In a job interview, how should you respond when asked “What sort of salary are you looking for?”

Introduction / Context:
Salary discussions can feel uncomfortable, but they are a normal and important part of job interviews. When an interviewer asks what sort of salary you are looking for, they want to check whether your expectations align with their budget and whether you have a realistic understanding of your market value. A balanced, informed answer can show professionalism and confidence, while an extreme or vague answer can cause concern or even end the process.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The interviewer asks, directly or indirectly, about your desired salary. - You have some information about market ranges for similar roles and your own experience level. - The company has an internal budget and pay structure for the position. - The goal is to respond honestly while keeping the conversation open and constructive.

Concept / Approach:
A good approach is to prepare in advance by researching salary data from reliable sources, considering your skills, experience and location. With this information, you can present a reasonable range rather than a single rigid figure, showing that you understand the market and are open to discussion. It is helpful to mention that you are also interested in the overall opportunity, including responsibilities, growth and benefits. This signals that you care about both fair compensation and the long term fit of the role, which most employers appreciate.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Before the interview, research typical salary ranges for similar positions in your region and industry. Step 2: Reflect on your own experience, qualifications and performance to decide where in that range you reasonably fit. Step 3: When asked, state that based on your research and background, you are looking for a range around a certain amount, and that you are open to discussing the package as a whole. Step 4: Emphasise that you are flexible within a reasonable band and that you are most interested in a role where you can contribute and grow. Step 5: If possible, invite the interviewer to share the range they have budgeted so you can align expectations.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can evaluate your answer by asking whether it would sound informed and confident to a hiring manager. If you can clearly explain how you arrived at your range and show flexibility within reasonable limits, your answer is likely to be well received. If your response seems extreme, such as asking for much more than the market without justification, or very passive, such as accepting any amount with no questions, it suggests a lack of preparation or unrealistic expectations. Practising your response out loud helps you deliver it calmly and clearly.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Refusing to talk about salary: Saying that money never matters may sound unrealistic and does not help either side evaluate fit. Demanding an unjustified high number: A rigid demand without evidence or flexibility can make you appear difficult to negotiate with. Accepting any amount: Agreeing to any salary without research may signal low confidence and can lead to dissatisfaction later.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates either undervalue themselves and accept offers well below market level or overestimate their value without evidence. Others become defensive or anxious when salary is mentioned, which can disrupt an otherwise positive interview. To avoid these issues, treat salary as one important part of a professional discussion, prepare data in advance and remember that both you and the employer are trying to find a mutually beneficial agreement. A researched range and open attitude, as described in the correct answer, is usually the most effective strategy.

Final Answer:
The most professional response is Refer to your research on market ranges, share a realistic salary range based on your experience and the role and show that you are open to discussion, because this demonstrates preparation, confidence and flexibility in salary negotiations.