How to answer: “What are your salary expectations?”

What they’re actually asking

Whoever names a number first sets the ceiling. Recruiters ask early because an early anchor saves them money. It's a fair question asked in unfair sequence: you're being asked to price a job before you know its full scope.

How to structure your answer

First move: deflect gently and ask for their range, since most companies have a band and many places legally must share it. If pressed twice, give a researched range, not a point, and anchor to the top of it. Base the range on the role's market data, not your current salary.

Example answer

“I'd rather make sure the fit is right first, and I'm guessing you have a band for the role. Could you share it? ... Sure, if it helps: based on what this role covers and market data for the region, I'm looking at $95k to $110k, and flexibility depends on the total package. If your band is close to that, we won't have a problem.”

What sinks people

• Naming a specific number first, especially your current salary
• A range so wide it means nothing: "$60k to $120k"
• Apologizing while talking about money. It invites a lowball.