The good news: Earlier this week, I got a phone interview. The bad news: I thought the interview was going well until I was asked the dreaded “What’s your salary expectation” question.

It’s not that I don’t want to talk money — I love money! — but I find it a little hard to talk about very early in the interview process.

Anyway, just like a normal person would, I turned to my tweeps after the interview for advice on how to handle the question in the future. Mistakes are awesome if you can learn from them, and this is one mistake I intend on learning from.

Anyone have tips on how to answer the "What's your salary expectation" question? I bombed this question earlier today... #help #jobhunt

August 17, 2011 8:56 pm via HootSuiteReplyRetweetFavorite

@kcclaveria

Kelvin (KC) Claveria

During the interview

The biggest advice I got was to expect the question. In this case, I made the assumption that it won’t be asked because it’s a first interview (and over the phone) — obviously, I was wrong!

Research is key. You’d want to have a good idea of what’s the acceptable range in your industry.

@kcclaveria lots of research ahead of time to find typical salary range for the position.

August 17, 2011 9:36 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@chelsetron

Chelsea Watt

@kcclaveria be sure to know the value of the job and give a salary range and 2-3pts why you fit in that range

August 17, 2011 9:09 pm via HootSuiteReplyRetweetFavorite

@customersright

David Hannigan

@kcclaveria i usually say i expect to be reasonally compensation according to industry standards; either directly or through benefits

August 17, 2011 9:44 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@melodymyzhang

Melody Zhang

To research average compensation in your industry, some websites you can check out are PayScale.com (for annual salaries) and the HRSDC Labour Market Information (for hourly wages).

One of the most interesting advice I got came from an HR professional. Her advice was to emphasize that you’d like to learn more about the position:

@kcclaveria Tell them it's something you are happy to discuss later in the process but right now you're focusing on whether you are

August 17, 2011 11:04 pm via EchofonReplyRetweetFavorite

@floyvr

Florence Lee

@kcclaveria a good fit for co. If they push then ask what range they typically pay for this position. You can also do salary research

August 17, 2011 11:05 pm via EchofonReplyRetweetFavorite

@floyvr

Florence Lee

Putting salary expectation on your resumé

A day after I asked my question, I noticed that @alexjuy, a fellow job seeker, asked a similar question. This time, he was concerned about putting a figure on his resumé.

@alexjuy @kcclaveria @nicolb expect to be compensated fairly. Know the avg salary for that job and give a range around it. #jobhunt ^dl

August 18, 2011 4:28 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@SFU_Career

SFU Career Services

@kcclaveria @SFU_Career @nicolb my internet research has suggested at the end, throw in the word negotiable and a reason why #jobhunt

August 18, 2011 3:15 pm via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite

@alexjuy

Alex Juy

I guess the bottom line for both cases is this: do enough research, provide an acceptable range, and show willingness to negotiate.

Would love your thoughts!

I’m pretty sure these tips are not comprehensive yet. What other tips do you have on how to answer the salary expectation question during an interview? Please share in the comments and help a job seeker out.

Photo: Buffawhat | Flickr

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