How to Handle Salary Questions in Interviews: A Strategic Guide
Navigate salary questions in interviews strategically. Learn when to discuss compensation, how to deflect premature questions, and how to state your expectations.
Salary questions can arise at any point in the interview process, and how you handle them significantly impacts your negotiating position and the final offer you receive. A strategic approach to compensation discussions protects your interests while maintaining a positive rapport with the employer.
If asked about salary expectations early in the process, try to defer the conversation. You might say you would like to learn more about the role and responsibilities before discussing specific numbers, or that you are confident you can reach a fair agreement once you both have a better understanding of the fit.
When you need to provide a number, give a range rather than a single figure. Base your range on market research for the role, your experience level, and the company's location and size. Position the bottom of your range at or slightly above your true minimum to leave room for negotiation.
If asked about your current or previous salary, you can redirect the conversation to your target compensation rather than anchoring the discussion to a potentially lower number. Many jurisdictions now prohibit employers from asking about salary history, but even where it is legal, you are not obligated to disclose.
Be prepared for the question by doing your research beforehand. Understanding the market rate for your role eliminates the anxiety of being caught off guard. When you have data to support your expectations, you can discuss compensation confidently and professionally.
Practice handling salary conversations in a realistic setting with HireFlow. Building comfort with these discussions through repeated practice ensures you navigate them smoothly and strategically when the real moment arrives.