A desired salary is a fancy term for the total compensation you want for a new job. This figure should be a number that’s both realistic and will allow you to maintain or improve your standard of living.
Putting a number that’s too low will likely put you on the shortlist, while a high salary can get you an interview and possibly even a job offer. But you can’t always get what you ask for, so it’s important to have a well-thought out plan before submitting your application or answering the salary question in an interview.
Thankfully, there are plenty of resources out there to help you. We’ve rounded up the best of the best to help you answer all your salary questions – and the ones that might come up in a future interview! By following these simple tips, you can stand out from the crowd and land your next dream job. With this guide, you’ll be ready to tackle all the major questions and make a memorable impression every time!
How Do I Tell My Desired Salary?
Answering the desired salary question is a common concern during job applications and interviews. Providing a salary in the right range can help you get a job that compensates you appropriately for your skills and experience.
Before you answer the desired salary question, research the average pay for your specific job title and location. It is also important to consider your cost of living and other financial goals you may have like saving for a house or paying off school debt.
In addition, you should create a budget that will help you understand how much money you need to bring in each month. This will include fixed costs like rent/mortgage, utilities and insurance as well as variable expenses like food, gas, groceries and entertainment.
Depending on the position, you may want to consider additional benefits like health insurance, paid time off or childcare stipends. These benefits can make a huge difference in your salary expectations, so consider them carefully.
Do I Have to Answer Desired Salary?
The desired salary question is a common part of job applications, and it can be a little tough to decide whether or not you have to answer it. Some jobs ask it early on in the process, while others might not even bring it up until a sit-down interview.
In either case, it’s important to know what you want before answering this question. Not only will it help you make an informed decision on what to put down, but it will also give you a leg up in the negotiation process once you receive an offer letter.
You don’t want to give a number that is too low or too high, as this can have negative effects on both you and the employer. Providing a single number can also indicate that you aren’t flexible and open to negotiations, which doesn’t bode well for your standing in the hiring process.
Fortunately, there are several ways to answer the desired salary question that will work best for you. The goal is to come across as confident and straightforward, while still laying out the facts to show that you did your research.
What is Your Desired Salary on Application?
Whether it’s in a job interview or in a note on an application, what you put as your desired salary can determine your success. Knowing how to answer this question correctly will help you get a salary that’s in the right range, which will compensate you appropriately for your skills and experience.
Your desired salary should be a realistic number that will allow you to maintain your current lifestyle. Take into account your fixed expenses, like rent or mortgage payments, and variable expenses, such as groceries, gas, and entertainment.
If you’re unsure what to put, check with your employer, your local HR department, or online resources for salary information. You can also use a salary calculator to find an accurate range for the position you’re applying for.
While the sooner you talk about your desired salary, the more leverage you have in negotiating, it’s generally best to wait for at least the interview phase. If you provide an exact number, it’s easy for employers to box you in too soon and stymie your negotiation efforts.
What is Your Expected Salary Best Answer?
Recruiters and hiring managers have a few etiquette rules to keep in mind when it comes to job interviews, including not asking a candidate about their income or salary before making them an offer. The best time to mention your financial needs and wants is after a job offer has been made to you, giving you a great opportunity to negotiate on your behalf.
Despite the fact that no one enjoys discussing money, most people are more than happy to talk about perks and benefits like company-provided health insurance, 401(k) plans or even a company car. A well-rounded employee can make a significant difference in any organization’s bottom line, so a thoughtfully drafted salary negotiation is always in the best interest of both parties.
When it comes to your expected salary or hefty stipend, a little research and planning will help you land the sexiest gig out there on the open market. Check out our guide to the best and most affordable jobs for millennials or learn more about how to get a promotion at your current employer.
How Do You Answer the Expected Salary Question?
When you’re applying for a job, the expected salary question is one of the most nerve-racking and confusing questions you may ever face. The answer to this question can make or break your chances of getting hired, so it’s important to know how to respond correctly!
The best way to answer this question is to provide a range of salaries. Doing so lets the employer know that you’re open to negotiation and can adapt your salary expectations if necessary.
However, it’s important to note that you don’t want to give an exact number. Giving a specific salary expectation creates a salary negotiation anchor and limits your earnings.
You should also be careful not to set a salary range that’s too high or too low. If you aim too high, the employer might offer a lower salary than what you asked for, which could leave you feeling underpaid or frustrated.
You should also be aware of a sneaky way employers ask this question. It’s often used at the beginning of the interview process.
Why Do Applications Ask For Desired Salary?
Often, applications will include a field that asks you to put your desired salary. This field is critical because it can help employers weed out applicants that don’t fit their budget or aren’t a good match.
Your desired salary is the total compensation you’d like to receive if you land the job. You can use a variety of tools to determine your salary range, including industry standards, online research, and cost of living in the location you’re applying.
Some companies offer a range of benefits that can also affect your desired salary. Things like health insurance, paid time off, stock options, 401(k) matching, and childcare stipends can all play a role in your total compensation package.
When it comes to answering the desired salary question, it’s better to state a range than a single number. This way, you’re less likely to rule yourself out and more likely to give the employer room for negotiation.
What to Say When HR Asks About Current Salary?
The answer to this question can be tricky, and a lot depends on your own circumstances. If you’re a job seeker who values honesty, you may feel tempted to share your salary, but this is not always the best idea.
In some places, asking about your current salary is illegal. For example, in 2017, New York City banned employers from asking about a candidate’s salary history during interviews.
As a result, it’s important to know how to respond to this question.
For example, if you’re a PhD student or postdoctoral researcher, it’s perfectly acceptable to decline the offer and explain that you receive a stipend or scholarship, which is different from a salary.
In these cases, the interviewer should understand that they can’t ask you for your salary because it is private information. However, if they keep pressing you to give them your salary, it might be time to think about whether or not the company is a good fit for you.
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