Why do employers ask about salary expectations?

Why do interviewers want to know your salary expectations? Employers may ask this question to get a sense of whether or not they can afford your help. They might also ask you this to see how much you value yourself and your work.

Is it OK to not answer salary expectations?

Delay answering

This can give you extra leverage when negotiating. Plus, you're still learning about the scope of the position and company benefits. These things factor into your salary expectations. It's normal to want to delay your answer until you have a more fulsome view of what's in the offer.

When Employers ask for salary expectations?

Consider giving a salary range, not a number

If a job post asks applicants to state their expected salary when applying for the position, then give a range — not a specific figure — you're comfortable with. Answers like “Negotiable” might work, but they can also make you look evasive.

What should I answer for salary expectations?

In that case, you might consider giving a range. To go this route, you'll want to do your salary research before your interview so you have a realistic idea of the typical salary range for the role and can provide an informed response. In some places, employers are required to include a salary range on the job posting.

Should I reveal my expected salary?

The salary expectation question is important because it tells the employer what you think your worth is. As a good candidate, you should know the average salary for your role and experience level in the market and you should be able to communicate it confidently.

What are your Salary Expectations? | Best Answer (from former CEO)

Do I have to answer desired salary?

On a Job Application

Not all applications will ask for your desired salary, so if they don't ask, there's no need to give one. And if they do ask, keep things simple by saying something like “salary is negotiable” or “salary may be discussed during the interview process.”

Can you lose your job for talking about salary?

When you and another employee have a conversation or communication about your pay, it is unlawful for your employer to punish or retaliate against you in any way for having that conversation.

What should you not say when negotiating salary?

Should I accept the first salary offer?

It really depends. Some people feel you should take the first offer if you're happy with it. Never negotiate just for the sake of negotiating. Other people disagree with that position and believe anytime you're given the chance to negotiate, you should.

Do employers like when you negotiate salary?

In fact, a study by Salary.com found 84% of employers expect job applicants to negotiate salary during the interview stage. If you're not convinced yet, know this: The hiring manager's on edge too when it comes to negotiating salary.

What to do if salary offer is too low?

If the salary is too low, focus on that aspect in a counteroffer. If you know the firm will not negotiate on salary, then focus on modifying a few of the other terms of the offer (such as additional vacation time, earlier performance reviews, signing bonus, relocation expenses).

Why do employers not want you to talk about salary?

“Employers hate it when employees discuss salaries because it exposes discrimination and other unfair pay practices,” she says. “If your employer has a written policy or contract prohibiting salary discussions, you can report them to the National Labor Relations Board.”

Why do employers tell you not to discuss salary?

To prevent discrimination, inequity, and disputes over pay, it helps for employers to have a system of checks and balances when it comes to salary. Rather than punish employees for discussing wages, employers should strive to have well-written compensation policies that inform all employees how they decide salary.

Should you tell coworkers your salary?

"Never a good idea"

"There is no upside." One concern is that such informal conversations can result in people knowing less, not more, about a company's presiding wage scales. "Your colleague could be lying to you and gaming you to see what you're making," he said. "They might not show all their cards.

Is it OK to leave desired salary blank?

When answering desired salary or expected salary questions on an application, the best approach is to write in “negotiable” or keep the field blank. If a numerical response is required, enter “000” and in a notes section, mention that salary is negotiable based on further understanding of the position.

What if my desired salary is too high?

If you quote a desired salary that's too high, you could risk losing the job opportunity. It's important to have a smart strategy for approaching the matter of your desired salary so you can quote a number that's likely to get you fair compensation for the job.

How do you avoid answering salary questions?

Reassure Your Interviewer

Another way not to discuss salary during an interview is by reassuring your interviewer that you're keenly interested in the job and are willing to negotiate. You can also tell your interviewer that you're open to considering the entire compensation package.

Can I be fired for sharing my salary?

But more often, pay secrecy policies are used to hide wage gaps. Because of this, California has passed laws that provide employees with the right to discuss their wages. Your employer cannot prohibit you from sharing how much you make or asking other employees how much they make.

Will negotiating salary backfire?

Negotiating a salary is a crucial part of accepting a new position, but botching this step can cost a candidate the job. And even if the fallout isn't quite as severe, the outcome of salary negotiations can damage the employee's ability to succeed at work.

Should you accept low salary offer?

It offers valuable career opportunity.

If accepting a low-paying job means getting your foot in the door, paving the way for further, better opportunities in the field – then it may be smart to take it.

When should you accept a job with a lower salary?

You just need work

If you're out of work and you need money to pay the bills, it's better to take a lower-paying job than to have no job at all. “There are fewer jobs out there and you may not only have to take less money, you may end up having to take less job,” Courtney says.

Is it OK to counter offer a salary?

If an employer offers you a lower starting salary than you hoped to receive, you can make a counteroffer. Always negotiate a counteroffer based on salary research, not your financial situation or gut feeling about fair pay. Don't forget about non-salary benefits and perks when figuring out your compensation.

Can a company take back an offer if you negotiate?

In short, yes, this situation can occur. However, typically it is rare. When candidates have a challenging list of changes to the initial offer, hiring managers may rethink their decision. We recommend doing proper research on how to negotiate salary in an interview to avoid any second thoughts.

What is the #1 rule of salary negotiation?

Rule #1 of salary negotiation is this: Do not disclose your salary history or salary requirements. This can be uncomfortable, but it's your first opportunity to negotiate a much higher salary.

What is the 80/20 rule in negotiation?

Most people succeed or fail in a negotiation based on how well-prepared they are (or are not!). We adhere to the 80/20 rule – 80% of negotiation is preparation and 20% is the actual negotiation with the other party.