How to Answer 'What Are Your Salary Expectations?'

How to Answer 'What Are Your Salary Expectations?'

"What are your salary expectations?"

This simple question has cost countless candidates significant money—either by asking for too little and leaving money on the table, or by asking for too much and pricing themselves out of the opportunity.

The good news? With proper research and strategy, you can answer this question confidently and position yourself for the best possible package.

This comprehensive guide covers everything from researching market rates to negotiating your offer, with specific strategies for both freshers and experienced professionals in the Indian job market.

Why This Question Is Tricky

The Employer's Perspective

When employers ask about salary expectations, they're trying to:

1. Screen candidates: Eliminate those way out of budget
2. Gauge self-awareness: Do you know your market value?
3. Find an anchor: Use your number as a negotiation starting point
4. Assess fit: Will you be satisfied with what they can offer?

The Candidate's Dilemma

When This Question Comes Up

• In the job application form (often required field)
• Phone screening with HR
• First interview round
• Final interview stages
• During offer negotiation

The timing matters—your strategy should differ based on when you're asked.

Step 1: Do Your Research

Before any interview, know the market rate for your role.

Sources for Salary Research

How to Research Effectively

Step 1: Find Your Role's Range

• Search for your exact job title + city
• Note low, median, and high figures
• Check 5+ sources for accuracy

Step 2: Adjust for Factors

• Company tier (startup vs MNC)
• City (Mumbai/Bangalore pay more)
• Your experience level
• Your skills (in-demand skills pay more)
• Company size and funding stage

Step 3: Talk to Real People

• Reach out to LinkedIn connections in similar roles
• Ask alumni from your college
• Phrase it carefully: "I'm trying to understand market rates for [role]. Would you be comfortable sharing the general range at your company?"

Sample Salary Ranges (India,)

For Tech Roles:

For Non-Tech Roles:

Step 2: Determine Your Target

Based on your research, set your salary expectations.

The Three Numbers You Need

Example Calculation

Scenario: Mid-level software engineer with 3 years experience

Research shows: Range for this role in Bangalore is ₹12-25 LPA

Current salary: ₹10 LPA

Calculation:

• Minimum: ₹13 LPA (current + 30% for role change)
• Target: ₹18 LPA (market median)
• Stretch: ₹22-25 LPA (if exceptional match)

For Freshers:

• Research entry-level ranges
• Consider the company tier
• Accept that earning potential increases rapidly in first 2-3 years

Step 3: Strategies for Answering

Now, let's look at how to actually answer the question.

Strategy 1: Defer the Question (Best Option)

Try to get the employer to share their range first.

Response:

"I'm very interested in this role and want to make sure we're aligned.
Could you share the budgeted range for this position? That would help
me give you a more informed answer."

Alternative:

"Before I answer, I'd love to understand more about the full scope of
the role and the compensation structure. Is this something we can
discuss after we've gone deeper into the responsibilities?"

Why this works:

• You don't give a number first
• Shows you're focused on the role, not just money
• Their range gives you information to negotiate

If they insist:

"I understand. Based on my research and experience, I'm looking at a
range of [X to Y]. However, I'm flexible depending on the overall package
and growth opportunities."

Strategy 2: Give a Range (Most Common)

If you must give a number, provide a researched range.

Response:

"Based on my research and the responsibilities of this role, I'm
expecting something in the range of ₹15-20 LPA. However, I'm flexible
and open to discussion based on the complete package and opportunities."

Key Points:

• Your range should start at your target, not your minimum
• The range shouldn't be too wide (looks uncertain)
• Always add flexibility language
• Mention total package, not just salary

Strategy 3: Anchor High (For Experienced/Strong Candidates)

If you're confident in your value, anchor at the higher end.

Response:

"Given my [X years] of experience in [specific skills], my track record
of [specific achievement], and the market rates for this role, I'm
targeting around ₹25 LPA. I'm open to discussing this based on the
complete package."

When to use:

• You have competing offers
• Your skills are uniquely valuable
• You know they have budget
• You can walk away if needed

Strategy 4: Flip the Question (For Freshers)

Freshers can acknowledge limited market knowledge.

