The Salary Question

Question

During an interview, what’s the best way to reframe a question about your current/desired salary to find out what the company has budgeted for the role?

Lady Pele · Answer

Know the salary range for your position in your geographic area.  You can then say 'I know the range in our area is X to Y, and I'm looking for the low/middle/high end of that range.'

Six Figure Salary Coach · Answer

I love this question!!.... So much so that I recently did a blog post and video on how to answer this question (more specify to how to put your ideal value forward).

I am  an advocate of shooting for the stars when it comes to wage requests. The key is to do it tactfully and professionally. It's a balancing act of getting your value out there but also being aware of the budget for their position as you have asked.

I recommend checking out this post.

https://www.liberatedtribe.com/articles/2019/3/30/what-are-your-salary-expectations

I did a video on how to answer this as well to give examples of how to answer the question. You could incorporate your ideal value by also asking about the salary range and if your desired salary fits within that range.

Good luck. Let me know if you have any questions!!

Melissa 
The Liberated Tribe

Kimberly Sweeney · Answer

I would take Tonya and Jess's advice first; however, I have been in several interviews where they would not proceed without me giving my range.  At this point, you need to have to decide if this is the right role for you.  So many organizations are still stuck in the old way of doing things and still feel you should provide your range in hopes they can find great talent for less than market rate.  Do your research and know the market rate before you talk to the recruiter.  If the recruiter refuses to give you the range and needs your range, the best answer I have given that doesn't lock you in to a specified salary is 'While I feel it is somewhat premature to provide you my salary requirements, I have done my research on x, y, and z salary/market sites and the salary range I would expect could be between xxx-xxx.  While Salary is important, there are several other areas that are also vital which include cultural fit, benefits, and perks along with additional conversations with the hiring manager that can affect this range.  I would prefer to revisit this question after I have spoken with the hiring manager to better understand the role and feel this a good fit culturally.  Does that work for you?'

I have used this on a few occasions and when I did the recruiter was actually impressed, one was shocked that I had done so much research for our call, and another actually was so impressed that she immediately scheduled an interview with the hiring manager.

Good luck and just remember, if you have a job currently - don't settle for the first offer that comes your way.  Make sure it is the right role for long term growth toward your career aspirations!

Jess Stetson · Answer

What’s worked best for me is to automatically respond to their “what’s your range” question with “what’s the range for the role?” That has worked four times out of five for me (very small sample!). The one out of five was the recruiter needing to check and us not continuing the conversation for other reasons.

Tonya Horn · Answer

When I was asked what is my salary expecation  question, I turned the table and asked what the salary range was, then I would know if it meets my expectations.  The hiring manage followed up with the range and I communicated that it met my expecations.

Blake · Answer

It depends so much on the job.  I am an advocate of asking for what you deserve because of work experience etc. However, my hesitation is if you are going to a lesser job, be reasonable.  Like when a career is sort of over and you are looking for a 'second act' it may be more for fun than $$.

Allison Branen · Answer

Thanks everyone!  I appreciate all of your suggestions. I do tend to focus on one number versus a range, and I agree that the total benefits package is important to consider—as is life-work balance.

Anonymous · Answer

Typically recruiters or hiring managers ask for your salary expectations to make sure that they can afford you and that no one is wasting their time going through an interview process if it's not going to be a fit. While you should do your research, sometimes this information is either difficult to find OR the title at this particular company means something different at another company. It is perfectly acceptable to ask the range of the role. It's in the best interest of both parties that all sides feel comfortable moving forward.

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