So, you are in an interview and you have almost nailed it. Whether it is answering those unusual interview questions, or using the STAR approach to ace behavioral questions you are feeling confident that this is going very well. And just when you thought you had prepared for every scenario, the question of salary makes its appearance in the conversation.

The discussion around salary is probably one of the few awkward and uneasy questions which can bring down your confidence levels significantly, especially if you have never thought of it or are not ready with a response. These days many employers are choosing to include salary in their job posts due to a competitive candidate marketplace and in an effort to be more transparent. However, in cases where salary is not clearly outlined in a job post and the discussion is carried out during an interview, job seekers often find themselves confused and unsure.

So how to answer the salary expectations question during your interview?

There are 3 simple ways you can get the compensation you rightly deserve.

Research:

Before divulging in the salary discussion, it is imperative to realize that job market is a dynamic environment. Every year, salary ranges undergo changes depending on various factors such as change in minimum salary outlined by lay, inflation rates, required skills, technological developments etc. More recently the pandemic and candidate scarcity has also played an important role in redefining salary parameters for many industries.

One of the most reliable ways of knowing what salary to request is research. Before going to an interview, consider researching your job title and the associated average salary being offered in the market. You can also download and check the free Annual Salary Guides released by your local staffing and recruitment agency. Most salary guides have region-and experience specific breakdown of average salary ranges for ready reference. This way you know what the right salary for your role is based on your skills and experience.

Prepare:

Another way to lead your salary discussion is to prepare a suitable answer in advance. Just like you would form and prepare answers to various types of interview questions, you can consider preparing for an appropriate response for the salary question as well.

There are many different ways to form an answer to this question. For example:

• “Based on research on salary ranges and the personal experience & skills that I am bringing to this position, I am expecting a salary within a range of $50,000-$60,000”

• “I believe that my skills and experience are very fit for this role and I am thinking of a salary in the range of $50,000-$60,000.”

• “Did you have a specific range in your mind for this role? If yes, I would like to start the discussion based on your budget please”

Negotiate:

In some cases, your preferred salary range may not be in tandem with the employer’s decided range. In such cases, as a job seeker, you will need to negotiate the salary based on what you think is the right salary.

For successful negotiation, it is important to be prepared with adequate information on what is the ongoing salary range in the job market based on your experience and skillset. At the same time, it is also important to be able to objectively discuss why you deserve a higher salary than offered by the employer. Make sure to highlight the value, skill, and knowledge you bring to a role during such a discussion.

Negotiation also means considering what else is on the table. Benefits, flexible hours, remote work, personal time off, professional development opportunities, bonus structure, and vacation are some items you may be able to leverage to create the right value equation for your circumstances. Consider your potential employer’s value proposition (EVP) and Glassdoor rating when you are looking for a permanent role. A friendly work culture that aligns with your values is priceless to many candidates.

The discussion around the salary scale can be a tricky one. If you have been looking for the right role for a long time, it may become stressful to lead a salary discussion and potentially impact your chances of getting an offer.

One element in your favour is that in much of today’s job market there is a shortage of skilled and ready-to-work candidates, which makes employers more interested in negotiations if they feel you are the right fit. Whether you are seeking a role in IT, engineering, office/professional, or Light industrial sectors, all employers are looking to find the best candidates. This can work in your favour and help you find a great role with a great salary if you prepare for a salary discussion with adequate market knowledge.

Want more tips on how to manage salary expectations or want a recruiter to negotiate a salary on your behalf? Our team of recruiters can help!