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June 29, 2026
One of the most uncomfortable questions in any job interview is: What salary do you expect? Here’s how to answer it without the fear of underselling yourself.
“What salary are you looking for?” is a question that appears in almost every job interview, and for many candidates it feels like a trap with no good way out.
Ask for too little, and you risk being underpaid from your very first day. Ask for too much, and you worry that you will appear unreasonable and lose the opportunity altogether.
As a result, many women—even those with impressive résumés—begin apologising, softening their demands, or randomly naming a figure they believe the employer wants to hear.
The problem is that most of us were never taught how to talk about money.
Society often teaches women to be grateful for opportunities rather than to make demands. It is time to change that.
Instead of viewing salary discussions as a trap, think of them as a normal part of a professional conversation. Recruiters are not simply trying to find out how much money you want. They are also assessing how well you understand the market, how realistically you evaluate your own skills, and whether you are prepared to negotiate.
That is precisely why preparation matters.
The first reason is obvious: recruiters want to determine whether your expectations fit within the company’s budget.
Before the recruitment process progresses too far, employers want to know whether your expectations align with their salary ranges. If your requested salary is significantly above their budget, they may decide to end the process early, saving time for both sides.
But salary expectations reveal much more than that.
When you provide a salary range that reflects market conditions for the role, you demonstrate that you understand the labour market and recognise the value you can bring to the organisation.
Requesting too little can raise concerns because it may suggest that you are unfamiliar with industry standards, underestimate your abilities, or lack confidence. On the other hand, asking for significantly more than the market average can create the impression that you are overconfident or overqualified for the position.
Your answer also gives recruiters insight into how you view your future within the company.
What you say about compensation today may indicate what you are likely to expect in the future in terms of salary increases, promotions, or additional benefits. Understanding your expectations early in the hiring process helps employers determine whether their long-term plans align with your career ambitions.
In this area, there is often room for flexibility. However, keep in mind that recruiters are frequently thinking several steps ahead when they ask this question.
Many HR professionals suggest politely avoiding the question and encouraging the employer to reveal their salary range first. For example, you might say that you would prefer to learn more about the role before discussing compensation.
However, recruiters are very familiar with this strategy and will often continue to press for an answer.
So, what should you do?
Before your next interview, prepare for salary discussions just as you would prepare for any other difficult interview question.
Before the interview, research the company, the role, and average salaries for similar positions in the city or region where you are applying.
Even a simple online search can help you develop a more realistic understanding of market rates.
If the salary you want is significantly higher or lower than the market average, adjust your expectations accordingly. If you intend to ask for more than average, prepare strong arguments that justify your request.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to answer this question is to provide a salary range instead of a specific number.
A range increases the likelihood that your expectations will fit within the employer’s budget while also leaving room for negotiation. It demonstrates both market awareness and flexibility—qualities that employers generally appreciate.
When discussing salary expectations, make it clear that you are open to further conversation.
Employers often want to see that money is not your only motivation and that you are also interested in the role itself, career development opportunities, and the work environment.
Flexibility can create the impression that you are collaborative and easy to negotiate with.
If you understand the market rates for your position, consider setting the upper end of your salary range slightly above the average.
This signals that you understand your value, know the market, and have professional ambition.
Requesting a salary below market value out of modesty may create the impression that you lack industry knowledge or confidence in your own abilities.
Think in advance about why you are asking for a particular salary.
Prepare specific arguments based on your education, certifications, experience, achievements, or unique skills that distinguish you from other candidates.
When you can clearly justify your expectations, you demonstrate that you are well prepared, professional, and realistic.
Whether or not your expectations align with the company’s budget, there is a strong possibility that negotiations will follow.
Negotiating salary can feel stressful. However, if you have researched the market, determined your minimum acceptable salary, and clearly understand the value you bring to the employer, you already have everything you need for a productive conversation.
Salary negotiation is not a conflict of interests. It is simply a discussion between two parties trying to find an arrangement that works for both the employer and the candidate.
And that is precisely why preparation makes all the difference.
Photo: Pexels.com
