Are you paid enough, or is it time to make your move? (2024)

FAQs

How do you answer how much do you expect us to pay you? ›

State your range and provide a rationale for why you've landed on that range, sharing some of the research you've done and noting the skills and experience that make you a strong fit for the position. Acknowledge that salary is just one of the factors that will play into your decision to accept the job or not.

You can try to skirt the question with a broad answer, such as, “My salary expectations are in line with my experience and qualifications.” Or, “If this is the right job for me, I'm sure we can come to an agreement on salary.” This will show that you're willing to negotiate.

Let it be about the position and the company.

Example answer: “Before I applied for this job, I already did research and I have some knowledge about the salary range in your company based on my credentials and my experience. I'm pretty sure it's within your range.

If you're asked for your salary expectations, you could deflect by saying “What do you usually pay someone in this position?” or “I'd like to learn more about the role before I set my salary expectations. I would hope that my salary would line up with market rates for similar positions in this area.”

If you're looking for a very polite approach:

“Hello, thank you so much for the opportunity to interview for your company, in advance of our scheduled interview I wanted to ask if you could provide the salary range for this role.

Sample Answer:

I'm looking for a fair and competitive salary that matches my education and experience. Based on my research and understanding of the role, my target salary is in the range of $X to $Y. However, I'm open to discussing the benefits, and growth opportunities that I'll have here.

"I am absolutely open to relocating for the right opportunity. In fact, I am looking to take on more responsibilities and challenges, and I believe this position is the perfect opportunity for me to do so. I am excited about the possibility of relocating and immersing myself in a new environment and culture."

If you do discuss compensation, I recommend speaking in terms of a range rather than a specific dollar amount. This will give you some flexibility as the interview process progresses. Consider putting the number you want at the lower end of the range, and then going up 5-10% from there.

"I'm very excited about the position and know that I'd be the right fit for the team. I'm also excited about your offer, and knowing that I'll bring a lot of value to the table based on my experience that we discussed during the interviews, I'm wondering if we can explore a slightly higher starting salary of $80,000.

How to answer desired salary on online application? ›

But instead of providing a number, try writing “negotiable,” or “market rate.” If you're forced to put in a number, try giving a salary range. But, if the application won't accept a range, enter a dollar amount you're comfortable with based on everything you know.

When you decide to openly share your current salary with a recruiter, you may approach it by simply mentioning the exact number that represents your monthly or annual compensation. In the next sentence, you may provide them with more details of your current role, for example, what specific responsibilities you have.

Provide a range, not a sum

For instance, if you would like to make $35,000, then you should state that your salary requirements are between $30,000 and $40,000, rather than $35,000. This way, there is an opportunity to negotiate.

What is desired salary? The desired salary is the compensation that you would like to receive for a new job or promotion. It's common to be unsure what to put for the desired salary as you're completing job applications and attending interviews.

Make sure you think about the minimum salary you would be willing to take. Along with factoring in your level of experience, think about your cost of living. Making sure your salary can cover all of your expenses is a top priority when accepting a job offer.

When you write your salary requirements, you should include a range and not a specific sum. For instance, if you would like to make $35,000, then you should state that your salary requirements are between $30,000 and $40,000, rather than $35,000. This way, there is an opportunity to negotiate.

More Definitions of Current Salary

Current Salary shall be defined as the annual salary for certified full-time positions. "Current Salary" does not include extra duty pay, contract extensions, or other payments.