What are your salary expectations?
The best way to discuss your salary expectations is to use your current earnings as an example, not excluding any bonuses, incentives, stock options, retirement and health benefits, or any other perks and rewards. Every form of compensation should be rolled into one. Be open and honest. Transparency is the best approach when salary-based questions arise. By putting everything on the table, you establish your professional worth and reveal what they have to compete with.
"I currently 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 currently make 22/hour with two bonus opportunities. I am looking for compensation that is aligned with the role and provides an opportunity for growth."
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
130k base salary plus bonus potential.
Stephanie's Feedback
Interview questions about compensation are always a bit tricky. You don't want to ask for too little and leave money on the table, but you don't want to ask for too much (at least as a base salary) and potentially be screened out of the interview process. I suggest doing research through Glassdoor or Salary.Com to ensure that you feel confident that the salary you are requesting is in line with the company. I also suggesting requesting a range (Example: "My target range is 125-135K base,) as that provides a bit of wiggle room.
