Pay & Negotiation · UK 2026
How to answer "what are your salary expectations?" (UK)
Time
30 mins
Difficulty
Moderate
Steps
7
The salary expectations question is the moment most UK candidates lose 10-15% of their potential offer. The default answer ("I'm flexible" or "around £X") anchors you to the bottom of the band. The candidates who land top-of-band offers do three things: turn the question back, anchor to market rate not current salary, and frame as range not single number. Here's the 30-minute prep.
Step-by-step
- 1
Research the band before the call
Glassdoor + Levels.fyi (for tech) + LinkedIn salary insights for the role at the company. Get a defensible range. Be ready to cite "based on my research" if pushed.
- 2
Decide your acceptable range
Bottom: the lowest number you'd accept and not regret. Top: the highest reasonable for the role at this stage. Mid: where you're aiming. Write all three down before the call.
- 3
Turn the question back first
"Before I give a specific number, would you mind sharing the band for the role? That'll help me calibrate.". Pause. Wait for their answer. Many recruiters share the band when asked directly.
- 4
If they share the band, anchor to upper third
"Based on the band you've shared, I'd be looking at the upper end — around £[upper third number]. The exact figure would depend on the rest of the package.". You've anchored above the midpoint without committing to a single figure.
- 5
If they refuse to share the band, give a calibrated range
"Based on similar roles I've looked at in this market, I'd expect this to be in the £X-£Y range. Where in that range depends on the rest of the package.". Range, not single number.
- 6
Reference total comp, not just base
Always frame the answer in total comp terms. "Base salary, pension match, bonus structure, equity if applicable — I'd evaluate the full package.". This leaves room for negotiation across components.
- 7
Don't volunteer your current salary
If asked directly, deflect: "I'd rather focus on the market rate for this specific role.". If pressed, give it but immediately reframe: "I'm currently on £X but I'm looking at the market rate for [target role] which is £Y.". Re-anchor immediately.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Anchoring to current salary — caps the offer at current + 5-15%.
- ✗Saying "I'm flexible" — anchors you to the bottom of the band.
- ✗Giving a single number — caps the negotiation upside.
- ✗Lowballing because you're nervous — UK hiring managers respect candidates who know their worth.
- ✗Refusing to give any number when pressed — frustrates the interviewer.
Recruiter pro tip
The single most effective phrase: "Based on the band you've shared, I'd be looking at the upper third — around £X.". It accepts the structure of their band while pushing toward the top. Refusing to anchor at the midpoint is the single biggest negotiation move you can make at this stage. UK candidates who learn this consistently capture 10-15% more than peers.