TikTok
career

Careers advisor shares perfect answer to 'salary expectation' question

Careers advisor shares perfect answer to 'salary expectation' question

Careers advisor shares perfect answer to 'salary expectation' question

TikTok/erinmcgoff

During job interviews, the topic of salary expectations always comes up and is often a question many of us are not sure how to answer.

Now career expert, Erin McGoff (@erinmcgoff) has shared her knowledge on how best to navigate this when asked so that you get

In the caption, Erin explained why companies asked candidates this question in interviews - "Companies ask this to see how little you'll go for or if you're out of their price range," she wrote.

While for many, the instinct may be to be passive and say they "don't know" or "don't mind" when it comes to the job salary in order to secure the position but Erin noted how you could be at risk of the company paying you less.

"If you say too low of a number, you risk them lowballing you, and if you say too high a number, you can risk them writing you off as too expensive," she added.

@erinmcgoff

ah, the classic “what are your salary expectations?” aka “how much are you looking to make….????” 👀 Companies ask this to see how little you’ll go for or if you’re out of their price range. 👏 What they SHOULD do is list the salary range upfront so you can see whether or not their budget aligns with your expectations. 😈 But then asking you first allows them to have more negotiation power. Avoid: ❌ saying one number ❌ telling them what you currently make ❌ saying you “hope” or “wish” for ❌ being unprepared ❌ saying you’ll take whatever Best practices: ✅ avoid putting out a number first ✅ ask for their approved range or “salary band” ✅ say you’re flexible Keep it open, polite & professional 😉 you got this! 👏 #careeradvice #moneytok #salary #salarynegotiation

Instead of trying to be a people pleaser, according to Erin, the best response is: "Thank you so much for bringing that up. I would love to know the approved salary range for the position."

But what if the employer replies by informing you that there isn't a "set range," or that it is dependent on you?

Well, Erin also provided what to reply with in case this scenario occurs - "Got it. Well, my salary range is flexible but I'd like to learn more about the specifics of the role before giving out a solid number."

The TikToker also emphasised how vital having a salary range is instead of a specific figure and has a further suggestion to inform whoever is interviewing you -"I'm flexible on salary depending on other elements of the compensation package."

Erin further provided some do's and don'ts in the video caption

Here are the things to avoid:

  • Saying one number
  • Telling them what you currently make
  • Saying you 'hope' or 'wish' for
  • Being unprepared
  • Saying you'll take whatever

Here are the best things to do.

  • Avoid putting out a number first
  • Ask for their approved range or 'salary band'
  • Say you're flexible

Her final pearls of career wisdom were to "Keep it open, polite & professional."

How to join the indy100's free WhatsApp channel

Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter

Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

employmentworkinterviewsalarycareer
The Conversation (0)