Career & RecruiterMid#53 of 60
Salary Expectations
LEARN BY DOINGPut your intuition to work3 steps
Salary Expectations
Use the lesson’s examples and explanation to check your idea.
Personal reflection. Nothing is sent to an AI service.The Question
“What are your salary expectations for this role?”
STAR Answer Builder
0/4Practice your answer by writing each part of the STAR framework. At least 20 characters counts as complete.
Context
Salary negotiation starts here. Answering too early with a number can anchor low; refusing entirely signals inexperience.
Why Interviewers Ask This
Recruiters screen whether you're in the band. Savvy answers keep room for negotiation after you've demonstrated value.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Blurting a specific number early
- Giving a huge range that signals no research
- Sharing your current salary unprompted
- Saying 'whatever you offer is fine'
Answer Framework (STAR)
Anchor on researched market range, confirm it aligns with the role's level, and redirect to total compensation when asked for a single number prematurely.
Sample Answer
Answer hidden. Try responding in the STAR builder first, then reveal to compare.
Key Points
- Anchor with a researched range, not a point
- Reframe total compensation, not just base
- Turn the question back when possible
- Signal you know the market
- Don't share current salary unprompted
Follow-up Questions
- What's your current base salary?
- What if our maximum is below your range?
- Is this offer negotiable on equity or just base?
How well did you remember this?