and willing to negotiate.
Here is an example of a good answer to the expected salary question:
"Based on my research and my skills and experience, I am expecting a salary in the range of X to Y. I am also open to discussing the entire compensation package, as salary is just one factor I consider when evaluating a job offer."
This answer is effective because it is:
Realistic: The salary range is based on research and the candidate's skills and experience.
Flexible: The candidate is open to discussing the entire compensation package, which shows that they are willing to negotiate.
Answering the expected salary question in different situations
You may be asked about your expected salary in a few different cases. Here are some tips on how to answer in each situation:
If you are applying for a job with a set salary range: If you are applying for a job with a set salary range, you can tell the employer that your expected salary is within that range. For example, if the job posting says that the salary range is RM50,000 to RM60,000, you could say that your expected salary is RM55,000.
If you are applying for a job with a negotiable salary: If you are applying for a job with a negotiable salary, you should give a salary range based on your research and your skills and experience. You should also be prepared to negotiate your salary.
If you are currently employed and are interviewing for a new job: If you are currently employed and are interviewing for a new job, you do not want to tell the new employer your current salary. Instead, you should give a salary range based on your research, skills, and experience. You should also be prepared to negotiate your salary.
Negotiating your salary
You may want to negotiate if you are offered a job at a salary that is below your expectations. Here are a few tips on how to negotiate your salary:
Be prepared: Before you start negotiating, be prepared to explain why you are worth the salary you are asking for. Highlight your skills and experience, and explain how you can contribute to the company.
Be honest: Don't inflate your salary expectations or lie about your current salary. The employer will be able to tell if you are being dishonest, which will hurt your chances of getting the job.
Be confident: When you are negotiating, be confident in your value. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want.
Be willing to compromise: It is important to be willing to compromise when you are negotiating. You may not get everything you want, but you should be able to get a salary that you are happy with.
Conclusion
When you are asked about your salary expectations during a job interview, it can be a challenging question to answer. However, it's crucial to be prepared and confident in your response. By following the tips mentioned above, you can provide a well-thought-out answer that will impress your potential employer and increase your chances of landing the job you desire.
