“What Is Your Salary Expectation?”: Sample Answer For No Experience 2023

All in all, it’s natural to be excited when you receive an invitation to the interview for your dream job. That being said, you should also prepare to tackle tough questions from the interviewer and “what is your salary expectation?” is a prime example. If you lack experience and don’t know how to approach salary expectations during interviews, my article is for you. Read to the end and learn the way to answer questions about salary expectations

Interviewers Asking About Salary Expectations: Reasons 

Different interviewers have different reasons to ask you about salary expectations but the primary one is to determine whether you match their budget. If your salary expectations exceed what interviewers and their companies have in mind, they will quickly move on to the next candidate. Aside from that, it’s not uncommon for interviewers to gauge the attitude of interviewees by asking about salary expectations. For instance, interviewers can give you a salary range, observe your reactions and decide accordingly. 

Sample Answers For “What Is Your Salary Expectation?”

About “what is your salary expectation?” sample answer for no experience, I present you three options:

Pick A Range

To put it plainly, giving a range of your expectations is the best approach to the question “what is your salary expectation?”. That only demonstrates your adaptability but also makes you stand out among other candidates in most of the cases. Of course, you must research in advance to calculate the high and lower ends of your salary range. One way to do so is to see how the company as well as its competitors set up the salary for the position. 

If you know some people that work at the company of the interviewer, you can approach them and ask if they would be comfortable discussing salary. Moreover, sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and so on offer information about salary as well as influential factors like seniority, location, … 

Sample 1:

You have done your research and you find that the same position offers on average around 90,000 Indian Rupees per month. 

“While I am flexible, I am looking forward to a salary range of 80,000 to 100,000 Indian Rupees per month. Given my skill set, I believe this is a comfortable and appropriate range.”

Turn The Table Around

If you do not wish to directly answer the salary question yet, you can redirect the question back to the interviewer. It’s the best course of action if you like to learn more about your duties and the full scope of the role. 

Sample 2:

“At this point, I have not fully understood what I am required of in this role which makes it a bit challenging to give an exact figure. However, I am interested in knowing more about your budget.”

Dodge The Question

While dodging the question is less than ideal during interviews, it’s sometimes a wise decision. Needless to say, you have to do it in a professional manner so as not to frustrate the interviewers. Considering the fact that you don’t have much experience, feel free to use the opportunity to further emphasize specific skills of your own that interviewers might seek. As always, you should keep things as relevant as possible and go straight to the point. 

Sample 3:

You are in an interview for a bank teller role.

“I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your company and provide service as a bank teller. I understand one of the core skills is accuracy in cash handling and mathematics. In addition to this, I also bring expertise in customer service and finance rules and procedures.”

Giving Salary Expectations: Advice

 In case you don’t know, leaving room for negotiation is one of the best practices during interviews. By doing so, you will give the impression of an understanding person which is a big plus if the interviewer is keen on the employee’s personality. Depending on the situation, it’s fine to go for a fixed salary but that is going to convey your rigidity and you could fault to adapt to changes in the company. Then again, if the proposal of the interviewer is too low for your taste, you have no choice but to decline but do not be rude.

Should I Only Concentrate On Salary?

Although you might find yourself in a state where salary is a priority, it’s unwise to only talk about salary. For most of the interview, you should focus on selling your skills to the interviewer and stating your eagerness to learn. Keep the salary discussion last if possible.