Posted 1 day by Jonny Grange
Employers often ask, “What are your salary expectations?” It’s a key question that can impact your chances of securing the job and getting the pay you deserve.
The key to answering it well? Research, confidence, and flexibility. In this blog, we’ll cover why employers ask, how to prepare, and the best ways to respond.
What are salary expectations?
Your salary expectations refer to the amount of money you expect to earn in a new role. This figure is based on your experience, skills, industry standards, and the job market.
It may be tempting to give a quick answer. However, your response should be careful and strategic. It’s not just about what you want. You also need to consider the market and the employer’s budget.
Why do employers ask about salary expectations?
Employers want to gauge your market awareness, flexibility, and whether your expectations fit within their budget. Here’s why it matters:
They want to know that you understand your value
Hiring managers want to see that you have a realistic grasp of your market value. If your salary expectations are too low, it could indicate a lack of confidence in your skills. Too high? You may seem out of touch with industry standards.
They want to see if they can afford you
Every company has a budget. Before moving forward in the hiring process, employers need to know if your expectations align with what they’re able (or willing) to pay.
They want to gauge your flexibility
Sometimes, this question is used to assess how open you are to negotiation. Companies appreciate candidates who know their worth but are also willing to discuss compensation beyond just salary, such as benefits, bonuses, and perks.
How to prepare for this interview question
A strong answer requires a bit of groundwork. Here’s how to prepare before your interview:
Research the current market and salary trends
Before your interview, research salary benchmarks using Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary Insights, and industry reports. Speaking with recruiters can also provide insight. At Digital Waffle, we offer up-to-date salary guides to help candidates understand their market value. You can access our 2025 UK salary guides here.
Provide a salary range
Rather than giving a fixed number, offer a salary range based on your research. Ensure the lower end is still a salary you would be happy to accept. This approach allows room for negotiation while demonstrating flexibility.
Example:
“Based on my experience and market research, I’m looking for a salary between £45,000 and £50,000, but I’m open to discussing the full compensation package.”
Flip the question
If unsure, ask the employer about their salary range for the role. This keeps the conversation open without underselling yourself.
Example:
“I’d love to understand the salary range your company has in mind before sharing my expectations.”
Be prepared to negotiate a salary
If an offer is made, highlight your skills and contributions to justify your salary request. Confidence backed by market data strengthens your position.
Example:
“Considering my expertise in digital marketing and my track record of increasing online engagement by 40%, I believe a salary in the range of £50,000 to £55,000 is appropriate.”
Read more: How to negotiate salary after you get a job offer
How to answer “What are your salary expectations?”
Here are some tried-and-tested ways to answer, depending on your situation:
Example 1: Direct but flexible response
"Based on my experience and industry standards, I’d expect a salary in the range of £40,000 to £45,000. However, I’m open to discussing this further based on the full compensation package."
Example 2: Deferring to the employer
"I’m open to discussing salary and would love to understand what you’ve budgeted for the role."
Example 3: Emphasising skills and value before stating a number
"Given my track record in project management and my ability to drive results, I believe a salary in the £50,000 to £55,000 range would reflect the value I bring to the team."
Example 4: Providing a researched salary range
"From my research and industry benchmarking, I’d expect a salary between £35,000 and £40,000 for a role of this level."
Example 5: Negotiating based on total compensation package
"While I’d ideally be looking for a salary in the £45,000 to £50,000 range, I’m also interested in discussing other aspects of the compensation package, such as development opportunities and additional benefits."
Tips when negotiating salary
Negotiating salary can be intimidating, but it’s an essential part of securing the compensation you deserve. Being prepared, confident, and strategic in your approach will help you navigate these discussions successfully.
Know your bottom line
Before entering salary negotiations, establish your minimum acceptable salary. Consider factors such as your living expenses, market value, and career growth potential. If an offer falls below your bottom line, be prepared to walk away.
Understanding your worth and the industry standards will help you remain firm while also demonstrating that your expectations are reasonable. Employers respect candidates who can justify their salary expectations with clear, well-researched reasoning.
Be confident, but reasonable
Confidence is key in salary discussions. Clearly and professionally state your expectations while remaining open to negotiation. Check out our ultimate job interview guide for more tips on handling tough interview questions.
Strike a balance between asserting your worth and acknowledging the company’s budget. Show enthusiasm for the role and highlight how your skills and experience justify the compensation you’re requesting.
Consider the full compensation package (benefits, perks, bonuses)
Salary isn’t the only component of a job offer. Consider additional benefits such as bonuses, stock options, flexible working arrangements, pension contributions, and professional development opportunities. Learn about top transferable skills that employers look for to strengthen your value in salary negotiations.
Sometimes, a slightly lower salary can be offset by excellent perks and benefits. If an employer cannot meet your desired salary, you can negotiate additional perks to create a more attractive overall compensation package.
Be willing to walk away if necessary
If an employer’s final offer doesn’t align with your expectations or needs, be prepared to walk away. While this can be difficult, accepting an offer below your value can lead to dissatisfaction and financial strain in the long run.
By knowing your worth and remaining open to other opportunities, you put yourself in a stronger position to secure a role that meets both your professional and financial goals.
Get everything in writing
Once you’ve successfully negotiated a salary and benefits package, ensure that everything is documented in writing. This should include your agreed-upon salary, bonuses, benefits, and any additional perks discussed.
A formal contract protects both you and the employer from potential misunderstandings. If anything is unclear, ask for clarification before signing the agreement.
FAQs about salary expectations
Why do employers ask about salary expectations?
Employers ask this question to determine if they can afford you, assess your understanding of market rates, and gauge your flexibility in negotiations.
How do I figure out my salary expectations?
Research industry salary benchmarks using resources such as salary guides, job boards, and recruiter insights. Factor in your experience, skills, and location to determine a fair salary range.
Should I give a salary range or a specific number?
Providing a range is often the best approach, as it demonstrates flexibility while still setting clear expectations.
What if my salary expectations are too high?
If your expectations are higher than the employer’s budget, be prepared to negotiate. Highlight your skills and the value you bring to the role, or consider other benefits as part of the compensation package.
How do I negotiate a better salary without losing the offer?
Express enthusiasm for the role while confidently presenting your desired salary, supported by industry research. Be open to discussions about the full benefits package.
Can I change my salary expectations after an interview?
Yes, if new information about the role or compensation structure comes to light, you can adjust your expectations accordingly. However, ensure that your changes remain realistic and justified.
Discussing salary expectations can feel daunting, but with the right preparation, you can approach it with confidence. Understanding your worth, researching industry standards, and staying flexible will help you navigate these conversations effectively.
For more insights into salary trends and market rates, check out our latest salary guides here to ensure you're making informed decisions in your job search.
