What is your current salary and what are your salary expectations?

When responding to questions about your current salary and salary expectations, it is essential to strike a balance between transparency and negotiation leverage. Below, a guide on how to handle these questions:

1. Current Salary: When asked about your current salary, you have a few options:

• Be Transparent: You can provide your current salary if you are comfortable sharing it. However, it is important to consider whether your current compensation accurately reflects your skills and the market rate for your role.
• Example: “My current salary is $xx,000 per year. However, I believe my skills and experience have grown since then and are better aligned with the expectations of this role.”

• Provide a range (if comfortable): If you are hesitant to give an exact number but want to be somewhat transparent, you can offer a salary range. This can help manage expectations without locking you into your current figure.
  Example: “My current base salary is in the range of $X to $Y per year, and I am looking for a role that reflects my increased experience and the market value for this position.”

• Deflect/Delay the discussion politely: If you are early in the interview process, you might try to defer the salary conversation until later stages. Politely mention that you prefer to focus on the value you bring to the new position.
  Example 1: “While I appreciate the question, I would like to discuss how my skills and experience align with the role before discussing specific compensation.”
• Example 2: “I am very interested in learning more about the role and the team. I am confident we can have a productive discussion about compensation once I have a better understanding of the full scope of responsibilities.”

2. Salary Expectations: When asked about your salary expectations, follow these steps:

• Research Market Rates: Prior to the interview, research the industry standard for the role and location. Websites like Glassdoor, Payscale, and industry reports can help you get a reasonable range.
• Example: “Based on my research and the industry standard for similar roles in this location, I have seen a range of $xx,000 to $yy,000”
• Provide a Range: Offer a salary range rather than a specific number. This gives you room for negotiation while still giving the interviewer an idea of your expectations.
• Example: “ I am for a salary in the range of $xx,000 to $yy,000, but I am open to discussing this further based on the responsibilities of the role and the overall compensation package.“
• Emphasise Flexibility: Express your flexibility and willingness to consider a competitive offer.
  Example 1: “I am open to discussing a competitive compensation package based on the responsibilities and value of the role.”
• Example 2: “I am excited about the opportunity and I am open to considering a competitive offer that reflects the value I can bring to the team.”
• Consider Total Compensation: Remember that salary is just one component of the compensation package. Benefits, pension schema, bonuses, equity, and other perks should also be factored into your discussions.
• Example: “While my primary focus is on the base salary, I also understand the importance of benefits and other perks in the overall compensation package.”
• Base it on Value: Highlight how your skills, experience, and achievements align with the role’s requirements and how you can contribute to the company’s success. This can justify your salary expectations.
• Example: “Considering my experience in project management and proven track record of delivering successful outcomes, I believe a salary in the range of $xx,000 to $yy,000 would be reflective of the value I can provide.”
• Delay Specifics: If possible, avoid discussing exact numbers until you have learned more about the role and the company’s expectations.
  Example 1: “I would like to learn more about the role’s responsibilities before discussing specific salary figures.”
• Example 2: “I would love to learn more about the role and its responsibilities before discussing specific salary figures. Can we explore that aspect further?”

Remember, these conversations are a part of the negotiation process. The key is to remain professional, confident, and open to a collaborative discussion to reach a compensation package that both parties are comfortable with.

Know your rights

Legality in your location: be aware that in some jurisdictions, it is illegal for employers to ask about your salary history. If you are in such a location, you can politely decline to answer.

Example: “I would prefer to focus on discussing my salary expectations for this role based on its responsibilities and market value, rather than my salary history.”