Response:

"As a fresher, I'm more focused on finding the right opportunity to
learn and grow. I've researched that the typical range for this role
is ₹X-Y LPA, and I'm open to a fair offer within that range. What
matters more to me is the learning opportunity and career growth."

Handling Different Scenarios

When Asked on Application Forms

Many applications require a salary expectation field.

Options:

• If optional: Leave blank or write "Negotiable"
• If required: Give a wide range (₹15-20 LPA)
• Write "Market competitive" if text is allowed
• Give a high but realistic number (you can negotiate down)

Caution: Don't write an unrealistic number just to move forward—it could disqualify you.

When Asked by HR on Phone Screen

Approach: Defer or give range with flexibility.

Sample Script:

HR: "What are your salary expectations?"

You: "Thanks for asking. Before I answer, could you share more about the
role's responsibilities and the team? [Listen] That helps clarify things.
Based on my experience and the market for [role], I'm looking at ₹X-Y LPA,
but I'm flexible depending on the overall opportunity. What's the budgeted
range for this position?"

When Asked in Final Interviews

At this stage, you have more leverage—they're invested.

Approach: Be more specific, but still flexible.

"Thank you for the opportunity to get to this stage. I've really enjoyed
learning about [specific things]. Based on my experience with [specific
skills/achievements] and the scope of this role, I'm expecting around
₹X LPA. Is that aligned with your budget for this position?"

When You're Currently Underpaid

If your current salary is below market, don't let it anchor you down.

What NOT to say:

"I currently make ₹8 LPA and am expecting ₹10-12 LPA."

What TO say:

"I've researched that the market rate for this role is ₹15-20 LPA.
Based on my skills in [X] and experience with [Y], I'm targeting the
upper end of that range."

If they push for current salary:

"My current compensation doesn't fully reflect my market value since I
took the role for [learning opportunity/company exposure]. Based on my
current skills and the market, I'm looking at ₹X LPA."

When They Offer Lower Than Expected

Don't immediately accept or reject.

Response:

"Thank you for the offer. I'm very excited about this opportunity. However,
based on my research and experience, I was expecting something closer to
₹X LPA. Is there any flexibility in the compensation?"

Then negotiate on:

• Base salary
• Signing bonus
• Performance bonus
• Stock options/ESOPs
• Review timeline
• Learning budget
• Title

Specific Advice for Different Situations

For Freshers

Your Position:

• Limited negotiating power
• Market data is your best friend
• Learning value matters more
• Don't undervalue yourself based on desperation

Sample Response:

"As a fresher from [college] with skills in [relevant skills] and projects
in [area], I'm looking at offers in the range of ₹X-Y LPA based on my
research. I'm more focused on finding the right learning environment and
am flexible on compensation for the right opportunity."

What to Negotiate (Beyond Salary):

• Role and title
• Team placement
• Training opportunities
• Performance review timeline

For Experienced Professionals

Your Position:

• Leverage increases with experience
• Current compensation is often known
• Value proposition is clearer
• Can walk away more easily

Sample Response:

"Based on my [X years] of experience, my expertise in [specific skills],
and my track record of [specific achievements like '30% revenue increase'],
I'm targeting ₹X LPA. This is in line with market rates for senior [role]
in [city]. Is this within your budget?"

Leverage Points:

• Other offers
• Specific valuable skills
• Demonstrated impact
• Market scarcity

For Career Changers

Your Position:

• May need to accept lower salary initially
• Transferable skills are your selling point
• Growth potential as a pitch

Sample Response:

"I understand that I'm transitioning from [previous field] to [new field].
However, my experience in [transferable skill] and my specific preparation
through [courses/projects] position me well for this role. While I'm
flexible on starting compensation, I'm looking at ₹X-Y LPA based on the
market for [role] in [city]."

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Giving a Number Too Early

The Problem: You anchor yourself before understanding the full role and their budget.

Solution: Defer until you have more information about the role and their range.

Mistake 2: Undervaluing Yourself

The Problem: Fear of rejection leads to asking below market rate.

