Salary and offer questions
How to handle pay talk without losing ground.
1. What is your current salary?
How to answer: Answer if you are comfortable, and keep it factual. You can also say you would like to discuss the range for this role. Do not exaggerate; offers can be verified.
2. What are your salary expectations?
How to answer: Research a range for the role and city, give a range with a reason and show flexibility on the whole package. Ask about the range if they have one.
3. Are you negotiable on salary?
How to answer: Say you are open to a fair discussion based on the responsibilities and the full package, then stop talking and let them respond.
4. Do you have other offers?
How to answer: Be truthful. If you do, say you are weighing them and that this role is a strong interest. Never invent an offer.
5. What is your notice period?
How to answer: State it plainly and say whether it can be shortened or bought out, only if that is true and agreed with your employer.
6. Why are you leaving your current job?
How to answer: Focus on what you are moving towards. Keep it positive and factual; do not criticise your employer.
Use these as a guide and answer from your own real experience. Never invent examples. See our disclaimer.