How much Salary do you expect?

Whether you are changing the current job or trying to get your first job nine out of ten times you will be asked the question How Much Salary Do You Expect?

Generally, one of the reasons for changing the job is that you want to be paid better. One of the most tricky parts of an interview is negotiating salary and when this question is put forward, you get all confused, nervous and you don’t know what to say. Another problem while answering this question is that you can’t disclose the particular figure that you are expecting because you are generally not aware of your potential value.

So, today let’s discuss what possible answers can you give to make the deal if you also face this question during an interview. Before moving ahead, please note that these answers are not for the situation when you are negotiating the salary.

I expect a competitive salary

When you say competitive salary it means you know what is the average pay for the particular position that you are currently interviewing for. Please don’t use this phrase if you are not aware of average industry pay for that post because the interviewer may ask you what is the average pay for this post? And if you are quite off the mark, then it will not work in your favor because it will sound that you are not aware of current market scenario.

I expect the salary based on my experience

You can use this phrase only if you are very well experienced in that particular field and in the past, you have worked for reputed and well-known companies. Basically here you are telling the interviewer that your USP is your experience.

I expect the Salary to be in line with my Qualification

This answer can be used either by an experienced or a fresher. If you are very well qualified and secured good grades in your academics then you can answer in this way. Here qualification doesn’t mean academic qualification only, one who is very well experienced and acquired a great deal of knowledge in a particular field can also use this answer.

I expect my salary based on my performance

This shows you are really very enthusiastic about working for the company and want to prove your worth to the company. But if you answer in this way, then the interviewer may cross question that how much do you expect for the first month? Then you can say for the first month you can pay me based on my qualification or experience (if you are experienced).

At this point in time, my goal is learning and not earning

If you are a fresher and desperate for a job, then you can use this answer. You can say that at this point in time I am concerned about learning and not earning but the salary must be sufficient enough to motivate me to work enthusiastically. By this answer you are giving the ball in interviewers court, the interviewer may cross question that how much salary will be enough to motivate you to work, you can say, Sir/Ma’am, you are a better judge as I am fresher I don’t have enough knowledge about industry average pay for this post.

I want a salary that motivates me to work

You need to use this answer only when everything is going fine with your current employer and you are somewhat unwilling to change your job. This answer reflects that you are basically concerned with money and your real motivation is only and only money. This is somewhat a negative answer but there will be a situation when you might be required this answer at a later stage of your career.

After answering the question don’t try to justify your answer. Just be quiet and give additional information or clarification only if asked by the interviewer.