“What are your salary expectations?”

One of the most dreaded interview questions many applicants struggle with is when employers ask:

“What are your salary expectations?”

The interview was going great until this question came up. Now suddenly you freeze because you don’t know what to say.

Pump the breaks for minute… and take note. This is where studying and properly preparing for your interview comes in handy. Here’s why. When you go for an interview, ideally you should have already researched the position you are applying for and the salary range for someone with your particular years of experience. This way, when you are asked this question you can simply answer in one of two ways:

“I would simply like to be compensated fairly for my experience.” This is the easy way out. However, if the employer keeps insisting, you are going to need to answer! You cannot say “I don’t know.” That is a definite strike against you. Also, you never want to scare off the employer by listing a number that is unrealistic (too high) and out of their range. On the other hand, you don’t want to undervalue yourself by giving an number that’s too low. So, do your research and have an answer.

Now try this approach: “I understand that the going salary for this position is… so I would like to be compensated accordingly given…”

The second approach only works if you have a number and you have realistic salary expectations based on your skill level. Also, you should always list your salary expectations in ranges (for example $45,000 – $50, 000 a year) as opposed to giving specific numbers (for example $47, 550 per year).

This shows that you have done your market research around the position and will help you to confidently and rationally reveal your salary expectations.