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Salary-Related Mock Interview

Salary interview questions can be the toughest to answer, here are 10 salary related questions with answer examples that can help you during your next interview.

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Question 1 of 10

What are your salary expectations?

"Currently, I earn a base salary of $45,000 per year, and I would like to earn slightly higher in my next position, as I have additional certifications since my last salary negotiation took place."

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How to Answer: What are your salary expectations?

  • 1. What are your salary expectations?

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      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.

      Written by Kevin Downey on March 28th, 2024

      What You Need to Know

      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.

      Written by Kevin Downey on March 28th, 2024

      Answer Example

      "Currently, I earn a base salary of $45,000 per year, and I would like to earn slightly higher in my next position, as I have additional certifications since my last salary negotiation took place."

      Written by Ryan Brown on April 6th, 2018

      Marketing Example

      "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."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Manager Example

      "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."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Retail Example

      "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."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Admin Example

      "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."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Sales Example

      "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."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Experienced Example

      "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."

      Written by Kevin Downey on March 28th, 2024

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "My salary requirements are flexible, but for a ballpark figure, I would accept $100,000 considering the cost of living in the Bay Area."

      Kevin's Feedback

      I recommend putting some more thought and nuance into your answer. One one hand you express you are flexible, but on the other hand you express your number is somewhat inflexible due to cost of living. But you don't detail what makes you worthy of such an investment. You don't have to revisit your qualifications or your answers to other questions to justify your number. Instead, exemplify your worth in how you answer this question. By putting thought into your communication you can exemplify your worth.
      "I am currently making $95,000 a year with my current employer, with a $2000 bonus at year’s end. We all know that cost of living in the bay area is a factor when it comes to pay, and I;m sure you hear that a lot. But hey, we’re all doing our best with the choices we make, including where we choose to live. However, understanding there is quite the shortage in the workforce right now, my current employer has offered me an increase should I choose to stay. Also, it seems fair to mention I have pretty good health insurance benefits through work. Traveling to this location would also be quite a commute, and with gas prices where they’re at, this could put a dent in my earnings as well. I imagine, due to the distance, it would cost about $150 a week for gas costs alone. That’s nearly ten thousand a year in gas. Moving closer is less of an option due to real estate prices, a common issue in the Bay Area, as we all well know.

      If you don’t mind, before we hone in on a number, I have some questions. Do you offer health insurance benefits? Do you have any commuter benefits? Is there a remote work option available for this position? Do you offer yearly bonuses? What is your budgeted range that you are able to offer for this position? Are there any other perks worth mentioning?"

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