What are your salary expectations?
Be open and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary based questions arise. The interviewer wants to hear if your expectations are within the company's budget and whether you are willing to negotiate if necessary. The best way to discuss your salary expectations is to use your current earnings as an example.
Focus on your current salary and benefits, and explain that 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, 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, 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 suggested, the interviewer may be hesitant to hire you unless you have advanced skills that will significantly benefit the company.
"I am currently making 76,000 per year with full medical benefits. I am looking for compensation aligned with the role and provides an opportunity for growth."
