Is there any way to get out of answering this interview question?

Question

When THEY ask you what sort of salary you want...and they don't give you any clue as to what THEY have in mind. What is the best way to answer that? Especially when you're moving to an area with a much higher cost of living than where you currently live?

Answer 1

No easy answer. Try reading the suggestions at:

http://www.csun.edu/career/job_search_skills/salary_info.htm

"Most experts advise that when an employer asks you for your salary requirements in an ad or on a job application, you should indicate that salary is “negotiable.” Or, if you're asked to provide current salary, to respond with, "Will discuss during interview." In the highly competitive employment market of today, this can be a risky strategy. By failing to provide information requested by the employer to aid in their screening process, you may be automatically disqualified from further consideration at the beginning of the hiring process. On the other hand, if you do provide a salary range, you may be too high or too low to satisfy the employer, and you will be rejected. There really is no good answer to this dilemma.

Since most companies have a salary structure for their organization with a range in mind for a specific job, you should consider communicating a well-researched salary range that would be the basis of salary and benefit negotiation. This strategy may enhance your chances of obtaining the interview and moving forward in the hiring process."

Answer 2

My best advice, from personal experience, is to go online and research salary stats in the area to which you are moving. Monster.com has one, also salary.com. Then you will know what a reasonable salary is to ask during an interview. Chances are the interviewer already knows what a good salary range is for the position you are applying and the area. So by doing your research, you can have the upperhand. Ask for something a little higher than what you actually want, as most often the employer will go a couple dollars lower than what you ask for. That way, you will get exactly the amount you wanted!

Answer 3

If I was asked that question I would say "As long as it's appropriate for the area I am going to move to, which does have a much higher cost of living. But let's go ahead and negotiate that salary just in case there is something we can work out."

Answer 4

Using salary tools, such as www.salary.com, will give you an idea of what your job is worth in a specific area. Having that number in mind, you can determine an acceptable price range you're willing to accept. www.monster.com has a section on how to deal with questions like this, too. One suggestion is to put the question back in the interviewer's lap: "Are you offering me the position? If not, then a salary range isn't important." Or you can try, "What is this company's salary range for this position?"

If you don't feel comfortable throwing the question back in their court, having the average salary range in mind will help you relax when that question hits.

Answer 5

Unfortunately there's no way out of that question. You could simply answer with a question: What is the salary range for the position than indicate weather that's acceptable or not. If they refuse to answer with a range than just tell them what you're making now and that you'd like to make at least that much, but also indicate that it'd be great if they could do better.

Answer 6

You should research the salary of a comparable position at a different company. Also USUALLY there is a salary range that is shown in the want ads so just pick a number from that.

If you go in there saying "well over at globocorp they have the same position at $25 an hour" they will be amazed at your research!

Answer 7

Do some homework on salaries (check Monster.com for similar jobs but they don't have to be too similar - just the normal range for your level of education/experience in various fields) in the area. Also try and calcualte your yearly expenses - (rent, utilities, food, car expenses, clothes, savings goals, etc) and go from there. Don't make the mistake of asking for too little. I think employers can always come back with a lower figure but RARELY do they give you more than you ask for !

Answer 8

I know most companies only will go 20% above your last salary. My experience has told me not to worry about it unless you underbid. If you say that you are flexible however overbid it wont generally knock you out. If they really want you they will simply say they cannot go that high. If you underbid they will think you are not experienced enough for sure. You can tell them and explain that you are taking into account cost of living and whether their benefits are normal or below what you had.

They may grumble and moan but if they hire you, they will not think about it anymore. It is sure hard to move your wage up once it is set in stone though. Get what you can up front.

Answer 9

I've found the best way to answer an uncomfortable question is by asking a question.

Such as, If they ask, "What type of salary are you looking for?" you could answer, "How much would your organization typically pay a person with my educational background and experience?"

Answer 10

They typically start off the interview with this question. It is a tactic to pin you down to a number. Do not let them do this. If you are brass enough, you could ask "how much are you willing to pay me?" (probably not the best idea though)
You can just simply say I would like to know more about your company and this position first, but I'm sure you pay your employees fair wages.