What Is Your Salary Expectations?| how to answer it.

What Is Your Salary Expectations?| how to answer it?

The expected salary question is bound to come up in your next interview, and you’ll be caught off guard unless you’re prepared for it. Now the answer to this question sounds easy, but it’s actually a little bit more complex than you might think. Interviewers ask this question because they want to know if they can really afford you, and how you value your own skills, talents, and abilities. When you answer this question, you want to be really careful that you’re not undervaluing or overpricing yourself. And ideally, you never want to mention salary until later in the process, preferably your second, third, or even a later interview.

Know your market

Tip number one is to know your market. Before you can answer what’s your expected salary, you need to know what others in your industry and geographical area are earning. For example, someone living in San Francisco, California is going to command a higher salary than someone living in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Learn as much as you can ahead of time by doing your research. Now, I have a few recommended websites that I like to use to learn more about a specific position, and what the expected salary is. The first site is the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and specifically, the Occupational Outlook Handbook. The BLS reports statistical data on things like median pay, the work environment, and the job outlook for a specific position. For example, I could type the term computer programmer into the search bar. This will give me detailed information about this specific position that I can get a better idea of what my salary should really be. You could also use resources like Glassdoor and Indeed. These are very similar to the BLS, however they give you another perspective on the position. I’ll link all of these resources below.

Another thing that will really help you know your market is to network with others in similar position. Find out what it looks like on a daily basis to be in their shoes. What are some of the larger projects they’re working on? What are some the challenges they face on a daily basis? This will give you a better idea of what the job really looks like, and help you determine your expected salary. And if you’re working with a recruiter, get as much information as you can from them. Tell me if you’ve ever entered salary negotiations, and if you got the salary that you were wanting.

Know your value

Tip number two is to know your value. To get a better understanding of what you can offer a company, and what you might be worth to them, make a list of your greatest accomplishments. Your greatest accomplishments should demonstrate your best qualities and what makes you stand out from everyone else. It should also be some of the larger projects, or some of the biggest problems that you’ve solved. Think about some of the things that you’ve done in your previous work experience, or even in your education experience, that makes you the most proud. And to really hit it on the head with this one, make sure you jot down accomplishments that are directly related to the position that you’re applying for, and accomplishments that are more recent. And because quantifiable accomplishments are easier to measure, make sure you list ways where you’ve cut costs, increased productivity, or used your expertise in some way to improve processes. Now, I have a few resources that will really help you pinpoint your greatest accomplishments. The first is how to write your accomplishment statements for your resume, and the second is how to mention your greatest accomplishments during your interview. Now, I’ll link both of these resources below for you, and you can watch them as soon as you’re done with this one.

Let the hiring official make the first offer

Tip number three is to let the hiring official make the first offer. Do you’re very best to let the hiring official make the first offer. This will give you more leverage to ask for what it is you really want. If you tell them you’re expected salary before they’ve shared what they’re willing to pay, you risk the chance of either undervaluing or overpricing yourself. So I’m going to give you a couple of responses that you can use if they ask you, what’s your expected salary, without even knowing what they’re willing to pay. The first response is, I’m open to discussing this as we get further in the interview process once I’ve learned more about the position, the company, and who I will be working with. However, I will consider any reasonable offer. Another response you could give is, you are in a much better position to know how much I’m worth to you than I am. I’m open to discussing salary once we get further in the interview process and I have a solid idea of what the position entails.

                     Now, once you get through the interview process, and you’ve learned what it is that you need to know about the company and the position to make an educated statement about what your expected salary is, you could use this statement. I will consider any reasonable offer. However, based on my skills, my expertise, and my talents, and based on what I know about the position and the company, I believe of a salary of, and then list the salary, is competitive. Now, keep in mind that your salary doesn’t need to just include annual compensation. When you’re negotiating your salary, you can include things like bonuses, vacation time, maybe even more of a flexible work schedule. Most hiring officials know that qualified candidates are enticed by some of these other items inside of a compensation package, so they are definitely willing to enter negotiations with you. The other thing I want you to keep in mind is that the expected salary question is slightly different than if the interviewer asks you what you’re currently making in your position.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate

 Tip number four, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Most hiring officials expect you to negotiate, so don’t be afraid to jump into negotiations about your salary or compensation package. Some people fear that negotiating their salary is presumptuous, and will risk their chance of getting the job. In fact, it’s been reported that only 29% of job seekers enter salary negotiations, which means 71% leave money on the table by not even negotiating. Before you answer what’s your expected salary question, you need to determine the lowest number that you’ll take, while at the same time having your dream number in mind. Keep in mind that these numbers can change as you learn more about the position, and more about the company and what it entails. And I want to leave you with one final bonus tip when it comes to answering what’s your expected salary. Find a mentor that can help you work through this process. This could be a coach, someone you look up to, a teacher, a manager, or a supervisor that you can practice your answer to this interview question. This will build your confidence, and in the end, help you get the salary you deserve.