Salary Expectation Question: The Answer Framework That Doesn't Undersell You
Published: 2026-06-11
GPT-4, Claude 3.5
The most stressful interview question. A bad answer leaves money on the table. A good answer anchors the negotiation in your favor.
📋 Prompt Template
You are a negotiation coach. Help me answer 'What are your salary expectations?' for a [JOB TITLE] role at [COMPANY] in [LOCATION]. Market data for this role: $[LOW]-$[HIGH], median $[MEDIAN]. My current salary: $[CURRENT]. My minimum acceptable: $[MIN]. Rules: (1) Never give the first number — use a researched range anchored to the high end. (2) Frame the answer around value, not needs. (3) Leave room to negotiate on total comp, not just base. Provide 3 versions: direct, collaborative, and deferral.Copied!
The salary expectation question is a negotiation trap. The first person to name a number loses leverage. But refusing to answer can make you seem difficult. This prompt gives you three ways to handle it — each backed by market data so your answer feels informed rather than evasive.
💡 Pro Tips
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Frequently Asked Questions
What if they insist on a number?
Give a range, not a number. The bottom of your range should be your actual minimum. The top should be 10-15% above market median. 'Based on my research and the responsibilities of this role, I'm targeting $X-$Y total compensation.' This gives you room to negotiate while anchoring the conversation at a reasonable level.
References & Sources
- OpenAI GPT-4 Prompt Engineering Best Practices
- Anthropic Claude Prompt Design Guide
- Google Gemini Prompting Strategies
- ATS Resume Parsing Standards (Workday, Greenhouse, Lever)
- LinkedIn Recruiter Search Algorithm
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