What To Say When Interviewers Ask About Salary: A Guide For Young Professionals And First-Time Job Seekers
As a university professor and career coach, I work with a lot of young professionals or first-time job seekers and navigating the interview process for the first time can be both exhilarating and intimidating.
One of the most challenging aspects is when interviewers ask about salary expectations. It's a crucial but often tricky part of the job search. How should you respond? In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best strategies for handling this common interview question.
1. Why Are They Asking You About Money…
Before diving into how to respond, it's essential to understand why interviewers ask about salary. Companies need this information to assess whether they can meet your expectations and to determine if your salary requirements align with their budget. This helps ensure a good fit for both parties.
For example, iIf you are at 100k with your salary expectations, and they are at 50k, it’s not even worth having interviews. In a job search where you are applying to hundreds of jobs, you definitely do not have time to consider opportunities that don’t fit your salary requirements.
2. Do Your Homework
The first step in preparing to talk about salary is to research. Learn about salary ranges for the specific job, industry, and location. Online tools and resources, like salary comparison websites and industry reports, can help you determine a reasonable salary range.
I personally like using Glassdoor, Payscale, or the Bureau of Labor Statistics to research salary ranges. Additionally, I have had a lot of success networking with professionals in the same or similar field to gain insights into typical compensation packages.
3. Don't Be The First To Bring It Up
When it comes to salary discussions, the general rule of thumb is not to be the first to mention a number. The person who speaks about salary first might lose some negotiation leverage. Instead, let the interviewer initiate this part of the conversation.
For example, if the interviewer asks, “what do you expect in compensation for this role”, respond with, “well, how much do you have budgeted for this position or what were you previously paying for this role”. It’s totally ok to answer a question with a question at this point and if the interviewer doesn’t know or have an answer, that is an answer in and of itself.
4. Pivot The Conversation
If you don’t feel comfortable pushing back on a number, consider pivoting the conversation. Emphasize your qualifications and skills that make you a strong fit for the role. This shows that you're more interested in the opportunity than just the paycheck. For example, you could say, “While pay is important to me, I’m really trying to find a position to grow, show my value and be successful in. And I think this position is it for me. Let’s see what you are able to offer and if I can make it work.”.
5. Express Enthusiasm And Flexibility
During the interview, be sure to convey your enthusiasm for the position. Employers appreciate candidates who are genuinely excited about the job. As a career coach, I am asked to serve on a lot of search committees at my full-time job and I know it sounds like a given, but there are so many people interviewing for jobs right now that are genuinely not excited to be interviewing!
You can tell in the way they present answers, with their body language, with their words, etc. So, keep your interviews upbeat, positive and express some flexibility to work with the employer to make this position work for you and them. It's perfectly acceptable to show a willingness to negotiate.
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6. Provide A Salary Range
When it's your turn to discuss salary, consider presenting a salary range based on your research. Start the range slightly above your minimum acceptable salary to allow room for negotiation. For example, if you're aiming for $50,000, consider suggesting a range of $55,000 to $60,000. Again, do your research.
Everyone wants to make as much money as possible but throwing out a ridiculous number can have a negative impact on the employer’s perception of you. They might think you are not serious about the role or the industry and lack professionalism to understand the value of your role.
7. Highlight Your Value
Speaking of value, throughout the interview, focus on the value you can bring to the company. Share examples of your achievements, skills, and experiences that make you a strong candidate. Demonstrating your worth can outweigh the fixation on salary!
8. Be Prepared For Negotiation
Be prepared for salary negotiation, and always maintain a professional and polite demeanor. Understand your priorities, such as benefits, bonuses, or stock options, and be ready to discuss these aspects.
9. Handling Offers And Counteroffers
Once you receive a job offer, evaluate it thoroughly. Consider not only the base salary but also the complete compensation package, including benefits, bonuses, and any other perks. If the initial offer falls below your expectations, don't hesitate to counteroffer. Here are some tips and examples on what to say.
Final Thoughts…
In the competitive job market, knowing how to respond when interviewers ask about salary is a vital skill for young professionals and first-time job seekers. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you can approach salary discussions confidently and strategically, based on thorough research and an understanding of your value.
Remember, the interview process is a two-way street, and a thoughtful approach to salary discussions can help you secure a job that's not just a paycheck but a meaningful step in your career journey. If you need further help, feel free to reach out to me and we can book a single appointment to get you the skills and confidence you need to negotiate like a rockstar!
Related:
6 Ways To Ace Your Internship Interview: Preparation and Practice Tips
5 Questions Job Seekers Should Ask Employers During Interviews
Meet The Writer!
Hi! My name is Nadia Ibrahim-Taney and I help people design happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally. Please connect with me on LinkedIn or at Nadia@beyonddiscoverycoaching.com
