Guide
How to answer the salary question
Prepare your answer before someone asks. Decide what you are looking for and what you still need to know about the job.
Make the currency and pay period clear whenever you give a figure.
Understand the question
Read or listen carefully. A question about current pay is different from a question about expected pay.
On Flowmingo, matching companies see your salary expectation through Get Discovered only if you choose to share it. Keep it consistent with the range you discuss.
When a form has currency or pay-period fields, check them before saving.
Work out a range you can explain
Write down the pay you would need to consider a move. Think about the role’s responsibilities and any costs that would change.
Look at advertised pay for comparable roles in the same location. Compare similar working hours and experience requirements.
Use those examples to prepare your answer. Keep your own minimum private while deciding what range you are comfortable discussing.
Ask about the role’s range
When someone contacts you without pay information, ask for it. This gives you more information before you name a figure.
You can use the same wording in an email. Give the person a clear request they can respond to.
Example
Could you share the salary range for this role? I’d also like to understand the responsibilities before discussing an exact amount.
State the currency and period
An amount alone leaves room for misunderstanding. Say whether you mean monthly or annual pay.
Clarify whether you mean base salary or total pay, including bonuses. Confirm whether the figure is before or after tax.
Example
I’m looking for a monthly base salary of [currency] [lower amount] to [higher amount], before tax. I’d consider the full package once I understand the role.
Replace the placeholders with a range you have considered. Make sure you are comfortable with the lower end.
Separate expected pay from current pay
Keep the question about your next role clear. You can ask to discuss your expectations when you prefer not to share current pay.
Give accurate information when you choose to share it. Keep any bonus separate from your regular base salary.
Example
I’d prefer to focus on this role. My expected monthly base salary is [currency] [amount], before tax.
Confirm the details before deciding
Ask for the proposed pay in writing. Check the currency and whether bonuses are guaranteed or depend on conditions.
Confirm the working hours and location. Ask about deductions or allowances you do not understand.
Compare the offer with the expectations you prepared. Take time to resolve unclear details before giving your answer.
Get Discovered can show your salary expectation to matching companies, if you choose to share it.