How Much do I Make? (2024)

FAQs

How do you respond to how much do you make? ›

If you don't want to disclose your income, you could respond with a general answer such as, “Not nearly as much as you'd think; enough to get by and to take a decent vacation once in a while, but not enough to have saved for our kids' college tuitions!

Provide a salary range, include an opportunity for negotiation when the time is right, or deflect the question back to the recruiter. Deliver your answer with confidence, and be prepared to share your reasoning.

You can try to skirt the question with a broad answer, such as, “My salary expectations are in line with my experience and qualifications.” Or, “If this is the right job for me, I'm sure we can come to an agreement on salary.” This will show that you're willing to negotiate. Offer a range.

Provide a salary range. If you arrive at the point in the interview when it's time to provide a number, you could offer a range versus a single figure. Keep in mind, however, that the employer may opt for the lower end of your salary range so make sure your target number is as close to your bottom number as possible.

How to calculate annual income. To calculate an annual salary, multiply the gross pay (before tax deductions) by the number of pay periods per year. For example, if an employee earns $1,500 per week, the individual's annual income would be 1,500 x 52 = $78,000.

Provide a range

Share your expected salary in a range instead of a single number, so that it sounds flexible. Providing a range also gives you a scope for negotiation. However, keep the range narrow, so that it sounds realistic.

On a Job Application

Not all applications will ask for your desired salary, so if they don't ask, there's no need to give one. And if they do ask, keep things simple by saying something like “salary is negotiable” or “salary may be discussed during the interview process.”

Give a salary range

And by giving any numbers at all, you're “voicing the value you bring to the table,” Crawford says. Showing that you've done your research and you know what you're worth tells an interviewer that you're serious about your skills and what you can bring to their company.

State your range and provide a rationale for why you've landed on that range, sharing some of the research you've done and noting the skills and experience that make you a strong fit for the position. Acknowledge that salary is just one of the factors that will play into your decision to accept the job or not.

What is your expected salary sample answer? ›

“I have [X years of experience] in [industry/field] and have consistently delivered exceptional results in my previous roles. Considering my expertise and the level of responsibility associated with this position, I would expect a salary range of [desired range].

Don't say "pay"; say "salary" or "compensation". For people who might actually want to know if your job is something they or their children should consider, one of these: I can't complain, that's for sure. It's [hard/dangerous/unusual/challenging] work, with a long training period, but you're well rewarded for that.

Provide a range, not a sum

For instance, if you would like to make $35,000, then you should state that your salary requirements are between $30,000 and $40,000, rather than $35,000. This way, there is an opportunity to negotiate.

Sample answer 1: be honest but state your requirements

“I'm very keen on exploring a future here, I'm currently earning $X. I am, however, looking for a role that pays a bit more than what I am currently earning. Based on my research, for my experience level, I'm looking for a salary in the [$-ballpark] range.”

At the end of the day, you are not obligated to disclose your current salary to hiring managers or potential employers. Remind your prospective employer that you will consider all reasonable offers, and demonstrate the value that you will bring to their company.

Tips For Answering The Salary Expectation Question

Consider quoting a little higher than what you finally intend to settle for. For example, if you are looking at a target pay of Rs.30,000 per month, you can quote a range of Rs.35,000 to Rs.40,000. This will ensure that you have enough room for negotiation.

As Miss Manners often recommends, a good response to any intrusive question is to turn it around by replying, “Why do you ask?” Then if the questioner is interested in getting a raise, for example, you can point them toward online resources to assess salary averages in their field. Be Firm.

How To Handle It Gracefully. If you get the dreaded salary question on an early date, here are some tips to handle it smoothly: Lightheartedly joke about it being personal, then redirect the conversation to another topic entirely. Don't lie, but deflect.