How to Answer "What Is Your Current Salary?" in a Job Interview?

The most effective way to answer "What is your current salary?" is to either deflect the question politely until you understand the role better or reframe the conversation around your market value and expected compensation. Disclosing your number too early can significantly weaken your negotiating position. This guide explains the employer's motivation and provides actionable strategies to protect your interests while demonstrating professionalism.

Why Do Employers Ask About Your Current Salary?

Understanding the recruiter's perspective is the first step to crafting a smart response. Employers often ask this question to gauge your expectations against their budget, a concept known as salary bandwidth—the approved pay range for a specific position. They may also be gathering market intelligence on competitor compensation. However, your primary goal is to ensure the offer is based on the role's value and your qualifications, not your past earnings. Knowing this intent allows you to steer the conversation toward a fair assessment.

How Should You Prepare Your Answer?

Preparation is key to handling this question with confidence. Before the interview, research the market rate for the position using resources like industry salary surveys and platforms like ok.com. Calculate your total compensation, which includes base salary, bonuses, benefits, and other perks. Decide on your strategy: will you deflect, disclose, or pivot? Having a clear plan prevents you from being caught off guard and helps you present a calm, considered response that aligns with your negotiation goals.

What Are the Best Strategies for Responding?

Your chosen strategy should depend on your comfort level and the interview context. Here are the most effective approaches:

• Politely Deflect and Refocus: If asked early in the process, it's reasonable to postpone the discussion. You can say, "I'd like to learn more about the specific responsibilities of this role before discussing compensation. Based on my research and the requirements we've discussed, I'm confident we can agree on a competitive offer later in the process." This shifts the focus to your skills and the job's value.
• Provide a Salary Range Based on Market Value: Instead of giving a single number, offer a range based on your research. For example, "Based on my experience in project management and the scope of this role, I'm seeking a position with a total compensation package between $85,000 and $95,000." This demonstrates you understand your worth in the current market.
• Disclose Your Total Compensation (If You Choose): If you decide to share your current earnings, be precise and contextualize it. State, "My current total compensation is approximately $78,000, which includes my base salary and annual bonus. However, I am seeking a new role that offers a higher level of responsibility and a compensation package that reflects that, in the range of $90,000." This clearly sets your expectations for the next step.

When Is It Acceptable Not to Answer?

In some regions, asking for salary history is restricted or illegal. Even if it's not, you have the right to decline if you feel pressured or uncomfortable. If a recruiter insists after you've politely deflected, it may indicate a company culture that does not prioritize candidate experience. Based on our assessment experience, a professional recruiter will respect your boundary and focus on your qualifications. Your willingness to walk away from a poor negotiation dynamic is a powerful signal of your professional standards.

How Can You Demonstrate Your Value Beyond Salary?

Regardless of how you answer the salary question, use the interview to prove your worth. Discuss measurable achievements from your work history, such as increasing revenue by 15% or improving team efficiency. Emphasize your ambition and the unique value you bring, like your leadership skills or technical expertise. By articulating your impact, you give the employer concrete reasons to justify a higher offer, making the conversation about your future contribution rather than your past paycheck.

To maximize your negotiating power, remember these key points: research market rates beforehand, prepare a strategy to deflect or reframe the question, and always focus the conversation on the value you bring to the role. A well-prepared answer demonstrates professionalism and ensures your compensation is based on the job's worth, not your salary history.