You’re midway through an online job application, everything’s going smoothly until you get to the part where you are asked: “What is your expected salary?”
Do you go high and risk pricing yourself out? Go low and risk being underpaid? Or do you try to sidestep the question altogether?
This is one of the most common pain points job seekers face. But the good news? You can answer this question strategically, confidently, and without closing any doors.
Why They Ask About Expected Salary in the First Place
Recruiters and hiring managers aren’t asking this to trap you—they just want to know whether your expectations align with their budget.
That said, it can still be a tricky dance. If you give a number too early, you risk:
- Locking yourself into a figure before you’ve even had a chance to learn what the job really involves
- Underselling your worth and getting offered less than what the company was willing to pay
- Accidentally pricing yourself out of a role you’d be perfect for
That’s why your goal isn’t to give a perfect number—it’s to stay flexible while still being clear about your value.
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The 3 Rules for Answering the Expected Salary Question
Before we get into exact phrases you can use, there are a few key principles to keep in mind:
1. Research is non-negotiable.
You can’t dodge this question wisely if you don’t know what the market pays. Use tools like:
- Glassdoor
- Levels.fyi (for tech roles)
- Payscale
- Salary.com
- Lightforth’s Interview Prep feature (which can give you range data for specific roles)
Look for salaries based on your location, years of experience, and industry. Even better, look up what similar roles at that company are paying if it’s publicly available.
2. Use a range—not a single number.
A range keeps you from getting boxed into one figure too early. But don’t make it too wide. A good rule of thumb is to keep your range within $10K–$15K (or local equivalent).
Example:
If your research shows the average is $75,000, a solid range might be $75,000–$85,000.
3. Add language that signals flexibility.
You want to be clear, but not rigid. Saying “negotiable” alone sounds evasive, but pairing it with a researched range shows that you’re informed and open to discussion.
What to Say on Application Forms That Ask for a Number
Sometimes there’s a blank box with no way around it—just a space for a single number.
Here are your best options:
Option 1: Use a range if possible
If the field accepts non-numeric input (try typing it in), you can enter:
“75,000–85,000 (flexible based on role and total compensation package)”
Option 2: Enter a number from the lower end of your acceptable range
If the system only accepts a single number, enter the low end of your research range to keep you in the running, and follow up with context when you speak to a recruiter.
Option 3: Use placeholder numbers with intention
Some people enter numbers like “0” or “1” to force the conversation later—but be careful. This can backfire with automated filters. Only do this if the application allows you to explain yourself later.
What to Say When a Recruiter Asks You Directly
Now let’s talk about screening calls or emails—when a recruiter says, “What are you looking for in terms of salary?”
Here are a few conversational, professional ways to respond:
If you want to delay the conversation:
“I’d love to learn more about the role and the responsibilities before sharing a number. I’m confident we can find a number that feels fair for both sides.”
If you’ve done your research and want to give a range:
“Based on my research and the scope of similar roles in this industry, I’d be looking for something in the $75,000 to $85,000 range, depending on the overall compensation package and benefits. I’m open to discussing that further.”
If you’re switching industries or aren’t sure what’s fair:
“I’m still doing some research since this would be a transition from my current role, but I’m open to any range that’s competitive and in line with the responsibilities.”
What NOT to Do
- Don’t say “Whatever you think is fair.” It makes you sound unsure of your value.
- Don’t aim too low to be “safe.” You could end up with an offer $10K below what they were prepared to pay.
- Don’t get too aggressive too early. There’s a time and place to negotiate—but the application form isn’t it.
Always Revisit Compensation After the Interview
Even if you gave a number early on, you’re allowed to revisit it after learning more about the role. That’s why phrasing your expectations as “based on what I understand so far” leaves room to adjust later.
For example:
“After learning more about the scope of the role, I’d like to revisit the compensation conversation. I believe a more appropriate range would be…”
You Deserve to Be Paid What You’re Worth
Salary questions feel intimidating because they mix money with vulnerability. But when you come prepared—with real data and the confidence to advocate for yourself—you take the guesswork out of it.
And if writing the perfect resume still feels overwhelming? You’re not alone there either.
Lightforth’s Resume Builder helps you create an ATS-optimized, recruiter-friendly resume that positions you for better roles—and better pay. It’s fast, strategic, and designed to get you interviews that pay what you deserve.
Ready to stop guessing and start getting offers?
Build your resume with Lightforth today.