What are your salary expectations?
Be open, realistic, and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary-based questions arise. Use your current earnings as a baseline. Share anything that impacts your cost of living - bonuses or incentives, your commute, retirement packages, stock options, PTO, etcetera. Then project what your income would be over the next year or two, including how frequently you received performance reviews. Once you've done this, find out what they offer. Once you find where they're meeting, exceeding, or wanting in this regard, you can adjust your number accordingly.
"Currently, I earn a base salary of 45,000 per year plus a potential 20% annual bonus. Last year my earnings were 52,000, and I would like to stay in the same range or slightly higher."
"I am currently making 100,000 per year with two bonus opportunities. I am looking for compensation that is aligned with the role and provides an opportunity for growth."
