What to answer when a recruiter asks you "What's your salary expectation?"?

Question

Telekinetic-Potato · Accepted Answer

My mom does HR and I've gotten to watch her interview a lot of people over the pandemic. I think the best answer depends.

The guy asked what the budget was for the position and when she pressed him for an answer he said he needed to know in order to see if he was a good fit.

This was for a fairly highly skilled/level position. But it was for a very large company.

Personally, I thought he sounded like someone who believed he had a lot to offer.

I think this is a good strategy because when I was selling cars, my boss taught me that the first person to say a number looses.

I would watch people ask him what's the lowest he could go and he would not give an answer until the customer threw something out there.

Let's say the price on the car was $7000 so the guy offered $6200.

He'd be like "where did you come up with a number like that? How did you arrive at that conclusion it's worth that much?"

A job interview is the same concept in reverse. You know how much you need to survive, you won't accept less than that. You've done your research, you should know what a fair pay is and which of your strong suits to extentuate.

jshm2 · Accepted Answer

Depends as it can go two ways.

If you're answering a proper ad that has salary on it. Then they are testing your memory to see if you remember that number. If you can't remember fine details, then your decision making is probably shit anyway.

If it's a fishing ad, then they are seeing if you're willing to do the work at market rate or less. Sure, you can try your luck going above market rate. But 9/10 they will reject you, unless you've been headhunted - or they are desperate. But in the latter case it usually means the job is going to be a ball ache.

FreyaRed · Accepted Answer

Worker unions have usually charts with average income for specific profession. Use the average value if they ask you this question. Most employers or HR ask and unions will help you even if you aren't member of them, because they hope you sign in.

DevikaButts95 · Accepted Answer

I try to go for the range the recruiter is expecting personally, if it's acceptable, otherwise, I'd fall back on just what I'm expecting as a salary.

Nikki1989 · Answer

That is something I research before the interview, so I know not to say something unrealistic.

AviatorTom · Answer

If I've done my homework before the interview, I know the salary range of the job I'm applying for, and I would mention that, like "I understand the salary range I'm being considered for is X to Y. I'm just starting, so I wouldn't expect Y, but I would expect over time to be able to advance to Y." And then I would ask, "What salary are you offering?"

Danny_dan92 · Answer

“Whatever is applicable to the title as well as my experience”

Or

Answer back with a question “what is the salary range for the position?” Then base your answer from there based on your credentials

Anonymous · Answer

This comes under negotiation tactics. Always inflate your expected salary by at least 30% so the recruiter tones your spoken expected salary to what you actually expect.

But at the same time, do ask for the budget for the post. That matters more than what I said earlier.

One guy explained it amazingly.

AngryCarl · Answer

More than I'm getting currently. How much more would depend on what seems to be the going rate. I'd err on the high side, they might want to knock me down or they might think I'm worth it. I think employers appreciate it if you've done the research to name something realistic.

roy_ricky09 · Answer

We can discuss this once we proceed with the interview and I'm sure as per the industry standards and the work I'll be responsible for would define the expectations

ChillaxingLove · Answer

The amount that’s considered fair for a person with my experience or if really want to be passive aggressive. How valuable am I an employee to you is my salary expectations

melanieeeB · Answer

I research what the appropriate salary for my Job and education is and go with that.

MCheetah · Answer

I answer my honest salary expectation. Never sell yourself short, but also, know your true worth.

pizzalovershouse · Answer

What average pay is for his position thas said in business magazine's

TacosRAwesome · Answer

My current reply is I'm currently making x so I'd like x or more.

MysticDevice · Answer

"To be able to afford rent/mortgage and bills and have enough left over to eat and actually live a little"

exitseven · Answer

I look at what I made in my last job and add some more.

panamared1 · Answer

do research before you go, know what a person with your degree if any and experience, if any, normally receives. ask for what a man gets, they try to pay women less

boobliker · Answer

only you can know what you think you are worth I always put my home time at twice my work time

Shinzu · Answer

It's a tough question, I wouldn't know what to answer lol

Anonymous · Answer

Whatever I'm getting now For me that's 6000 a year

dustybiker · Answer

Being prepared ahead of time is important.

Alcoholic_Wannabe · Answer

"Single digits maaaannnnnn."

jayhams · Answer

It would depend on the job

Ms_Facesitter · Answer

Negotiable :)

What to answer when a recruiter asks you "What's your salary expectation?"?

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