If you are at the point in the interview where salary is being discussed, then you are probably on your second or third interview meeting, right? But, what if your interviewer asks you this question in the beginning or the middle of your very first interview? There are numerous articles online that talk about how to “dodge” this question. I think it might be best not to dodge the question. In fact, this question can be another opportunity to market yourself and show the value you would bring to the organization.
Before you attend an interview, even if it is a preliminary phone interview, you should have researched the organization. One of the main reasons employers do not consider candidates they have interviewed is because employers have realized these persons have not researched the company, which comes across as not really caring for the organization. A good strategy to use during your research is performing a basic SWOT analysis of the company. Part of your research should include the salary your target industry is offering based on your target location.
Below is an example of a response you can follow, if your interviewers ask about your salary expectations.
Interviewer: So, John, what salary are you expecting to receive in this position?
You: Well, Jane, employers in this area usually compensate between $100,000 and $130,000 for this position. So, I “expect” to receive an offer within that range, but I am sure you are also interested in recruiting someone that can quickly generate revenue. When I was at XYZ company, I produced X amount of dollars in X amount of time by doing XYZ. Next thing you know, I would have produced triple the amount of money you would compensate me during the year and I would love the opportunity to do that for this company.
Interviewer: Why this company in particular?
You: Well, from what I researched, I see this company could use someone with experience in XYZ to compete with some of your competitors, like A, B, and C. While I was at XYZ company, we were going through a similar problem while our competitors were excelling and I was able to (how did you solve the company?)
The original response to the salary question should be enough to provide the employer with the information they are seeking. If you noticed, in the response, I said, “I “expect” to receive an offer within that range.” That would be true, because that would be the range you would expect to receive an offer in, but that does not mean that will be the offer you will accept. So, if the interviewers ask for a specific number, I think a good response would be:
You: I expect to be offered a salary between $100,000 and $130,000, but more than a dollar amount, I am interested in a benefits package and the potential for me to make an impact in this organization. At the end of the day, I will probably receive several offers and my decision will depend on several factors, like the dollar amount, benefits package, and other appealing factors.
If these two responses are not sufficient for your interview considering this is your first interview, then you might want to think about spending years working for this employer, who seems to be solely concerned on their compensation to you, rather than on the value and experience you would offer them.
There are several ways you can respond to salary questions and the response you give will depend on several factors that will arise during the actual interview.
Using this type of response shows that:
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You are aware of the market in terms of other employers and the salary they offer in your target location and for your ideal position.
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You did not dodge the question, because you would say the salary you “expect” to be offered.
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Not only did you answer the question, but you took that question and made it into another opportunity to market and talk about your qualifications, leading the interview unto a new direction.
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You eased the interviewer’s mind about the payroll expense they would have on you, by making them aware that you will produce much more that year than they would pay you; hence, you would be an asset.
There are questions a bit more complex than the salary or the tell me about yourself question.
How would you feel about responding to the salary question on your first interview in this manner?
P.S. If a recruiter is asking for your salary expectations, then you should be completely open in your response, because recruiters have several clients and they would appreciate knowing exactly what you are seeking, so that they can match their client with the right candidate (you). This would also save time in your job search process, as you work with recruiters. Also, they can provide you with insight as to whether your salary desires are achievable.
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