How to Answer: What are your salary expectations?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Benefits Specialist job interview.
27. What are your salary expectations?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Depending on the state you live in, there might be laws preventing the employer from asking about your current earnings or laws requiring them to share the salary range for the job. Whether one, both, or neither apply, the interviewer is looking to learn what you hope to earn without crossing any legal or ethical lines.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 16th, 2022
How to Answer
Salary expectations are an important conversation to have and now is the time to openly share your desired rate. Be open and honest, but have research to support the number or range you provide. Do some research ahead of time to determine the average salary or the salary range for this position in the area you live. Choose the salary you share with the interviewer based on the information you find and your level of education and experience.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 16th, 2022
Answer Example
"I am looking first and foremost for a job that can provide me with professional and personal growth. Salary is a secondary consideration for me. I do, however, recall the job posting stating the salary range was $35,000 to $60,000, depending on education and experience. This lines up with what I found when I researched the average Benefits Specialist salary in Indiana. I feel my SHRM-CP certification and five years of experience qualify me for the upper end of the range and I would be comfortable accepting a salary of around $50,000."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 16th, 2022