Talking salary in an interview

[Anonymous]

What's the best way to deflect the salary question in an interview?

About six months ago I had an initial interview (phone conversation with HR) for a position and the only question that threw me was "what kind of salary are you looking for?" I understand that this is part of the weeding process and while I was unprepared for the question so early in the process, I'd done a little research on what other people with the same title were likely making at this company and threw out a $10K range that I thought put me in the right bracket. I could actually hear the HR person smiling and she said, "yeah, we could definitely handle that."

She told me she would be in touch to set up the next interview, but I never heard from her again. It made me think that I had possibly undercut my value by giving a salary that was too low. A friend who held a similar position at another company said I was probably about $30K under what they would pay, and that's likely why the HR person was so happy with my answer.

Now I've got another "initial interview" scheduled--same company, different HR person. Is there a way I can just avoid answering that question if it comes up?

[Anonymous]

I usually give a much larger range but caveat it with the fact that it very much depends on the overall and specific package including bonus potential, stock options, and all other benefits. I try to put my range on the higher end too.

[Anonymous]

I think the only way to avoid answering, is to ask about salary range available for the position before they ask you. Being asked and not answering sounds wish-washy, or timid.

As uncomfortable as it is, I always have an answer prepared. Usually, about 10-20% increase over what I currently make (assuming I won't get it all, and giving some room to negotiate down). However, if I am super interested in the position, I will stress that something slightly outside of that range will not make or break my interest, and that I care more about experience, opportunity, growth, etc., etc.

[Anonymous]

I'd avoid giving a figure by mentioning I'd like to see the compensation package in totality. if pressed, i'd take what i make now and add 25%.

[Anonymous]

Depends a lot on how your comp is structured too; so its nearly impossible to give a figure. For instance at my firm, a Director might make $150K base, with a target bonus of $60, but a max bonus of $120. At Sr. Director, that might be $175K base with a target of $100K and a max bonus of $200K. At that point talking in terms of "$350 to $400" as a range is reasonable, but at $100K you would want to have a smaller range (say 120K to 140K)

My standard response is:

"Well, I'd be looking for (what I currently make + 30%) to (what I currently make + 40%), total comp, obviously depending also on the ancillary benefits package and structure."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Depends a lot on how your comp is structured too; so its nearly impossible to give a figure. For instance at my firm, a Director might make $150K base, with a target bonus of $60, but a max bonus of $120. At Sr. Director, that might be $175K base with a target of $100K and a max bonus of $200K. At that point talking in terms of "$350 to $400" as a range is reasonable, but at $100K you would want to have a smaller range (say 120K to 140K)

My standard response is:

"Well, I'd be looking for (what I currently make + 30%) to (what I currently make + 40%), total comp, obviously depending also on the ancillary benefits package and structure."

What type of firm do you work for?

[Anonymous]

Check glassdoor.com, data can be down to company/job title.

[Anonymous]

Wow that's a lot of money.