Solution: Research thoroughly. Know your worth. Practice saying your number confidently.

Mistake 3: Being Inflexible

The Problem: Demanding an exact number signals you're not collaborative.

Solution: Always mention flexibility and total package consideration.

Mistake 4: Revealing Current Salary Too Easily

The Problem: Current salary becomes an anchor that limits your offer.

Solution: Redirect to market rates and the value you bring.

Mistake 5: Accepting Immediately

The Problem: You may leave money on the table.

Solution: Always ask if there's flexibility, even if you plan to accept.

The Negotiation Phase

Once you receive an offer, negotiation begins.

Principles of Successful Negotiation

1. Express Enthusiasm First

   • "I'm very excited about this opportunity..."

2. Ask, Don't Demand

   • "Is there flexibility on..."

3. Negotiate the Package, Not Just Salary

   • Base, bonus, equity, benefits, flexibility

4. Use Silence

   • After they respond, wait. They might improve.

5. Know Your BATNA

   • Best Alternative to Negotiated Agreement
   • What's your Plan B?

What to Negotiate Beyond Base Salary

Sample Negotiation Script

"Thank you so much for the offer—I'm genuinely excited about joining
[Company] and working with [team/manager]. I've reviewed the offer, and
I'd like to discuss one point.

Based on my experience in [skill] and the value I believe I can bring
through [specific contribution], I was hoping for a base salary closer
to ₹X LPA. Is there any flexibility there?

[Wait for response]

[If no on salary]: I understand. Would you consider a signing bonus of
₹Y, or a guaranteed review at 6 months where salary could be adjusted
based on performance?"

Scripts and Examples

For Freshers (Tech)

Question: "What are your salary expectations?"

Answer:

"Thank you for asking. I've researched that the range for this role for
freshers is ₹6-12 LPA depending on the company and responsibilities.
Given my strong academic record, my projects in [specific tech], and my
internship experience at [company], I'm looking at the ₹9-11 LPA range.
However, I'm also very focused on finding the right learning environment
and am flexible for the right opportunity."

For Mid-Level Professional (Marketing)

Question: "What package are you looking at?"

Answer:

"Based on my 4 years of experience in digital marketing, my track record
of managing campaigns with ₹50L+ budgets, and the market rate for Senior
Marketing roles in Mumbai, I'm targeting ₹16-20 LPA. The exact number
would depend on the complete package including variable pay and ESOP
opportunities. What's the budgeted range for this position?"

For Senior Professional (Engineering Manager)

Question: "What CTC are you expecting?"

Answer:

"Given my 10 years of experience, with 3 years in engineering management
roles, and my track record of building teams from scratch and delivering
[specific achievement], I'm looking at a CTC of ₹55-65 LPA. This is
competitive for Engineering Manager roles at [company type] in Bangalore.
I'm open to discussing the optimal mix of base, bonus, and equity."

Key Takeaways

1. Research thoroughly before any interview—know your worth
2. Defer giving a number until you understand the full role and their budget
3. When you must answer, give a researched range with your target at the bottom
4. Always mention flexibility and total package consideration
5. Don't anchor to current salary if you're underpaid
6. Negotiate the full package, not just base salary
7. Practice saying your number confidently—it should feel natural
8. Know your minimum and be prepared to walk away below it

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I disclose my current salary?

Only if asked directly, and even then, redirect to your expectations based on market rates. In some places, it's illegal for employers to ask.

What if my research shows I'm currently overpaid?

Be realistic. If the market has shifted, you may need to adjust expectations. Focus on base preservation with potential bonus/equity upside.

Is it wrong to ask for more than I need?

No. You should ask for your market value. Just ensure it's backed by research and your value proposition.

What if they say the range is lower than I expected?

Ask about the complete package, growth opportunities, and review timelines. Or politely decline if it's truly below your minimum.

How much increase should I expect when changing jobs?

Typically 15-40% increase is common for lateral moves. Within company, 8-15% is standard for promotions.

Preparing for interviews? Explore more resources on Sproutern for interview tips, resume advice, and career guidance.