Here's how you should handle the conversation when an interviewer asks about your salary expectations:

1. Start By Shifting The Conversation Away From Dollars

𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿: “What are your salary expectations?”

𝗬𝗼𝘂: “My expectations are flexible and I’m happy to discuss, but my top priority is making sure this is the right fit for both of us.”

2. If The Recruiter Won’t Move Forward Without A Number, Ask For Their Budget

𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿: “I completely understand that you want to find a good fit – so do we! However, we can’t move forward without a figure.”

𝗬𝗼𝘂: “That’s fair, would you be open to sharing the range you have budgeted for this role? That way we can make sure we’re aligned.”

Recruiters are typically given a budget for each role.

It’s expensive for them to go through the entire process only to find out that salary wasn’t a match.

Use that to your advantage!

If they won’t share their range, you’re stuck giving a number.

This is where your research comes in.

3. Share A Number That's The “Largest” Reasonable Jump You Can Make Based On Market Data

Before this conversation, you need to do your research. Here are 7 ways to research salary data to help with that.

Use this data to identify your target range.

This should be the largest “reasonable” jump you can make.

Aim for the 70% mark in the role's range, +/- 5%.

For example:

Role Range: $50k – $100k
70% = $85k
Your Range: ~$83k – $88k

Then you can say:

“I'm currently being considered for roles in the range of X – Y, but I'm flexible if the fit is great as that's my #1 priority.”

This allows you to share the range you're targeting in the guise of how the market views your skills!