"What are your salary expectations?" answer template (A2, B1, B2)
How to use this template
Choose the level that fits your English and fill every blank with a true detail from your own work, in 3 parts: Research, A range and Stay open. Plan your example on the STAR worksheet, tick the checklist, then say the answer out loud.
A2 template: simple English
Short sentences, one idea in each. Good if your English is basic or you feel nervous.
- Research: I looked at jobs like this in ________ (area).
- A range: I am looking for about ________ (amount) to ________ (amount) per ________ (hour or year).
- Stay open: I am open to talk about it. What range do you have for ________ (this role)?
B1 template: linked sentences
Joins your ideas with because, and, then and so. Good for most interviews.
- Research: I have looked at similar roles in ________ (area), and the usual pay is around ________ (range from your research).
- A range: Based on that and my ________ (time) of experience, I am looking for ________ (range) per ________ (hour or year).
- Stay open: I am open to discussing the full package, including ________ (hours, shifts or training). What range do you have in mind?
B2 template: fuller answer
Adds a reason, a result and a little more detail. Use it if you can say it without reading.
- Research: Based on my research into ________ (role) positions in ________ (area), the typical range seems to be ________ (range).
- A range: Given my experience in ________ (relevant area), I would expect something within ________ (range), although it depends on ________ (factor).
- Stay open: I am flexible and would like to understand the whole package, such as ________ (benefit), so could you tell me the range for this role?
STAR worksheet: plan your example
Your answer needs one true example. Plan it here in notes, not full sentences, then use it in the "A range" part of the template.
Situation
What this job needs, in the words of the advert.
Task
One task in your past work that needed the same thing.
Action
What you did in that task.
Result
The result, and why it matters to this employer.
Checklist before you say it
Tick each point when it is true for your answer.
- Research: Before the interview, look at job adverts and pay guides for this role in your area.
- A range: If they ask, talk about a range, not one exact number, and say it is based on your research and experience.
- Stay open: Say "I am open to discussing the full package" — hours, shifts, training.
- Avoided: Going to the interview without any research. Check job adverts for this role in your area first.
- Out loud: I said the whole answer out loud, with only true details, in about one minute or less.
A finished answer to compare
This is one way a retail assistant might answer. Compare it with your template: the same parts, with real details. Do not copy it.
Retail Assistant answer
I have looked at similar retail roles nearby, and I would expect a rate within the usual range for this position. I am flexible, and things like staff discount, training and progression matter to me too. Could you tell me what range you are offering?
Learn more about this question
- How to answer "What are your salary expectations?" — the short answer, the steps, mistakes and phrases
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- Template: Do you have any questions for us?
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- All answer templates
- Example answers for your job: Care Worker · Hospitality Staff · Kitchen Porter · Barista · Hotel Receptionist · Retail Assistant · Warehouse Operative · Delivery Driver · Customer Service Advisor
Questions people ask
Should I learn the template answer by heart?
No. Learn the order of the 3 parts (Research, A range and Stay open) and your own details, then say it in your own words. A memorised answer can sound flat, and an interviewer may ask a follow-up question.
Which level should I use for "What are your salary expectations?"?
Use the level you can say without reading. If you are not sure, start with A2, say it out loud twice, and move to B1 when it feels easy. A short, clear answer is better than a long one that is hard to follow.
How do I print this template?
Use the Print or save as PDF button near the top of the page, or your browser's print menu. Only the template is printed, without the menus and buttons.
Practise this answer aloud
Say your answer to "What are your salary expectations?" out loud or type it, and see what an interviewer may notice and what to fix first. Free to start, no card needed.