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JL JobLabs

Salary & Logistics · UK 2026

How to answer "What are your salary expectations?"

Alex By Alex · 12-year UK recruiter · Updated April 2026

Interviewers also phrase it as:

  • "What kind of salary are you looking for?"
  • "What's your salary requirement?"
  • "What did you earn at your last role?"

Why interviewers ask

The interviewer wants to confirm you're in the band before further investment in the process. Bad answers waste the interviewer's time (overshooting) or anchor you low (undershooting). The strongest answers turn the question back to the band first, then position based on the band. Some interviewers will refuse to share — in that case, give a calibrated range based on your research.

Model answer

Before I give a specific number, would you mind sharing the band for the role? That'll help me calibrate. (Pause — let them share or refuse.) Based on the band you've shared (or based on my research into similar roles in this market), I'd be looking at the [upper third] of that range, which works out to around £[number]–£[number]. The exact number would depend on the rest of the package — pension match, bonus structure, holiday allowance. I'd want to evaluate the total comp rather than just base salary.

What to avoid (common bad answer)

I'm flexible; whatever the role pays is fine. (Anchors you to the bottom of the band — you've signalled you'll take less.) Or: I'm looking for £85,000. (Without context — high risk; either too low for the band or too high.) Or: My current salary is £62,000 plus bonus. (Anchors to your current pay, not market rate; common UK candidate mistake.) All three weaken your negotiating position.

Structure of a good answer

  • 1 Turn the question back to band first if politely possible
  • 2 Reference market research, not your current salary
  • 3 Position toward upper third of band rather than midpoint
  • 4 Frame as range, not single number
  • 5 Reference total comp not just base — leaves room for negotiation across components

Common mistakes

  • ✗ Anchoring to your current salary — caps your upside before you start
  • ✗ Saying 'I'm flexible' — anchors you to the bottom of the band
  • ✗ Giving a single number without a range — caps the negotiation upside
  • ✗ Lowballing because you're nervous — UK hiring managers respect candidates who know their worth
  • ✗ Refusing to give any number when asked directly — frustrates the interviewer

Recruiter pro tip

UK salary bands typically have 15-25% range from minimum to maximum. The midpoint is what most candidates anchor to and what gets offered automatically. The upper third is achievable for candidates who position themselves there in this conversation. Refusing to anchor at the midpoint is the single biggest negotiating move you can make at this stage. Ranges win; single numbers lose.

FAQ

What if they refuse to share the band? ▼

Give a calibrated range based on market research: 'Based on similar roles I've seen at [comparable companies], I'd expect the band to be around £X–£Y. I'd be looking at the upper end of that.' Keep it confident.

Should I mention my current salary? ▼

Avoid if possible. UK candidates who anchor to current salary leave roughly 10-15% on the table. If pressed, give it but immediately frame what you're looking for: 'I'm currently on £X but I'm looking for £Y based on the market.'

What if I'm a UK contractor? ▼

Frame as day rate range with note about IR35 status: '£550–£650 outside IR35, depending on length of engagement and inside-IR35 vs outside.'

Related interview questions

"Why are you leaving your current role?"

Career History

"What makes you a strong candidate?"

Closing

Browse all 48UK interview answer guides

Tell me about yourselfWhy do you want this role?Why this company?What's your greatest strength?What's your greatest weakness?Why are you leaving your current role?Where do you see yourself in 5 years?Why should we hire you?Tell me about a challenge you overcameTell me about a time you failedHow do you handle conflict at work?What motivates you?What questions do you have for us?What makes you a strong candidate?How do you handle stress and pressure?How do you prioritise your tasks?Tell me about a time you led a teamWhat's your management style?How do you handle feedback?Tell me about a time you disagreed with your managerTell me about a time you missed a deadlineWhy are there gaps in your CV?Tell me about a time you went above and beyondWhat's your biggest achievement?Describe your ideal work environmentTell me about yourself (recent graduate version)How would your colleagues describe you?Tell me about a time you handled ambiguityWhy now? (why are you looking now)How do you handle criticism?Describe yourself in three wordsTell me about a time you took initiativeHow do you handle deadlines?What do you know about our company?Why this industry?Tell me about a time you had to adapt to changeHow do you stay organised?Tell me about a time you influenced without authorityWhat's your dream job?How do you deal with difficult people at work?How do you define success?Tell me about a time you met a tight deadlineHow do you handle pressure?Tell me about a time you disagreed with a decisionWhat would your previous manager say about you?How do you stay current in your field?Tell me about a time you helped someone at work