Interesting Tips On How To Answer Salary Expectation Questions When Asked In An Interview

Job interviews are the most important stage of your life. Properly presenting yourself with confidence, politeness and humbly is vital. Sometimes, answering the interviewer’s question about yourself and your job expectation can be difficult but things get critical when the interviewer asks you the most essential and basic question about your salary expectation. This question, “what is your salary expectation” can put you in a stressful situation but you can manage this pressure by doing extensive research well in advance. You must know how to answer what are your salary requirements questions since it is one of the straightforward questions asked by the employer. The answers to this question should be well structured and not look like an answer given in haste.

“What is your salary expectation?” How to answer salary expectation question

Have you ever thought, what does an employer want to know when he/she asks “what is your salary expectation?”. Once you understand the intention of the employer, you will be able to give the best answer for salary expectation in an interview. They emphasize salary expectation questions to understand you in a better way and to make sure whether your expectations and company’s benefit aligns or not. They generally ask to visualize if you know your worth. They inquire about your salary expectations for gauging how well you know your worth and potential. A potential candidate very well knows his/her market value. Experience and achievements make a candidate confident enough to answer this question. Secondly, to check if you are the right candidate or not. You should know the market value of the post you are applying for. 

While answering the question , neither ask for a higher amount nor a lower. Employers often ask this question to know whether you are suitable for the job or not and to check whether you fit in their budget. They often ask “what is your salary expectation” to know whether your prospect stipend amount aligns with them or not. These four parameters are often used by employers to judge your suitability for the company. So, before heading for your interview, research the expectations of the employer. This will help you in banging a high package job.

How to answer salary expectation questions when asked in an Interview?

When the employer asks ” what is your salary expectation”, offer him/her a salary range rather than providing the exact number. Propose a reasonable range neither too high nor too low. Fix your lower range closest to your salary expectation so even if the employer opts for the lower range, your salary and job prospects do not get affected at a higher rate. Secondly, give straight away answer. Your years of experience and accomplishments have made you well aware of your worth. It has made you confident enough to ask for a decent and appropriate amount. Thirdly, practice negotiation. 

Some companies offer fascinating compensation, benefits and perks. Even if the employer is providing you with a lower salary package than your expectations, you should not back off rather grab the opportunity and get valuable benefits. For instance, the employer may offer you insurance policies, residential benefits or may offer you to become an equity holder of the company and so on. Lastly, divert the question If you feel you need more time to answer the question, However, it is one of the crucial questions of job interviews and you have to discuss this at some point. Still, if you are not comfortable in reverting at that point, you may ask a few questions to the employer about the job title. You may ask the employer to tell you more about the roles and responsibilities of the job. In this way, you will get enough time to articulate your what is your desired salary answer and you will be able to provide a suitable amount.

Before discussing why you should be hired, it's important to understand your salary expectation - so let's start with the 'Why Should We Hire You Answer'!

Tips for answering salary expectation question

Discussing salary expectations in an interview can be tricky if you don’t know how to answer salary expectation questions. Below mentioned tips can help you in giving the best answer for salary expectation in an interview smoothly and confidently.

Set your aim 

Fix your allowance aim at a higher amount. Keep your experience, knowledge and worth in mind. You can respond to the question politely by saying, “I expect a paycheck of Rs 80,000. I feel my experience and knowledge of the areas support my allowance expectations”.

Be flexible 

While discussing salary, keep your mind flexible. If the employer asks ” what is your salary expectation” then simply say “I am flexible concerning the salary”. However, I expect to receive a payment ranging between Rs 20,000 to Rs 25000″.

Ask if their budget aligns with you 

Be upfront and openly discuss your paycheck expectations and your employers budget. Revert to question by asking “I certainly wish to receive an amount of Rs 50,000 since it compliments my experience and knowledge. Does this align with your thoughts?”

Show your gratitude 

While discussing salary, show your gratitude and thankfulness to the employer for asking the question. You can revert by saying, “I am thankful to you for asking for my compensation expectations. My skills and knowledge of this field will help us grow together and so, I hope to receive a paycheck that falls between Rs 80,000 to Rs 85000. 

Concluding note

Discussing salary is one of the toughest parts of the interview session. It can be a life-changing moment. So when an interviewer asks, “what is your salary expectation”, you must have a well-structured answer. You should be aware of how to answer salary expectation questions. An honest response is the best answer for salary expectation in an interview.  Be confident and upfront about your compensation prospect. Make sure you have proper reason and justification for your expectations. Your job and salary expectations must align with employers’ thoughts so as to make a balance. Make sure you have proper reason and justification for your expectations. Lastly, always be polite, humble and grateful to the interviewer for letting you express your thoughts.