Written by Vaclav Koranda

Strong vs. Weak: How to Ace the Dreaded Salary Questions

Answering the salary questions is often one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the interview process. As an interviewer, I’ve found that candidates typically fall into two categories based on their responses: strong and weak. Each group approaches salary questions in a distinctly different way.

A weak answer implies a lack of preparation, confidence, or understanding of one’s worth in the job market. It often suggests that the candidate is unsure of their value, willing to accept less than they deserve, or simply trying to please the interviewer rather than engaging in a balanced negotiation. These responses can make the candidate seem inexperienced, passive, or easily swayed, which could negatively impact their perceived professionalism and negotiation skills.

On the other hand, a strong answer implies confidence, preparation, and a clear understanding of market standards and personal value. It demonstrates that the candidate has researched the role, understands the responsibilities, and knows how to articulate their worth. A strong answer also shows negotiation readiness and maturity, signaling to the employer that the candidate is strategic and thoughtful, rather than simply desperate for the role. It positions the candidate as someone who values a fair exchange based on mutual benefit rather than settling for less.

In short:

  • Weak candidate: Lacks confidence, is unprepared, hesitant, unsure of his value, overly rigid, fears rejection or being lowballed.
  • Strong candidate: Confident, well-prepared, aware of his value, assertive yet open to negotiation.

Lately, I’ve noticed some “career gurus” advising candidates to dodge salary questions or give weak answers, and I believe that’s completely wrong. It’s like encountering a stray dog or a bear—if you show fear, you classify yourself as prey. Do you really want to do the same when negotiating your salary?

If not, let’s take a look at three common salary questions you might encounter in a job interview and how both strong and weak candidates would approach them:

What is your current salary?

  • Weak Candidate:
    • “That’s none of your business.”
    • “I prefer to keep that information private.”
    • “I’m not comfortable sharing that.”
    • “In my previous company, I signed a clause in my employment contract that prevents me from disclosing my salary information. I’m sorry, but I can’t share that with you.”
  • Strong Candidate:
    • “My current base salary is $X, with a variable pay of $Y, plus additional allowance, perks and benefits.”
    • “My total yearly cash compensation is $X, with $Y being variable. In addition, I receive some extra perks and benefits.”

What are your salary expectations?

  • Weak Candidate:
    • “I’d love to learn more about the role’s responsibilities and goals before discussing salary, so I can provide a more informed answer. What are the key priorities for this position in the first year?”
    • “Can you tell me your range for the position first?”
    • “I’d rather not discuss that at this time.”
    • “I would be happy with anything around $X but I cannot accept less than $Y.”
  • Strong Candidate:
    • “Based on my research and considering the responsibilities of the role, I believe a gross base salary of $X is appropriate. I’m open to discussing this further based on the total compensation package.”

What is the minimum salary you would accept?

  • Weak Candidate:
    • “I’m not too picky, as long as I can pay my bills.”
    • “I can accept $X if necessary.”
  • Strong Candidate:
    • “Based on my research and considering the responsibilities of the role, I believe a gross base salary of $X is appropriate. I’m open to discussing this further based on the total compensation package.”

If you find the classification of these answers surprising, you can explore the rationale behind it in my book, Get Your Dream Job.

If you want to be a Strong Candidate:

  • Be prepared: Research the market and your worth.
  • Be confident: Highlight your skills and experience and the value you bring to the company.
  • Be flexible: Consider the overall compensation package and be prepared to negotiate.

As a strong candidate, you can approach the salary questions with confidence and increase your chances of securing a fair and competitive offer.

You can find the complete, highly effective salary negotiation technique in Chapter 10 of my book, Get Your Dream Job. This includes:

  • How to address a pay cut you took in your previous job while aiming to be paid what you’re worth now;
  • How to handle being overqualified for a job without scaring off the employer with an overly high salary expectation;
  • How to avoid being lowballed;
  • And more.

Good luck!

You may also like:

What would you like to hear about next? Tell me at vaclav@getyourdreamjob.co

Do you want to get new posts directly to your mailbox? Subscribe here.

3 Ways how I can help you further:

  1. Get my books – Learn all the job search and career management insider tips and tricks and use them to your advantage.
  2. Get my online course – Get access to aids, guides, workbooks, checklists, cheat sheets, and other exclusive content to speed up your job search.
  3. Work with me 1:1 – Book one of my coaching packages and get my personal support.

Leave a comment