You’ve done it. You cleared the technical rounds, survived the group discussions, and finally, after all those sleepless nights and mock interviews, you’re sitting across from the panel for your final HR round. You’re thinking, “I’ve landed this. I’m all set.”
And then, out of nowhere, comes the question that catches almost everyone off guard:
“What are your salary expectations?”
Suddenly, your mind goes blank. All that confidence you built up through the process seems to evaporate. Maybe you blurt out a number you’re not sure about. Maybe you freeze and say, “I’m open to anything.” Or maybe you just nod along when they mention a figure, even though a part of you is screaming, “I deserve more!”
If this sounds familiar, trust me—you’re not alone. This is one of the most common, and most mistake-prone, moments in any interview. And yet, hardly anyone talks about it.
Why Is This Question So Hard?
Let’s be honest: talking about money feels awkward, especially when you’re just starting out. You don’t want to seem greedy, but you also don’t want to sell yourself short. Most of us have never had a real conversation about salary before, so when the question comes up, it’s easy to panic or play it safe.
But here’s the thing: how you answer this question says a lot about your confidence, your research, and your communication skills. It’s not just about the number—it’s about how you handle the conversation.
What Most People Do (and Why It Doesn’t Work)
A lot of students either dodge the question (“I’m open to whatever you think is fair”) or throw out a random number, hoping it lands somewhere reasonable. Both approaches can backfire. If you don’t give a range, you might get a lowball offer. If you give a number without context, you might price yourself out—or worse, settle for less than you’re worth.
How to Handle the Salary Question Like a Pro
Here’s a better way: treat the salary question as a conversation, not a test. Before you give a number, it’s perfectly okay to ask a few questions of your own. This shows you’re thoughtful, prepared, and not afraid to engage.
Try something like:
- “I’d love to understand more about the full compensation package and the responsibilities of the role before I share a specific range. Could you tell me more about what’s included?”
- “Can you share the typical salary range for this position at your company?”
- “Are there opportunities for growth or performance-based bonuses?”
By asking these questions, you’re gathering information—and giving yourself time to think. You’re also showing that you know your value and want to make an informed decision.
When You’re Ready to Share a Range
Once you have more details, it’s time to share your expectations. Do your research beforehand (sites like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and talking to alumni can help). Give a range, not a single number, and explain why you chose it.
For example:
“Based on my research and the responsibilities we’ve discussed, I believe a range of ₹X to ₹Y would be appropriate for this role. Of course, I’m open to discussing the full package and learning more about what you offer.”
The Power of Verbal Communication
This is where strong verbal communication skills make all the difference. It’s not just what you say, but how you say it—your tone, your confidence, your ability to ask questions and listen. At Habbinson, our Verbal Communication course is designed to help you master these moments. We cover real-life negotiation scenarios, teach you about BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement), and help you practice the exact words and strategies you’ll need when the salary question comes up.
Because the truth is, you can learn to handle these conversations with confidence. It just takes a little practice and the right guidance.
Final Thought:
The salary question doesn’t have to be a stumbling block. With the right approach, it can be your chance to show you’re prepared, professional, and ready for the next step in your career.
And if you ever find yourself stuck in interviews, or just can’t figure out what’s going wrong, check out my latest blog on the things you need to know before your interviews
You’ve got this. And if you need a little extra help, you know where to find us.
