“What’s  Your  Salary  Expecta5on?”    

What  You  Need  To  Know  About  This  Tricky  Interview  Ques5on  

“What is your salary expectation?”

It’s  one  of  the  most  dreaded  interview  ques5ons  because  it  blends  awkward  conversa5on  of  money  with  the  fear  of  asking  too  much,  too  liJle,  or  rejec5on.  

Here’s  what  you  should  know  to  prepare:  

1. You’re Not Negotiating Hardball (Yet)

Avoid any mention of numbers.

If you’ve done your research, you should know exactly the range of what

someone like you should be making.

2. Be Prepared

It’s a general rule when interviewing!

Use Glassdoor’s salary tool or Payscale.com to gauge your

market value

3. Avoid Talking Numbers

At this stage, you want to be as vague and disinterested in numbers as possible.

You can talk numbers further into the process, but

right now it’s all about learning about the

opportunity.

4. Don’t Get Defensive

Avoid feeling sabotaged

Your interviewer doesn’t want to make you a low ball offer,

they just want to make sure it makes

sense to keep talking.

5. Keep The Tone Casual & Friendly

Likeable people receive job

offers and win salary

negotiations so don’t get

ruffled by this topic.

Smile and casually

express more interest in

learning about the role and potential fit.

6. Talk Fit, Not Finances

No one wants to hire someone who’s only interested in money.

The company needs to know you’re invested in their mission.

7. Don’t get Overly Confident

Conversations around salary are pretty standard for the initial phone screen or

interview.

Just because we’re touching on money, doesn’t mean we’re

talkin’ money just yet.

8. Don’t Ever Lie About Salary History

Why??

Lying is just outright bad (but you knew

that).

Why?? Employers can get their hands on this

info. nothing will take you

out of the running faster than A Lie.

For more interview advice visit: www.NGCareerStrategy.com