During a job interview, you need to prepare thoroughly for a variety of questions. One of the most critical questions whose preparation requires Research and complete analysis is "What's your salary expectation?" It would be best if you answered this question quite strategically.

A common mistake of a job seeker is to give an exact number or asking for too much. You won't have to do that. Quoting a number without getting to know what exactly the interviewer is looking for as an answer might cost a complete job offer. You should be diplomatic in your answer. Here are some points to keep in mind while giving a proper answer.

How to Answer: “What is your salary expectation?”

The first approach that is considered as a suitable method to answer this interview question is to go for a counter-question. Instead of playing with the salary ball all by yourself, you should let the interviewer give this answer to you. Ask him Can you please tell me what kind of benefits your company offers to a person with the same profile as yours. 

The interviewer will answer right away. However, sometimes this diplomatic approach doesn't go as you plan. The interviewer again asked you what your expectations were. In that scenario, you should keep your Research handy. 

What do you need to Research?

You know all about your education, experience, and qualifications. To get an idea of your worth in the job market, go and check similar job positions. Look for other companies in the same industry. Many employers publish similar positions on FRATRES.NET and BAYT.com. You can get a complete idea of what they are offering from these online job sites. 

What was your last job salary?

Another question that interviewers ask is about your previous salary. You may give an exact idea of salary right away as you know what it was but don't give it all out. Don't do that.

Try another approach of telling that job responsibilities and requirements on this specific position are quite different from that of the previous job. Thereby, you don't see any point in comparing both. It won't be fair to do this comparison. As this new job entails new functions that you didn't handle before, the salary of this new job will be different from the old one.

Must Read: How to get Job fast in Dubai and UAE?

Would you mind settling for lower pay than what you got in your last job?

It is a tactic to make you uncomfortable. As soon as you hear the wordless pay, you become uneasy. However, you shouldn't respond verbally or physically to this question. Stay calm and keep your nerves under control.

Again become a politician who wants to get the position, no matter what. So, start saying this money isn't the only aspect that keeps you interested in this job. You won't mind ignoring the salary, other factors of jobs are more appealing, or you get a chance to work in a better capacity. 

Also, emphasize that you are ready to accept low pay only when a new job offers flexibility, more career growth, and development and brings less stress. 

Another thing you need to do is to define your lowest limit carefully. So that employer gets a clear picture of what he should offer you.

Know: How to Evaluate Dubai Job Offer

Essential Tips to Keep in Mind While Answering Interview Question 

Here are some tips that would prove helpful while creating the answer to the salary expectation interview question. 

Always give a number you want to get- Don’t be humble. Always think of your current job pay and get a raise. You are going to change your job and move to another one. You deserve to get a better rate from your client. Going low or getting the same salary isn’t an upgrade. 

Use your Experience: When you are quoting a range of salary, must mention your experience and skills. For example, you can talk like this: Based on my five years of experience, I believe that I deserve AED 2000 to 3000. You are trying to convince your manager to look into your skills and experience that make you a better candidate. What are best jobs for Women in Dubai?

Don’t be negative: Sometimes, the employer gives you a shallow range and becomes arrogant. You think that he is not getting your worth and try to underestimate yourself. It’s the time when you become angry or start acting wrong. Keep your manners with you and respond positively. Ask your employer is there any room for negotiation. 

Stay within the limit: During your job salary research, you will get an idea about the number and range. When it comes to answering salary expectation interview questions, you should stay within this limit. Don’t ask for a rate that is not an industry standard.