The interviewer would like to know if you feel undervalued in your current role. Many employees will look for new work if they think that they are underpaid and underappreciated. Of course, this potential new employer wants to ensure that they will make you a competitive offer that will entice you to join their organization, and stay there. Talk to the interviewer about your current compensation and whether or not you feel it is fair. Be sure to have researched your answer to back you up, versus throwing out a random number and hoping it will stick.
If you think you receive what you are worth: 'I feel that my current employer pays me fairly; however, I would like to see an increase in pay with an increase in responsibilities."
If you do not feel you are currently paid what you are worth: "I know that I am underpaid compared to my industry colleagues. My company is small, and they do what they can, but this is part of why I am seeking a new position."
Example #1
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If you do not feel you are currently paid what you are worth: "
Example #2
"I have recently asked for a raise since I have been with my current office for three years without an increase. My present manager is currently reviewing my request."
Example #3
"Initially, I was paid my worth, when I first accepted my role. However, since then, my team has grown exponentially, and I have not received a raise. I have researched the scope of my role and believe that if I were to start in my same role today, I could ask for approximately $20K/year more than I currently receive."
Example #4
"I am currently with a start-up agency, so I am certain that I am not paid my worth in base salary, but I do receive a great number of perks including free lunches, a couple of trips per year, an option to work from home, and a health spending account. The perks are great, but I do know that someone with my skill set is worth more, speaking solely in base pay."
Example #5
"I believe that I am ready for a store manager role which would bump up my pay quite significantly. I am paid fine for my current function but am craving an increase in responsibilities."
Example #6
"I receive what I am worth because I am paid heavily on commission. The harder I hustle, the more money I make. This payment agreement keeps it pretty cut and dry for me if I happen not to like my paycheck!"
Example #7
"I know that I am underpaid compared to my industry colleagues. My company is small, and they do what they can, but this is part of why I am seeking a new position."
Example #8
"I feel that my current employer pays me fairly; however, I would like to see an increase in pay with an increase in responsibilities."
Example #9
"I know that I am underpaid compared to my industry colleagues. Our school board is small, and they do what they can, but this is part of why I am seeking a new position."
Example #10
"I know that I am underpaid compared to my industry colleagues. My company is small, and they do what they can, but this is part of why I am seeking a new position. I would like to see an increase in pay, by about 15%, plus an increase in responsibilities and growth opportunities."
Example #11
"According to my union leader, I am slightly underpaid compared to my industry colleagues. My current taxi company is small, and they do what they can, but this is part of why I am seeking a new position."
Anonymous Answer
"I believe when I first started in my role, I was paid correctly. Over time I took over all decision making for my department from my manager to the point where I no longer reported to him and reported directly to our departments' director. When this happened, there was no compensation increase, and I feel there should have been."
This would have been a very fair ask. As a side note, be sure that your compensation request in your next opportunity reflects the jump that you feel you should have been given when this transition took place.
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