What to Do When Recruiters Ask for Salary Expectations on the Application

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You’ve found the perfect job. The application looks straightforward. Then you see it: "What are your salary expectations?"

This question can feel like a trap. State a figure too high, and you might be immediately screened out. State one too low, and you could leave money on the table later. So, how do you answer it without jeopardizing your application?

In this article, you will learn:

  • Why recruiters ask about salary expectations
  • Strategies for answering the question directly
  • When and how to provide a salary range
  • How to defer the conversation strategically

1. Why Do Recruiters Ask About Salary Expectations?

It’s not (always) to lowball you. Recruiters ask this question for several valid reasons:

  • Budget Alignment: To ensure your expectations align with the company's budget for the role.
  • Serious Intent: To gauge your understanding of the role's market value and your seriousness.
  • Efficiency: To quickly filter out candidates whose expectations are significantly out of range, saving time for both parties.

Understanding their motivation helps you craft a more strategic answer.

2. Strategy 1: Provide a Well-Researched Range

This is often the safest and most effective approach, especially if a specific number is required.

How to do it:

  1. Research Thoroughly: Use websites like Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salaries, PayScale, and local job boards to find salary benchmarks for similar roles in your industry and location.
  2. Determine Your Personal Minimum: Know the absolute lowest salary you would accept.
  3. Create a Range: Provide a range with your desired salary at the higher end, typically a 10-20% spread (e.g., "$60,000 - $70,000").
  4. Add a Qualifier: Mention that your expectations are "flexible based on the overall compensation package, including benefits and bonuses."

Example Answer: "My salary expectations are in the range of $60,000 - $70,000, though this is flexible depending on the full compensation package, including benefits and opportunities for growth."

3. Strategy 2: Defer the Conversation (When Possible)

If the application allows for a text box rather than a mandatory numerical field, you might be able to defer.

How to do it:

  1. State Your Focus: Emphasize your interest in the role and the company first.
  2. Express Flexibility: Indicate that you are open to discussion once you understand the full scope.
  3. Focus on Value: Frame it around mutual fit and the value you can bring.

Example Answer: "My primary focus is finding a role where I can make a significant contribution and grow within the company. I am open to discussing compensation further as we learn more about the responsibilities and the overall benefits package for this position."

This approach works best when you're confident in your candidacy and want to gather more information before committing to a number.

4. Strategy 3: Mirror the Company's Stated Range

If the job posting explicitly states a salary range, use it to your advantage.

How to do it:

  1. Acknowledge Their Range: Refer directly to the range they've provided.
  2. Confirm Alignment: State that your expectations align with or fall within that range.
  3. Express Eagerness: Reiterate your interest in the role.

Example Answer: "My salary expectations are in line with the range of $X - $Y advertised for this position, and I am very excited about this opportunity."

5. What NOT to Do

  • Leave it Blank (if mandatory): This often results in your application being discarded by the ATS.
  • State "Negotiable" (without context): This can come across as evasive or unprepared.
  • Give a Single, Rigid Number too Early: This limits your negotiation power later.
  • Overstate wildly or Understate significantly: This suggests a lack of research or confidence.

✅ Summary: Key Takeaways for Salary Expectations

  1. Research: Always know the market value for the role and your personal minimum.
  2. Range: Provide a flexible range (10-20% spread) if a specific number is needed.
  3. Defer: If possible, defer with a polite statement focusing on the role and full package.
  4. Mirror: Use the company's stated range if available.

Conclusion

The salary expectations question is a crucial moment in your job application process. Approaching it with research, confidence, and strategic thinking can significantly improve your chances of moving forward—and ultimately, securing a fair offer.

By carefully considering your answer, you demonstrate professionalism and a clear understanding of your value. While Resumelio.com helps you craft the perfect CV, mastering your application strategy, including salary expectations, is key to landing your next role.

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