How to Answer the Salary Question during an Interview without Getting Confused?

Question 

How should we answer the question of expected salary during an interview session? Almost every employer put this question at some stage of the interview and although it is expected I get confused when they ask what salary do you expect? I often say the amount which is very lower as compared to what I should get but the nervousness makes me commit this mistake every time. How should we answer this question in a practical way?

There are many books available which prepare individuals for the interview with suggested answers to the possible questions asked during the interview session. The problem is that if you go with the book some employers are able to identify that you have already prepared the answers and they often ask you why you answers seems rehearsed. How can one avoid this from happening?

Answer

Dear

Since both of you have asked interview related questions we have decided to answer them together. As far as the question of salary is concerned, it is understandable that the question brings forth some level of anxiety as one needs to be sure he is neither ask for too much nor too little. The best way to approach this issue is to do some market research before you go for an interview. Find out what the current pay scale for the specific job opening is and then compare you current pay scale. You might want a big raise but be realistic about it and factor in the years of experience you have. When you answer the salary question, be sure to make them know that you are flexible on the issue of salary as that will open the doors for negotiations.

As far as the issue of prepared answers to interview questions is concerned, it goes without saying that every employer will know if you are orating a previously rehearsed answer. It is true that these help books are needed by many who fail to answer the questions during an interview without previous preparation but the key is find the balance. Use the books to get knowledge of the kind of answers that are appropriate to give during an interview session and then prepare your own answers based on them. For every question, try to include specifics of your last job, your skill or experience which will let the employers see that you are not delivering a rehearsed answer. Also engage the interviewer by looking into his eyes while giving the answers and try to speak slowly and put emphasis on important lines so that the interviewer feels like he is having a conversation with you rather than listening to a speech.

We hope that these suggestions will be helpful for your future interviews.

Best of Luck,

Raheel