As a neurodivergent job seeker, it’s important to prepare yourself for various interview questions, including the often-dreaded, “What are your salary expectations?” This question can be challenging for anyone, but it can be especially daunting for neurodivergent individuals who may struggle with social nuances and find it difficult to navigate salary negotiations. In this blog post, we’ll explore why employers ask about salary expectations, what they hope to achieve, and provide actionable steps to help neurodivergent job seekers prepare for this question. Additionally, we’ll include an example of a good answer to help you approach this topic with confidence.

Why Employers Ask About Salary Expectations:

Employers ask about salary expectations for several reasons. Firstly, they want to ensure that the candidate’s salary expectations align with their budget and the salary range for the position. It helps employers understand whether the candidate’s financial expectations are in line with what they can offer. Additionally, employers use this question as a way to gauge a candidate’s understanding of their own value in the job market and their level of research on industry standards. It also provides an opportunity for employers to assess the candidate’s negotiation skills and how they handle delicate conversations.

Preparing for the Salary Expectations Question:

Step 1: Research industry standards and company information:

• Before the interview, research salary ranges for similar positions in your industry and location. This will give you a baseline understanding of what may be reasonable to expect.
• Familiarise yourself with the company’s financial health, industry reputation, and any available information about their compensation practices. This will help you tailor your answer accordingly.

Step 2: Determine your financial needs and value:

• Take some time to assess your financial needs and consider factors such as living expenses, transportation costs, and any specific financial goals you may have.
• Reflect on your qualifications, skills, experience, and the value you bring to the table. Consider how these factors may influence your salary expectations.

Step 3: Set a realistic salary range:

• Based on your research and self-assessment, determine a realistic salary range that reflects your value and aligns with industry standards.
• Consider setting a lower and upper range to provide some flexibility during negotiations.

Step 4: Practice your response:

• Rehearse your answer to the salary expectations question to build confidence and clarity in your response.
• Focus on expressing your value, skills, and experience, while also acknowledging your understanding of industry standards and the specific company’s context.

Example Answer:

“Based on my research and understanding of industry standards, as well as considering the responsibilities and qualifications required for this position, I would expect a salary within the range of X to Y. However, I am open to further discussions and negotiations, as I value the opportunity to work with this esteemed organisation and contribute to its success.”

Remember, it’s essential to maintain flexibility and open-mindedness during salary negotiations. Be prepared to discuss other compensation factors such as benefits, bonuses, and career growth opportunities, which may also contribute to your overall satisfaction with the offer.

Found this useful?

Read our How to Answer ‘How Do You Prioritise Your Work?’ Job Interview Question article here