Discussing salary is not comfortable for most of the candidates. However, this is something that cannot be avoided. According to a survey by LinkedIn, more than 70% of professionals are uncomfortable when it comes to negotiating salaries in interviews. Yet, how you deal with the question of salary expectations can make or break the decision of hiring and salary.
In this competitive job market, recruiters look for candidates who are confident, well-prepared and confident. They want someone sensible and professional when it comes to dealing with salary negotiations. As a beginner or an experienced professional, being aware of how to answer this question wisely shows professionalism, sensitivity, and effective negotiating skills.
This blog will guide you through simple, smart means of answering if someone ever inquires about your salary expectations. You’ll find out how to maintain control over the situation, avoid errors, and be paid fairly for your contribution.
Tips To Discuss Your Salary Expectations
During an interview, it may sound tricky to be asked, “What are your salary expectations?” Most of the experts, including experienced resume writers NJ recommend not specifying a number too early. This is said because once you specify it, it becomes difficult to change it later. Instead, there are several better answers to this question that leave an open option. In this way, you will also portray your professional personality.
These are some simple yet effective ways to deal with it:
Offer a Salary Range
Better to give a range than one exact figure. It shows that you’re adaptable but at the same time have an estimation of your worth. It allows the employer scope to make a proposal, and it offers you be able to bargain later on.
Examples:
- “I would like to know more about the position, but I would find ₹5, 00,000 to ₹6, 00,000 a year reasonable.”
- “Given my experience and what I understand of the market, I would expect something in the range of ₹5, 00,000 to ₹6, 00,000.”
Ask What They’ve Planned
Instead of answering simply, you can ask politely what the firm is prepared to pay. This puts the responsibility on them and lets you see if it is what you need before your answer.
Examples:
- “Thanks for asking! Could you let me know what salary bracket the company has allocated for this role?”
- “Do you know what salary range the company would like to pay for this role before I reply?”
Hold Your Answer (If It’s Too Soon)
At times, the salary question is raised too early during the interview. You can answer that you would want to get more information on the job before you address salary, in case you have no details about the job. This shows you are interested in the job instead of the money.
Examples:
- “I am interested in the job, but I would like to know a bit more about the regular routine before we decide to negotiate the salary.”
- “I would opt for it if we didn’t discuss salary first and we talked about the job and what the company expects from the applicant in this job.”
Negotiate After You Get an Offer
If you’re offered a job, you will normally have several days to think. Take this time to read over the offer and know whether you’d prefer to negotiate your salary or more benefits. The majority of companies expect some bargaining, so you should not feel embarrassed to be heard.
Experts who use executive CV writing services NJ usually understand better how to handle these negotiations with professionalism and confidence.
Examples:
- “Thanks for the invitation! I’m really enthusiastic about this position. Considering my skills and experience, is there a possibility of adjusting the salary hardly at all?”
- “I appreciate the offer. I was hoping for something closer to ₹6,50,000, considering the responsibilities and my past experience. Is that something we can discuss?”
Consider Other Benefits, Too
Occasionally, the pay can be set and can’t be adjusted. If that’s the case, you can request other things to make up for it:
- Additional vacation or paid time off
- Learning opportunities or paid training
- Health insurance, travel assistance, or flexible work arrangements
- Company stock or performance bonuses
Examples:
- “I totally understand your salaries are fixed, but is there any chance to discuss additional paid time or training opportunities? “
- “Other than salary, can we discuss performance bonuses or flexible working hours?”
- “I am interested in this job. If the salary is fixed, are there some other benefits to discuss, like health programs or extra benefits?”
Frequently Asked Questions
How to answer salary expectations in an interview?
The recruiter may give you an offer close to the salary you ask for. Hence, it is better to ask politely for a hike. Try to quote a little more than what you settle for.
What are your ideal salary expectations?
The number you give should show not only an amount that you think is good compensation but one that also matches with market data and research. You should conduct research to check the average salary for the fresher position that you are applying to in the industry.
How to politely ask for a salary range?
If you are looking for a polite way to ask for a raise, you can you, “Hello, thank you for the opportunity in your company. I wanted to ask if you could provide me with the average salary range before the interview.
It’s A Wrap
Discussing salary during an interview makes one uncomfortable, but it is an honest and necessary procedure in the interview process. Answering this type of question shows your confidence level, professionalism, and knowledge about your worth. Instead of being too quick with a number, you can mention a range, inquire about how much the business has in consideration, or avoid answering until you have insight into the role.
When you are offered a job, don’t forget that negotiating is fine. Most employers actually expect it. If the pay cannot be adjusted, you can inquire about other perks important to you.
The key is to stay calm, polite, and prepared. Do your research, know your worth, and practice your answers. With the right approach, you’ll not only avoid mistakes but also increase your chances of getting a fair and satisfying offer.