What are your salary expectations?

"I am currently making 80,000 per year with two bonus opportunities based on project completion. I am looking for compensation that is aligned with the responsibilities of this role and provides an opportunity to learn new skills."

"I can share with you what I am currently earning, and where I would like to be in my next position. Currently, I am earning a base salary of 78K plus an annual bonus opportunity of an additional 10%. Last year my earnings were 85K, and I'd like to earn above that in my next position, to reflect the MBA I recently acquired."

"I would like to earn slightly above where I am now. Currently, I earn 25/hour plus benefits and a 10% commission on all sales. My target income for the coming year is 65,000."

"As I am new to my career and this industry, I am happy to negotiate my earnings based on your typical salary for this role. From my research, I see that the average junior administrator in the Chicago area earns an annual salary in the 45K range."

"I am negotiable with my salary expectations. However, I am not inclined to lose compensation. Compensation to me, though, is not only net pay. I take into account work hours, commute, overnight travel, health benefits, etc."

This question is aimed at how self-aware you are, and how aware you are of what their company can afford. Although there are websites, such as Owler, which can provide insights into the worth and revenue of a company, one still has to consider the amount of overhead a company may have and its budgetary constraints. So, a question like this will give the interviewer a firm idea of what you are hoping to earn and how realistic your expectations are.

There are many factors that can help you determine a realistic figure when starting the negotiation process, and that is by validating through tangibles. This can range from your current earnings, your projected earnings, what your current employer may have offered you to stay on board, the benefits you currently receive, and how they compare to this company's benefits package. Any perk or benefit that can positively impact your cost of living is worth comparing here.

For example, if you have to commute three hours each day, keep in mind you are not getting paid for those three hours, nor are you getting reimbursed for the travel costs. Also take into consideration the job market, how well you performed in your interview, your experience level, and any other advantage you have going for you. Then quantify all of these with your interviewer and let them suggest a starting number.

This approach allows you room for negotiation without aiming too high or selling yourself short. Also, consider there is room for negotiation with your terms of employment, such as your career goals, title, the frequency of your pay raises, an increase in responsibilities, etcetera. Give as many indicators as you can. Be open and honest. Transparency is the best.

"Currently I earn just shy of 67,000. We have two performance reviews a year, and the next one is a couple of months off. Each performance review I receive roughly a 5% raise. I also receive a yearly bonus of about 1,500 each December. The benefits package I have is very comparable to the benefits package you offer, which is very generous. The commute to this position is about an hour longer both ways. My current company offers us a transportation perk, where we receive a monthly credit to take public transit over traveling by car. This is super great, because then there is no gas or wear and tear expenses cutting into my earnings, and allows me to read on the subway, and keep up on the trending news in our industry. Aside from that, I think my references speak for themselves, and I am highly valued by my leaders and peers. My manager offered me a 2% increase to stay on board, but I am definitely interested in rising up and progressing in my career. I am likewise interested in the developmental and growth opportunities here, and wherever I land, I am hoping will be a long-lasting, mutually beneficial professional relationship."

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.