First, try to turn the question around and ask the
interviewer what the company is offering. Unless pressed,
do not offer a specific figure in response to this
question. If you feel you must be the first one to discuss
figures, suggest a salary range based on your research
on the company, the industry and the geographic location.
The best option is to find out what the interviewer is
offering and negotiate from there. If this is not an
option, then state a salary range based on your research
on the company, the industry and the geographic location.
Know what your rock bottom figure is, but don't tell
it to the interviewer.
Though you should carefully calculate what your salary
needs are, never let the interviewer know your
rock bottom figure!
Stress what your value to the company will be, offering a
dollar amount only if pressed.
The interviewer is wondering if you have stagnated in your
previous positions, or if you have consistently been
offered raises and promotions. Try to avoid giving dollar
amounts, unless pressed.
Sometimes the interviewer will press for a specific
answer to a question like this one. Remember to
calculate the value of your entire compensation package,
not just the amount of your salary. Often, benefit items
can add 30% or more to your yearly income.
Dangerous question! Whenever possible, do not be the first
one to give salary figures. You could price yourself out
of a job, or (even worse) you could undervalue your worth.
Try to discover the salary range the interviewer has in
mind before you commit to any figures.
If the job is something that you really want, then perhaps
you could consider a lower starting salary. Stress that
you know you will do an excellent job, and find out
when your first salary review will be. Also, know what the
lowest salary you could accept would be, but DON'T tell this
figure to the interviewer.
The interviewer is probably looking for you to justify
your stated or implied salary needs. Empathize with his or
her concerns, and be able to back up what you say.
Many companies have salary ranges for each position, and
do not pay anyone any more than the top end of the
range. The reason they enforce these ranges is to preserve
office harmony. Imagine what would happen if two people
performing essentially the same job discovered that one
was paid a significantly higher wage than the other!
If you can live on the salary that has been offered, agree.
Then ask when your first salary review will take place.
Most companies can negotiate salary, even if the
interviewer says that the salary is set in stone.
But if you discover that the interviewer truly will not
negotiate the salary, try to begin a discussion of
benefits that might make the offer more palatable to you.
It is helpful if you know the salary progression of others
in your field or, even better, in the company. You could
state a percentage increase or a salary range.
Before answering, determine if this is a formal offer, or
if the interviewer is simply trying to figure out what
you're asking. Once you are sure that this is a real
offer, determine if this is an amount you can live with.
Most employers expect you to try to negotiate a little. If
the amount is far below what you were expecting, ask
tactfully what other items would make up the
compensation package.