"What are your salary expectations?" / "What salary are you looking for?"
This question is a negotiation opener. Answer too low and you leave money on the table; too high and you may be screened out. The key is to research the market rate, give a range rather than a single number, and defer until you have an offer when possible.
Research first: Use Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and Blind to understand the market rate for the role, level, and location.
Give a range: The bottom of your range should be your minimum acceptable, and the top should be your aspirational number.
Anchor high: If you must name a number, it's easier to negotiate down than up.
Try to defer: "I'd love to learn more about the full role and responsibilities before we discuss compensation — could we revisit this closer to the offer stage?" This works more often than people think.
Frame it as flexible: "I'm looking at [range], but I'm open to discussing the total compensation package including equity and benefits."
Based on my research into market rates for senior software engineer roles in San Francisco, and considering my 6 years of experience, I'm targeting a base salary in the range of $180,000–$210,000. I'm also open to discussing how equity and other compensation elements might factor into the total package.
Never give your current salary if you can avoid it — in many US states, it's illegal for employers to ask.
If pressed, give a range rather than a single number.
Silence is powerful. After giving your range, stop talking and let the interviewer respond.
Remember: the first person to name a number loses negotiating leverage.
Give the top of your range as a single number. It's better to start high and meet in the middle than to anchor low.
Ask them to share the budgeted range for the role. You have the right to know what the position pays before committing to a number.
Almost always yes. The first offer is rarely the best offer. A polite counter with justification is expected and respected.
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