How to Answer the Salary Question

The dreaded salary question! No one wants to answer it. Everyone wants to ask it. Here is a quick and easy way to handle it in the future.

Delay

“I know compensation is important as you are considering candidates, I am hoping we can delay this
conversation until we are a little further along in the process and get to know each other a bit more. I have no
doubt we can get to a fair and just compensation package when the time comes.”

Inquire

“In order to provide you with an accurate salary range, I have 3 simple questions –
Note: Wait for each answer before asking the next question.

• What is the compensation structure with regard to base, bonuses, stock options, or RSUs?
• Can you tell me about the health insurance, vacation, and 401k options?
• What is the range for this role level at your organization?”

Reveal

Based on what I know about your company at this time, my salary range is between $xx and $xx. Is
that within the range that has been budgeted for this role? {Give a wide range of at least $50,000, – ie
$100,000 to $150,000)