The salary question makes almost everyone tense up, especially early in your career. Say a number too high and you worry you’ll price yourself out. Too low and you’ll get anchored there for years. So you freeze. Here’s the reassuring part: you don’t have to nail a perfect figure on the spot. You need a calm, informed way to handle the moment, and that’s very learnable. Let me walk you through it.
Quick answer
When asked about salary, stay calm. Where appropriate, give a well-researched range instead of a single fixed number, or politely defer the discussion if it’s too early and you don’t yet know enough about the role. Before the interview, spend a little time researching typical salaries for someone at your level, in that role and in that city, so your answer is informed rather than a guess. Whatever figure you quote, make sure you can justify it confidently.
First, do the homework (before the interview)
The reason the salary question feels scary is usually that you have no idea what’s reasonable. Fix that in advance. Get a sense of realistic compensation for the role, the level (fresher, PQE band), the type of employer (firm tier, in-house, chamber) and the city, since these vary a lot. We won’t quote figures here, because real numbers shift and depend heavily on context; the point is that you should walk in with a grounded sense of the range from current, reliable sources. That single bit of prep turns panic into confidence.
How to answer, depending on the situation
- If you have a researched range: Quote a range rather than a single number. For example: “Based on my understanding of similar roles, I’d expect something in the range of X to Y, though I’m happy to discuss it.” A range shows that you’ve done your homework while remaining flexible.
- If it’s too early to answer: It’s perfectly acceptable to defer the discussion. For example: “I’d like to understand the role in a little more detail first, but I’m sure we can arrive at something fair. May I ask what range you have in mind?” This keeps the conversation open and often encourages the interviewer to share their budget.
- If you’re asked about your current salary or stipend: Answer honestly. If you’re a fresher, you can add that you’re looking for a package that reflects the responsibilities and scope of the new role.
YLCC ACTION STEP: Before any interview where pay might come up, research a realistic range for this role, level and city from current, reliable sources, and write down your range plus a one-line, calm way to say it. Walking in with that removes almost all the anxiety.
PLEASE DON’T DO THIS: Please don’t blurt a random number you can’t justify, and please don’t open with money before you’ve shown your value or understood the role. Also don’t undersell yourself out of nervousness by naming a figure far below the norm; that’s exactly what the homework prevents.
A note on negotiation vs. the interview
Remember that the interview salary question and the actual negotiation are different moments. In the interview, you’re mostly signalling that your expectations are reasonable and researched. The real negotiation usually happens once there’s an offer on the table, and that’s a separate skill (we cover it in the offer-negotiation guide). For now, your job is simply to handle the question calmly and keep the conversation open.
FAQs
- Should I give a number or a range? A researched range is usually safest; it shows you’re informed and leaves room to discuss.
- What if I don’t know what’s reasonable? Research it beforehand for the role, level and city. If still unsure in the moment, gently defer and ask their range.
- Is it okay to not answer directly? Early on, yes, you can ask to understand the role better first. Just keep it warm and open, not evasive.
- Will naming a high number cost me the offer? It can if it’s unjustified. A researched range rarely hurts; a random high figure might.
- Is the interview the time to negotiate hard? No. Signal reasonable expectations now; the real negotiation comes when there’s an offer.
Thank you for reading!
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