Every question that you have been asked in the interviews has significance. Every word that comes out of your mouth would be evaluated by the interviewers to make sure that you are right for the job and that you would be an asset to their company. That is why the candidates are looking for ways to answer properly to some of the most asked interview questions.
Although not every question has specific answers and some questions would make you uncomfortable and you might find it hard to honestly answer the question without looking bad in the eyes of interviewers. One such question is What is your desired salary?
This question is mostly asked at the end of the interview or in the job application forms. Writing or saying any number to this question won’t be smart. That is why people get all nervous while answering the questions. After all, this question is uncomfortable and awkward. That is why you are here to get some help and finally find a suitable answer to this question as well. Well, you are at the right place and we are going to provide some appropriate ways to answer the question as well.
But first, let’s take a look at a few facts that would help you to answer this question.
Why Do Employers Ask About Your Desired Salary?
People often this question as they can’t find a suitable reason behind asking this question.
First of all the need to see what are your expectations for the salary and if it fits their hiring budget. The number provided by the candidate would help them to calibrate the budget for the role internally. This would also make them know whether the candidate is at the right seniority level for the position.
If the number is too high, then they might try to negotiate and see whether or not they can provide you your desired salary.
It is after all an important question for both parties. So a candidate must answer rationally and reasonably. This what makes it a difficult question because not everyone knows how to answer these questions and what number they should say in the first place.
Well, we are going to provide you the answer to your question in two steps. In step one, we would tell you how you can analyze the right salary for your position, and in step two we would tell you how to answer this question.
Contents
Also check – Tell me about yourself answers / Thank you email after interview
How to Determine the Reasonable Salary for Your Position?
1. Research the position
Research is one of the crucial things that you need to do if you want a fair salary for your work. Before you go for your interview, you should learn more about the reasonable salary for the position you are applying for. You should also see the value of the company you are going to work for.
You should also check the work, job responsibilities, and the associated benefits of the job that you might do.
Learn the average salary for the job, and the average salary in the locality you would be working in. With all this information, you should be coming up with a reasonable number.
2. Consider the Lifestyle and Expenses
To come up with a fair number for your salary, you should also weigh in the lifestyle and the expenses you would be paying in the area of your job. Which includes your monthly bills and expenses of other necessities.
3. Weigh in Your Education Qualification and Experience
You should also see what’s your time and energy worth given your education qualifications and experience. This included the institution you have got a degree from and the number of years you have experience of.
How to Answer Desired Salary Question?
1. Set a Range for Your Salary
The first thing you need to do is to come up with a salary that is rational and reasonable. After that, you need to maximize the number and set a range that you would accept. Providing a range would give flexibility to you and your employer. Since they would always negotiate the salary with the employee it would be better if you provide a number higher than what you are actually want to work for.
2. Negotiate
Negotiation is the key. No one would hand you the salary you have asked for and they would also try to give you as low as they can. But since it’s a two-way street, you have to negotiate the offer and try to come up with a number that would be acceptable to both parties.
Since you are negotiating, you should also negotiate the perks other than the salary. The other benefits and perks include student loans, equity, stocks, holidays, leaves, etc. With your research for the job you are applying for, you would be able to come up with reasonable perks and extra benefits for the job too.
3. Deflect the Question If You are Still in Hiring Process
You may wall deflect the question altogether if you are still in the hiring process. You should also avoid the question if you haven’t done full research. Although keep in mind that you do have to answer this question and discuss all these things, so it would be better if you are prepared for the questions.
Also check – How To Send Follow Up Email After An Interview
4. Be Confident
You must remain calm and confident while answering this question. You have to keep in mind that you deserve this salary and that you have worked hard to get where you are. So don’t hesitate to aim high and negotiate to end up with a better number as well.
Conclusion
So that’s how you answer the desired salary question. This question can be uncomfortable or awkward but at the end of the day, no one wants to get a salary low than their expectations and for that, they have to tell the employers their “desired” salary. Make sure you are well researched and asking for a reasonable salary.
