"I was quite pleased to see your generous benefits are similar to what I currently receive, and the Gympass, transit discounts, and generous employee discount are truly above and beyond. So, for the sake of transparency, last year my earnings were 52,000 a year plus a potential 20% annual bonus. I receive two performance reviews a year and have averaged a 7% pay increase with each performance review. When I gave my current employer open notice that I intended to explore further career opportunities elsewhere, they offered me an incentive of an additional increase of 4% to stay on board. So those are my current and projected earnings. In addition, as I have shared, I have an ambitious five-year career plan, and am looking for a professional career that offers concrete growth opportunities, with achievable and adhered to timelines for my career progression."

Zalando advertises that they offer their employees a competitive salary, many developmental opportunities, and a variety of health and wellness benefits, including medical and mental health options. In addition, they offer their employees a 40% staff discount, 30% off Zalando Lounge, discounts on public transport, a hybrid working model with 60% (or more) remote per week, 27 days of vacation a year to start, work from abroad for up to 30 working days a year, Gympass, two paid volunteering days a year, and discounts from external partners.

When the salary question is broached, often asked toward the end of the interview, it will serve as a test of the realism of your expectations, and your self-awareness of your interview performance. It also is another opportunity to advertise your value. Don't rely solely on your current salary. Consider your current projected salary over the next five years, including bonuses and incentives, and compare the benefits of your current employer to what Zalando has to offer, such as healthcare, retirement plans, paid time off, perks such as transportation discounts or gym memberships, along with any other benefits that reduce your living costs. By analyzing their offer against your calculated worth, you can adjust your number accordingly. Remember to be open, realistic, and honest. Then present the facts of what that figure looks like, evaluate their response, and proceed judiciously from there.