Salary Negotiation Interview Preparation Guide

I really need more information about the job before we start to discuss salary. I'd like to postpone that discussion until later. Maybe you could tell me what is budgeted for the position, and how your commission structure works.

I really need more information about the position before I can begin to discuss salary. Can you tell me the range budgeted for this position?

I would need to know more about your salary structure and how often you review salaries as well as your entire package before I could discuss salary ranges. Could you provide me with more information before we discuss this subject?" (Good answer to push back the discussion to them.

I had an unusual situation at my last job where I took less salary to own a share of the company. I also had a bonus structure that I was receiving. I would have to look at the entire package that you offer before comparing the two jobs or salaries.

Opportunity is valuable to me. I am always willing to look at the bigger picture. I would want to be paid according to what I bring to the position, but would be willing to be somewhat flexible.

However, I've been in this game long enough to know that the majority of job seekers don't like to discuss this at interview. They don't want to be the first person to mention a figure. If it's too low, they may miss out financially. If it's too high, they could miss out on a job offer.
If a recruitment consultant asks you this, then I would advise you be as open as possible. They will give you advice on the market rate for your skills and will often do the negotiating for you when you get offered a role. They need to know where your expectations are, so not to waste your time with lower paid jobs in the future.

I'm quite open and slightly flexible on salary as the opportunity to add value and to be valued is important to me. I'd appreciate knowing how you value this position and what your budget is for this role.
mile and nod while you ask it. By nodding you are assuming the answer you want is coming back to you and increasing the chance of the other person giving you what you want. Practice it in other conversations and you will see what I mean and how well it works.

At this stage of my career, it's more important for me to use my skills in an area that interests me than to maintain my past salary level.

Is the question in an application form or part of an interview? This will influence how explicit your answer needs to be.

☆ Be comfortable in your response
☆ Consider deflecting the question
☆ Use your knowledge to your advantage
☆ Again, don't be too specific