Answering The Salary Question In An Interview

Although we know that the topic of salary could make or break your chances, it has to be done. However if the question does come up, the best option is to be as open as possible. Also do some research on the market rate for your skills and the level you’re interviewing for. They need to know where your expectations are, so not to waste your time with lower paid jobs in the future.
If the employer in the interview asks you this and you really don’t want to answer it just yet, then here are a few ways you can deflect the questions. Such as:
“I’m quite open and slightly flexible on salary as the opportunity to add value and to be valued is important to me. I’d appreciate knowing how you value this position and what your budget is for this role?”
Or just pose it back at them, like this:
“I’d rather not commit to that quite yet. I’m really open to your thoughts on this as I’m sure you will be consistent with the market?”
Then pause. Just stop talking. By silencing yourself quite abruptly, you are forcing the other person to talk and it shows you are in control.

Here are some examples of how to do it and how not to do it:

1. Q: “What are Your Salary Expectations?”

a – “I was making R60,000 at my last job, plus bonuses. I would be expecting at least that and a 15-20% increase.: – This is not a good answer

b – “I’m sure whatever you offer will be a fair amount for a person with my qualifications. Salary is not the most important factor to me. I’m looking for opportunity.” – This is a somewhat weak answer

c – “I really need more information about the job before we start to discuss salary. I’d like to postpone that discussion until later. Maybe you could tell me what is budgeted for the position, and how your commission structure works.” – This is the best answer

2. Q: “What Do You Expect in the Way of Salary?”

a – “Before I answer that question I’d like to ask what you typically pay someone with my experience and education in this type of position?” – Good Answer

b – I’m sure when the time comes and I know more about the facts of the position and how it fits into the bigger picture, we can come to a mutually agreeable figure.” Good answer

c – “I really need more information about the position before I can begin to discuss salary. Can you tell me the range budgeted for this position?” – Good answer

3. Q: “What Salary Range Would You Require to Take This Job?”

a – “From the research that I have done it appears to be in the R60–70,000 range. Is that the range you had in mind?” – This is a good answer if they insist on a figure from you

b – “Based on my previous experience and education and the ‘going rate’ for this type of position, I would like to be in the mid to high 70s. Is that a range that fit with your compensation structure?” – Good answer if pushed for a figure – give an acceptable range

c – “I would need to know more about your salary structure and how often you review salaries as well as your entire package before I could discuss salary ranges. Could you provide me with more information before we discuss this subject?” -Good answer to push back the discussion to them

4. Q: “What Salary Are You/Were You Making at Your Last Job?”

a – “It would be very difficult for me to compare my last salary with this position for various reasons – primarily because I don’t have enough information about your whole package. I’m sure we can discuss this subject and your entire package before an offer is made.” – Good answer

b – “That would be like comparing two jobs that are entirely different in responsibilities and in the base and bonus structure. I would be more interested in hearing what the package you offer is, before I compare the two jobs.” I hope we can postpone this subject until we both have more information to discuss salary and benefit comparisons.” – Good answer

c – “I had an unusual situation at my last job where I took less salary to own a share of the company. I also had a bonus structure that I was receiving. I would have to look at the entire package that you offer before comparing the two jobs or salaries.” – Good answer

5. Q: “Would You Consider Taking Less Pay Than You Made in Your Last Job?”

a – “I would really need to know more about the opportunity and your whole package before I can give you and answer to that question. You may offer extra perks that my last job may not have had – or vice versa. Basically, I need more information before I decide.” – Good answer

b – “While my highest career value is not money, it is important to me that I be fairly compensated for the work I do. I would be willing to listen to a fair offer based on what I bring to the position in the way of experience and education.” – Good answer

c – “Opportunity is valuable to me. I am always willing to look at the bigger picture. I would want to be paid according to what I bring to the position, but would be willing to be somewhat flexible.” – Good answer

Mbali Radebe