Expert reveals how to answer ‘trickiest question’ asked in a job interview

A career advisor has shared how to successfully answer the 'trickiest question' in a job interview.

Job interviews are always nerve-wrecking, but there’s one question that we all seem to collectively feel uncomfortable about answering.

In a recent Instagram post, career advisor Erin McGoff explained how to respond to the forever awkward question that makes us all cringe during the interview process.

"What’s your salary expectations?"

McGoff told her followers that the worst mistake you can make is throwing out an exact figure you hope to earn, as you could be talking your way out of a higher salary.

Another way you could be doing yourself over is by revealing what your salary is at your current role.

Erin explained: “Ah, the classic, ‘What are your salary expectations?’, also known as, ‘How much are you looking to make?’

“Companies ask this to see how little you’ll go for or if you’re out of their price range.

“What they should do is list the salary range upfront so you can see whether or not their budget aligns with your expectations.

“But them asking you first allows them to have more negotiation power.”

“This question is tricky,” Erin added.

She went on to give further tips on how to obtain the best possible salary within a new role, saying that ‘low balling’ is a common tactic job seekers will use at their own disadvantage, with the fear that you might come across as too pricey to hire.

“If you say too low of a number, you risk them lowballing you and if you say too high of a number, you can risk them writing you off as too expensive," Erin continued.

“Try this instead: ‘Thank you so much for bringing that up, I would love to know the approved salary range for the position.”

If the hiring manager responds: “We don’t really have a set range,” Erin suggested saying: "Got it. Well my salary range is flexible but I’d like to learn more about the specifics of the role before giving out a solid number."

However, if the interviewer urges you to give a range, Erin advised saying: “Well I can tell you that I’m currently interviewing for roles that are in the $65,000 to $95,000 range.

“I’m flexible on salary depending on other elements of the compensation package.”

She added: “Keep it open, polite and professional - you got this!”