Why they ask - and when
Recruiters ask about salary to check you're in budget and, sometimes, to anchor the offer low. The timing matters: the earlier it comes, the more it pays to deflect briefly and keep your leverage; once they want to make an offer, a confident range sets the terms.
Your goal isn't to win a negotiation in the interview - it's to stay in range, avoid anchoring yourself low, and keep the conversation moving toward an offer.
Do the research first
You can't answer well without a number in mind. Before the interview, build a target range from: levels.fyi / Glassdoor / Levels data for the role, title, and location; the posted range if there is one; and your own current comp plus a realistic step up. Define three numbers: your walk-away floor, your target, and an ambitious-but-defensible top.
Deflect, then anchor with a range
- Deflect (early asks) - turn it around to learn their range first, politely.
- Give a range (when pressed) - anchor with a band whose bottom is still a number you'd happily accept (they often hear the low end).
- Justify briefly - tie the number to your experience and the role's scope, not your bills.
Word-for-word scripts
Deflecting early: “I'd love to understand the role a bit more before talking numbers - do you have a budgeted range for this position? That helps me give you a useful answer.”
Giving a range: “Based on my experience and what I've seen for similar roles, I'm targeting somewhere in the $120–140K range, depending on the overall package. Is that in line with what you had in mind?”
If they push for one number: “I'm looking for around $135K, but I'm flexible for the right role and the rest of the package.”
Common mistakes to avoid
- Naming a number with no research - you'll anchor too low or price yourself out.
- Giving a single low number early - it becomes the ceiling.
- Justifying with personal expenses - tie it to market and scope instead.
- Refusing to engage at all - deflect gracefully, don't stonewall.
Practice with AI
High-stakes questions are where nerves cost you money. Live Interview AI helps you stay composed and well-framed in the moment, and you can rehearse the deflect-then-anchor flow in a mock interview first.
Frequently asked questions
How do you answer "What are your salary expectations?"
If it comes early, briefly deflect and ask for their budgeted range. When pressed, give a researched range whose bottom is still a number you would accept, and tie it to your experience and the role - not your personal expenses.
Should I give a number or a range?
A range is usually safest once numbers are on the table. Set the bottom of the range at a figure you would happily accept, since interviewers often anchor to the low end.
How do I research my salary range?
Use levels.fyi, Glassdoor, and any posted range for the role, title, and location, plus your current comp and a realistic step up. Define a floor, a target, and an ambitious-but-defensible top.
What if they ask before I know the role well?
Deflect politely: ask whether they have a budgeted range for the position so you can give a useful answer. This keeps your leverage without stonewalling.
Can AI help me with this question?
Yes - Live Interview AI helps you stay composed and well-framed on high-stakes questions in real time, and lets you rehearse the deflect-then-anchor approach in a free mock interview.
Keep reading
- How to Answer "Why Should We Hire You?"The fit + value + enthusiasm formula, with an example.Read the guide
- How to Answer "Why Do You Want to Work Here?"The company + role + you formula, with an example.Read the guide
- How to Answer "What Are Your Greatest Strengths?"Strength + evidence + relevance, with example answers.Read the guide
- The Best Interview Questions and AnswersThe questions to rehearse, with strong answers.Read the guide