What is the most awkward question you have to answer during a job interview? I will tell you about the question I am uncomfortable answering: “What is your expected salary?” I always push this conversation until the last phase of every interview until I have shown my skills, worth, and accomplishments. I always answer honestly, based on my skills and the value I would bring to the role. Still, it makes me uncomfortable. Because if things go sideways, it will cost me a good job offer.
I will tell you why the question is awkward and how I reply if I have to answer this question. Before that, let me explain why the question is awkward and tricky.
If I lowball the figure to get a job, I will leave well-deserved cash on the table. If I give a high number, the employer will not consider me.
Even if I learn all the market and salary trends, the employer will have a budget in mind, and hence, all my research findings will be of no use because I will get the job only if my expectation aligns with the budget set for the position. If I try giving a salary range, most employers insist I give a definite answer. So, that option also goes out of the window.
Why do I have to answer the question? If the employer intends to find out if I know my worth well, it is a lose-lose situation - I know my worth, but what good does that do to the employer or me if there is a budget already set for the position? And if the effort is to gauge my professionalism, I believe there are better ways of doing it than asking about the expected salary.
So, I kept thinking about the possible ways to reply without hurting my chances of landing the right job. I found a reply. Do you know what it is? Just flip the question! I subtly turn the question around and ask the employer about the salary range set for the position. I reply politely and deftly and let the employer divulge the salary range. This method may not work in all instances - it is not a sure-shot way. For me, it works in most instances, and when it does, I always thank the employer for disclosing the salary range. And if the budget is is a little less than my expectation, I evaluate all the non-salary benefits before arriving at a decision.
I will tell you about the non-salary benefits I look at while considering a job offer. They include a healthy working ambiance, career progression, job security, flexibility, insurance, and health and well-being programs. If the non-salary benefits are worth losing a little money from the CTC, the job opportunity is worth considering. Do you agree?