Salary expectations can be one of the most uncomfortable parts of a job application or interview. Ask for too little and you may undervalue your experience. Ask for too much without understanding the market and you may worry about limiting your opportunities.
The question can appear earlier in the hiring process than many candidates expect. Some applications request desired compensation before you have even spoken with a recruiter or learned the complete details of the role.
Preparing for the salary question can help you respond with more confidence and keep the conversation focused on the value of the opportunity, your qualifications and the complete compensation package.
Your previous salary does not define what your next role should pay. Focus on market conditions, the responsibilities of the position and the value of your current experience.
Encountering the salary question
You may find a position that appears to match your experience perfectly, complete most of the application, and then reach a field asking for your desired salary.
This can be difficult because most professionals hope to improve their compensation as their careers progress. Basing your answer only on a previous salary can ignore changes in your experience, responsibilities, market conditions and the demands of the new role.
Online screening systems can make the question feel even more complicated because candidates may worry that an unrealistic number could affect whether the application moves forward.
Know the difference between salary history and salary expectations
Laws regarding salary history vary by location, so candidates and employers should confirm the rules that apply where the position is located.
Pay history inquiries are prohibited
Minnesota employers generally cannot ask about or use an applicant's current or previous pay history when determining compensation.
Employers can discuss what you expect
Asking what salary, benefits or compensation you expect from a new position is different from asking what you previously earned.
When discussing a new role, keep the conversation centered on the new position, the market and your qualifications rather than automatically anchoring the discussion to your past compensation.
How to answer salary questions on an online application
When the salary field appears before you have spoken with anyone at the company, you may have several options depending on how the application is structured.
When the salary question comes up in an interview
The question, “What is your desired salary?” is common enough that it deserves the same preparation as other interview questions.
Do your salary research
Research comparable roles at the company, within the industry and in the geographic market where the position is located.
Consider the qualifications you bring to the position rather than relying only on a generic average.
Job Title
Experience
Education
Location
Ask about the complete compensation package
Base salary is important, but it is not always the only factor affecting the value of an offer.
Before deciding what compensation would make sense, learn about benefits, flexibility, paid time off, bonuses and other elements of the package.
Benefits & Retirement
Health coverage, retirement contributions and other benefits can meaningfully affect total compensation.
Flexibility & PTO
Remote work, flexible schedules and time away from work can influence how attractive a role is overall.
Bonuses & Growth
Performance incentives, commissions, annual raises or equity can change the long-term value of the opportunity.
Give a range you can actually accept
A salary range communicates flexibility and creates room for discussion.
Be careful with the bottom of the range. Employers may naturally focus on that figure, so it should still represent compensation you would realistically consider.
A range can also make it easier to discuss tradeoffs between salary and other forms of compensation.
Avoid these salary discussion mistakes
Turning expectations into a negotiation too early
When an interviewer asks for your desired salary, they may simply be determining whether your expectations align with the available range. A detailed negotiation usually makes more sense after an offer exists.
Anchoring everything to previous pay
Your previous salary may not reflect the market value of the new role or the experience you have developed since accepting your previous position.
Ignoring future compensation
Ask about bonuses, raises, commissions, retirement contributions and advancement. A lower initial salary may have stronger future upside, while a higher starting salary may come with fewer additional opportunities.
Leading with salary before the employer does
If compensation has not been raised during the early interview process, focus first on the role, qualifications and fit. A more detailed salary negotiation can take place once an offer is made.
Evaluate the complete opportunity
Compensation matters, but it should be considered alongside the responsibilities, career potential, workplace culture, flexibility and benefits associated with the role.
For one candidate, remote work may have significant value. Another may prioritize retirement benefits, career development, guaranteed raises or the opportunity to earn bonuses and commissions.
Understanding your priorities before an interview makes it easier to decide which tradeoffs you are willing to make.
Get support from technical recruiters
Recruiters who regularly work with employers in your industry can provide useful context around opportunities, compensation expectations and the requirements of specific roles.
One Tech works with technical and engineering professionals through contract, contract-to-direct and other hiring arrangements and provides benefits to eligible One Tech employees.
Approach your next opportunity with better information
Connect with One Tech to discuss your experience, career goals and the compensation factors that matter when evaluating your next technical role.
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