Answer Difficult Interview Questions about Salary

How do you respond when the interviewer asks you difficult interview questions about your job salary requirements? In a large number of job interviews the subject of salary is brought up and it is tricky trying to forumulate the right response.

Answering employer interview questions about remuneration are more straightforward for candidates with a career salary history than for a candidate who has not previously had a permanent job. We can look at each situation separately and provide salary advice for each.

For candidates who have previously earned a salary these are the guidelines when responding to the job interview question:

"What salary are you looking for?"

If this is asked early on in the interview process you could suggest that there is time to discuss it later in the interview process but that right now you are interested in learning more about the position and job responsibilities. Additionally, more information about the job tasks and responsibilities is necessary before being able to properly answer salary questions.

If the interviewer presses you on the salary question you can ask if there has been an amount budgeted for this position or ask if there is a salary grade attached to the job and see if it fits your requirements.

When there is no indication of salary and the interviewer continues to probe, you will have to respond with a number. If you don't, you may create the impression that it is unimportant what you get paid and any offer is acceptable.

When responding to difficult interview questions about what salary you are looking for, rather than confining yourself to a specific figure, state a range:

"The range for this sort of position is between $X and $Y."

To determine the range consider what salary you want, your most recent salary and the market-related salary for the job. Don't undervalue yourself but continue to emphasize that the position is the most important factor. Money should not be perceived as the most important thing to you.

"I am currently earning $..., I would obviously like to better that figure but my main interest is the actual position."

You have the right to decline the request but this is likely to be perceived negatively in the job interview.

For candidates with no real salary history these are the guidelines to use when giving job interview answers to the question "What do you feel this position should pay?"

You could suggest a range to the employer but your suggested range needs to be based on good research to make sure it is current and industry-related. Do your homework before the interview and make some notes.

Good Resources for Conducting Salary Research

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) collates and publishes comprehensive information on new graduate salaries based on regular surveys. You can go to the NACE website to view how to access this information.

salaryexpert.com is another useful research site but be specific about the area you are searching for, the cost of living differs greatly between areas and is a critical factor in determining average salaries. This data helps you to confirm that your salary requirements and what you are being offered are in line with the industry averages in the particular geographical area.

Back up your salary suggestion with details of how you got that figure, for example:

"I have reached this figure through some extensive research, I have used the NACE stats and information from recent salary surveys in this area."

Backing up your job interview answers with concrete data makes them both reliable and valid. Preparing yourself for the salary question by doing your research and thinking about what your financial requirements are enables you to deal professionally with this difficult question.

Good Answers to Interview Questions

Prepare for Standard Interview Questions that explore your ability to handle conflict and difficult situations.

Be prepared for those unexpected Strange Interview Questions that can throw you in your job interview.

Behavioral interview questions are frequently asked in job interviews. These can be difficult interview questions to answer if you are not properly prepared. Go the Behavioral Interview Question and Answer Guide for help with tricky interview questions.

Other difficult interview questions you may face in your job interview include explaining lay offs, being fired and gaps in employment. Click on the table for help in preparing your interview answers to these questions.

View these Top 10 Interview Questions to be well prepared for any questions you may have to face in your job interview.

Use these Tips for Interview Success to learn how to reduce anxiety and stress in the job interview situation.

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