What are your salary expectations?
This question can come along anywhere in the interview, but more commonly comes towards the end. This not only gauges your expectations but your self-awareness of how the interview has gone. If you have delivered an outstanding interview and revealed yourself as a desired asset, your self-awareness of what you offer will now be revealed. This is where you'll show your hand, and how you not only value yourself but how realistic your expectations are. Your expectations may be unrealistic, or perhaps they sell you short. Either can be revealing with your career trajectory.
"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 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."
The best way to discuss your salary expectations is to use your current earnings as a model. Be open and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary-based questions arise.
If you can get away with it tactfully, avert giving a definitive answer right away. Discuss your previous salary, discuss what you bring to the table and how that equates to your real self-worth. Remain confident, but exude humility at the same time. This can keep the negotiation going, without selling yourself short or setting your expectations too high. Don't dodge the question, but don't close negotiations too early on either.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I believe that salary should reflect the responsibilities of the role as well as skills and qualifications of the employee and as such expect fair compensation for a starting position such as this.
Stephanie's Feedback
Questions about compensation are always a bit tricky, especially early on in the interview process. While this is a great response, I suggest that you be prepared for the interviewer to push you on a number. Do your research on the company and the role (Glassdoor and Salary.com are great places to start.) You can ask, "Are you able to share the range that you have in mind for this role?" If that doesn't work and you truly have to provide a number, I always suggest a range rather than an exact number.
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