How To Answer “What Is Your Desired Salary?” (With Examples)

When interviewing for a job, the question “What is your desired salary?” is a pivotal moment. Mastering how to respond can significantly affect your compensation and job prospects, whether you’re just beginning your job search or are deep into the interview process.

In this article, we’ll explore what desired compensation means and how to effectively communicate your salary expectations to enhance your chances of success.

Key Takeaways:

• Have a clear understanding of your desired salary before applying, as it may arise early in the application process.

• Conduct thorough research on average salaries for your role, factoring in your experience and local cost of living.

• Avoid undervaluing yourself, but remember that employers aim to find candidates at the lowest cost.

• Whenever possible, refrain from stating a desired salary on job applications; save that conversation for the interview.

• Wait until you have enough information or a job offer before discussing your desired salary.

Understanding Desired Salary

Your desired salary is the compensation you wish to receive for a new job. While it’s natural to want the highest salary possible, it’s critical to approach this question with a realistic mindset. Responding with an overly ambitious figure may jeopardize your chances of landing the job.

Many individuals feel uncertain about what to state as their desired salary on applications or during interviews. Providing a figure that is too low can lead employers to offer you a lower salary than you deserve, while quoting an excessively high number could eliminate you from consideration entirely.

Thus, conducting research and developing a strategy for discussing your desired salary will greatly benefit you. The more information you gather, the better position you will be in to negotiate fair compensation.

Why Do Employers Ask About Desired Salary?

Employers inquire about your desired salary to help them find the best candidate within their budget. If your figure is too high, you risk being removed from the candidate pool; if it’s too low, the company gains leverage in salary negotiations.

This question is primarily designed to benefit the employer, not you. It’s wise to avoid revealing your desired salary before receiving a job offer. If possible, respond with a general statement indicating that you seek fair, competitive compensation based on the role’s responsibilities and your qualifications.

Crafting Your Desired Salary Response

Now that you understand the context, here are essential tips to help you determine a suitable salary range.

1. Research. Before deciding on a desired salary, research the position and company thoroughly. Look for average salaries for similar roles, which may be listed in the job description or available on job posting sites.

2. Experience. More experience typically correlates with higher salaries. Recognize the difference in average salaries between experienced and entry-level workers, and adjust your expectations accordingly.

3. Education. Your level of education can significantly impact your value to an employer. However, ensure that your educational qualifications align with the position’s requirements when considering salary.

4. Cost of Living. Understand your financial needs by calculating your monthly expenses. Salaries can vary greatly by location; if relocating, ensure you account for differences in living costs.

Responding to “What Is Your Desired Salary?” on Applications

Many online job applications prompt you to include your desired salary in your resume, cover letter, or application form. Always follow the specified instructions carefully. It’s best to gather more information about the job during an interview or let the company provide an initial offer before sharing your salary expectations.

If required to state a salary in your resume or cover letter, consider writing something like, “Willing to discuss salary after learning more about the role.” If the application form only allows numerical input, you could use “0” to indicate you’re not providing an answer yet.

Should you choose to provide a number, ensure it is backed by your research and reflects your experience, education, and location. Present a salary range to allow for negotiation, with your minimum acceptable figure towards the lower end.

Answering “What Is Your Desired Salary?” in an Interview

Interviews can be daunting, but being prepared for the salary question can ease some stress. Here are key strategies for responding:

1. Gather Information First. If the hiring manager poses the salary question and you feel under-informed, wait to respond. You might say, “I’d like to learn more about the position before discussing salary.”

2. Support Your Answer with Research. Use the data you’ve gathered to justify your desired salary. Be ready to articulate why you believe you’re worth that amount based on your research and the specific role.

3. Consider the Benefits Package. Inquire about benefits, as these can significantly influence the overall compensation package. Health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses may affect your salary expectations.

4. Indicate Willingness to Negotiate. Clearly communicate your openness to negotiation while standing firm on your minimum acceptable salary.

5. Be Prepared to Decline. Know your lowest acceptable salary and be ready to decline offers that do not meet your financial needs. It’s better to continue searching for the right fit than to accept a job that doesn’t compensate you fairly.

Sample Responses for Your Interview

Below are examples of how to respond to the salary question in an interview:

1. Unsure of Your Desired Salary:

   “I currently don’t have a specific figure in mind. However, I’m focused on finding a role that aligns with my skills and career goals, and I’m open to a salary that you consider fair.”

2. Requesting a Pay Increase:

   “My current salary is $75,000, which reflects the average for my level of experience. However, having recently completed my Ph.D., I am seeking a salary of $82,500, which corresponds with the increased responsibilities of this role.”

3. Discussing Relocation:

   “Based on my research, the average salary for Landscapers in the Orlando area is between $30,000 and $45,000. With 15 years of experience and my recent Florida certification, I believe a salary of $40,000 to $45,000 is appropriate.”

Tips for Discussing Your Desired Salary

As you prepare for your interview, keep these final tips in mind:

• Exude Confidence, Not Arrogance. Striking a balance between confidence and humility is crucial. If you seem uncertain, it may give the hiring manager leverage in negotiations.

• Provide a Broad Range. If unsure, offer a salary range with your ideal figure closer to the lower end. This allows for negotiation and increases the likelihood of meeting your salary expectations.

• Ask Counter Questions. If asked about your salary range, consider countering with questions. For instance, “I prefer to discuss compensation once a job offer is on the table. Is that acceptable?”

• Stick to a Worthy Salary. Understand your worth and have a clear idea of your financial needs. If the employer cannot meet your desired salary, it may be a sign that the position isn’t the right fit.

Common Mistakes Related to “Desired Salary”

Avoid these pitfalls to secure the best possible starting salary:

• Disclosing Too Soon. Revealing your desired salary early can give the employer leverage. Let them provide a figure first, whether verbally or in writing.

• Assuming It’s Time to Negotiate. The salary question is informational for the employer; it’s not the opening of negotiations. Providing a number too early can work against you.

• Referencing Your Previous Salary. Comparing your new job to your last salary can skew your expectations. Your prior compensation may not reflect your current market value.

• Neglecting Long-Term Considerations. If the company has a structured system for raises, promotions, or bonuses, consider these factors in addition to the base salary offered.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do jobs ask for desired salary?

Employers request desired salary to ensure candidates fit within their budget. While some flexibility may exist, it’s essential to research your value to avoid pricing yourself out of opportunities.

2. How do you answer salary expectations?

Whenever possible, be vague and flexible until you receive a job offer. Stating a specific amount too soon can limit your options, but remain professional and express your willingness to work in the best interest of both parties.

3. Is being asked about your desired salary normal?

Yes, being asked about your desired salary is common. Don’t view this question as a red flag; it reflects the company’s budget considerations. Stay focused and confident in your worth.

Final Thoughts

Having a desired salary in mind is crucial throughout the interview process, but it’s typically best to keep that information to yourself. While it’s one of the most frequently asked interview questions, directly answering it can sometimes hinder your chances.

As a candidate, you haven’t yet received a job offer, and stating a number that’s too high could disqualify you, while a figure that’s too low may lead to inadequate compensation. This is a critical moment in your career, and the stakes are high.

Instead, conduct thorough research, showcase your skills and experiences, and allow the interviewer to present a number first. A simple statement like, “I prefer to wait for a job offer before discussing salary,” is both professional and acceptable.

Author

Jack Flynn

Jack Flynn is a writer for Zippia. In his professional career he’s written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications. Jack received his BS from Hampshire College.