What are your salary expectations?

"Currently, I earn a base salary of 45,000 per year plus a potential 20% annual bonus. Last year my earnings were 52,000, and I would like to stay in the same range or slightly higher."

"As a recent graduate, compensation is not my primary driver. I want to earn what is fair in this industry, given my blend of education and experience."

"I am currently making 80,000 per year with full medical benefits. I am looking for compensation that is aligned with the role and provides an opportunity for growth."

Focus on explaining what your current salary and benefits are and how you would like to stay in the same range or slightly higher, based on your experience. If you are more comfortable giving a range, shoot for higher than you want, so there is room for negotiations. However, you want to make sure you do not name a range higher than the job description lists, or you might talk yourself out of a job.

If the job announcement lists a salary range of 80,000 to 85,000 per year based on experience, you want to avoid asking for less than or more than the company's budget. If you ask for less than offered, it shows you do not value your education and experience. If you ask for more than offered, the interviewer may be hesitant to hire you unless you have advanced skills that will significantly benefit the company.

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.