How to Answer Interview Questions About Salary

Preparation is critical to a successful interview.

One of the toughest questions to address during a job interview involves salary. If the candidate does not know how to handle the question, it can result in him not getting the job. If his salary demands are too high, the employer might view the candidate as too high maintenance. If he quotes too low, the employer might question his competency. This places the candidate in a predicament, which he can overcome if he is prepared.

Instructions

1. Research your field's salary range, using a website such as PayScale. Enter the relevant information, including your location, education, skills and experience to get an accurate range.

2. Avoid giving a specific figure. When the interviewer inquiries about your salary expectations, your first response should be that you are open to considering a competitive offer. Using the word "open" suggests that you are willing to listen to their offer and relieves you from saying the wrong thing. Simply inform the interviewer that you are open to discussing fair compensation when the time arrives.

3. Give a salary range if you are pressed for an answer. Some interviewers insist that you tell them how much you would like to earn. Rather than giving a specific figure, you may wish to give a salary range. This informs the interviewer of your expectations, as well as your flexibility.

4. Say that you are willing to listen to a competitive offer, if the interviewer asks if you would be willing to take a salary cut. You can also say that you are willing to negotiate a lower starting salary. For example, "I know this position has a salary range of $50,000 to $55,000. It would be nice if I could increase my salary, but I am more interested in the position than the pay. I am open to negotiating a lower starting amount and then maybe we can reassess matters at a later time after I have proven myself to you."

Tips & Warnings

• Do not factor in bonuses and benefits when giving a salary range. If the interviewer asks what your previous salary was, state the salary and then state any bonuses separately, if applicable.

References

• Career Builder: How to Answer These Tricky Interview Questions
• USA Today: The Ins and Outs of Interviewing