Job interviews should be focused on qualifications and experience, but it often comes down to salary expectations. It’s difficult to answer salary expectations questions in job interviews because you don’t want to appear too costly for the company. This blog will show you how to answer salary expectation questions in job interviews.
WHY DO EMPLOYERS ASK SALARY EXPECTATION QUESTIONS?
Employers ask these questions all the time. If the interview is going well, the interviewer will ask you about your salary expectations to see if the company’s salary range fits your salary requirement. However, this question can be stressful and cause some people to freeze during the interview.
The fact is that employers ask this question because they want to get a sense of how competitive you are in terms of salary. This can be a bit trickier to answer if you haven’t done your research or you are uncomfortable negotiating. Here are a few tips that can help you answer this question with ease and help you
1. Research is the Key
One of the most important questions you’ll be asked in a job interview is: “What is your current salary?” You should always be prepared to answer this question and make sure you keep the amount you state in the excellent range.
You may not be ready to answer. If that is the case, try to avoid answering the question by asking questions like “How much do you pay your employees?” or “What is the salary range for this position?”. You can also use the “time-honored tradition” of answering that question with a question. For example: “What would you expect someone with my skills and experience to do for this job?”
2. Use a Salary Range
Many job seekers have been in situations where they are asked about salary expectations during an interview. The question is designed to see if applicants undervalue their skill set and are willing to work for less.
All job seekers should have a target salary in mind before the interview takes place. A few questions can be asked to help you figure out the appropriate salary range to answer the question.
3. Flip the Question
A question about your salary expectations is not uncommon in a job interview. The interviewer is trying to feel how much you’re worth. But it’s not a yes-or-no question, so it’s not as easy to answer as it seems. Instead of answering the question directly, flip the question in a way that will benefit you in the short and long term.
For example, if the interviewer asks, “What are your salary expectations?” you can respond, “I’m looking for the best possible fit. Can you tell me what your range for this position is?” Or you can ask, can you tell me about the duties and responsibilities of this position? This gives you more information without committing you to a number.
4. Delay your Answer
Interviewing for a job can be the most stressful point in your life. While you may be prepared for the technical questions, you might be surprised by how many times you’re asked about salary expectations.
Many people don’t know how to answer this question and give away much free information. Instead of answering this question directly, use a simple line of questioning to delay your answer. This can be used in any situation where you don’t want to answer a question.
5. Be Honest
In the world of job hunting, honesty is the best policy. When companies ask you about your salary expectations, you might feel tempted to lie your way into a higher salary. Don’t do it. Instead, give a realistic figure, even if it means you’re not going to get the job.
It’s better to be honest about your earnings expectations than dishonest. A company is much more likely to call you back if they are able to pay you the salary you need, and they’re going to be much more interested in hiring you if your expectations are realistic.
Conclusion:
A job interview is a chance to showcase your skills and personality to the interviewer, but it isn’t the time to get into the details of salary negotiation. The best way to answer salary expectation questions in a job interview is to point the conversation towards your experience and qualifications.
While salary can be a good topic for a second interview, it is essential to be careful about how you phrase your answers. You want to be honest, but you don’t want to say anything that could get you passed over for the job.
