The Dreaded Interview Question: What is your salary requirement?

Let's face it. Most people want to start out with as high a salary as possible, but on the flip side, it's important to tread carefully, because a person doesn't want to quote a salary too high so that he/she is out of the running for a job.

That's why it's so important to try to find out the salary range before your interview. Two sites that I really like are Glassdoor.com and one through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic and Development: https://apps.deed.state.mn.us/lmi/oes/. If you are from Minnesota, the site through the Department of Employment and Economic Development is great, because it breaks down salary ranges geographically. 

When asked the salary question during your interview, there are several strategies you can use. Your goal is to allow the prospective employer to volunteer the figure first; however, this can be difficult, because with our recovering economy, it is still an employer's market. Despite this, here are a some suggestions on ways to to respond:

Early in the Interview:

• I would rather discuss salary after I know more about the position and the responsibilities.
• It's negotiable after I learn more about the position, the responsibilities, and the compensation package.

Later in the Interview:

• It's negotiable and would vary depending upon the benefit package.
• That's a good question. What salary range are you offering?

If the interviewer is persistent, then it's important to give a range for your salary. Giving a range will not box you into a salary and leaves room for negotiation at both ends. Here is a suggestion on how to respond:

"Based upon my experience and what I can bring to this company, I am considering a salary between $45,000 and $50,000; however, that range may vary depending upon the benefit package offered."

Preparation is the key when interviewing, and researching the salary range, is just one of many ways to prepare for an interview. 

About the author: As a certified interview coach, Connie Hauer coaches clients on interview preparation, provides strategies on how to stand out from the competition, and helps clients polish their interviewing skills so they feel more confident. (Learn More)