Get Paid What You’re Worth: Salary Research Essentials [Questions, Answers & Poll Results]

1. Can I request more than the offered salary?

Answer: Absolutely! You can and should negotiate if you believe the offer doesn’t reflect your value. The key is to back your request with solid research and deliver it respectfully. A confident, informed ask shows you’re thoughtful and serious about the opportunity.

• Always use data when negotiating.
• Frame a positive, persuasive request.
• If the salary’s firm, consider negotiating benefits or flexible perks.

Recommended Reading:

Ask a Career Advisor: What Data Do I Need to Effectively Negotiate My Salary?

2. How do I negotiate when entering a new industry with related skills?

Answer: The trick is to connect the dots for the employer. Show how your past wins apply in this new space. Focus on transferable strengths and your ability to adapt quickly. Enthusiasm goes a long way when paired with relevant experience.

• Highlight your transferable skills clearly in interviews and materials.
• Share stories that show you’ve succeeded in new or evolving environments.
• Showcase recent and relevant professional development/training.

Recommended Reading:

Career Change 101: How to Pivot With Purpose

3. When asked for a range, is it okay to say, “I have researched pay scales and your range aligns with my expectations”?

Answer: Yes, that’s a strong way to keep the conversation open and informed. It shows you’ve done your homework, you’re flexible, and you respect the employer’s range. That’s a professional approach that builds trust early.

• When asked for your range, you can first ask to learn more about the role.
• If needed, give a researched range that reflects your ideal outcome.
• Tie your numbers to the value you bring – not just market data.

Recommended Reading:

Ask a Career Advisor: What Should I Put for “Desired Salary” on Job Applications?

4. How can I maintain effective eye contact, posture, and facial expression when negotiating?

Answer: Nonverbal cues are powerful during negotiation. A confident posture, steady eye contact, and calm demeanor show you’re present and engaged. These signals help you appear trustworthy and self-assured – even if you’re nervous inside!

• Practice your body language on video or in front of a mirror.
• Lean in slightly and keep an open, relaxed stance.
• Pause before replying. It helps you stay calm and in control.

Recommended Reading:

Beyond the Handshake: 9 Interview Body Language Tips

5. What is the best way to ask about benefits like medical or dental coverage without appearing presumptive?

Answer: Timing is everything. Once the offer is close, it’s perfectly reasonable to ask about benefits. Just frame it as part of understanding the full package, not a demand. Showing excitement for the role helps keep the tone positive.

• Say something like, “I’m really excited about this opportunity. When would be a good time to review the benefits?”
• Wait until the conversation turns toward an offer before diving into details.
• Ask open-endedly, “Can you walk me through how benefits are structured here?”

Recommended Reading:

Why You Should Look Beyond Salary When Making a Career Move

6. How should someone over 50 with local and international experience approach salary negotiation?

Answer: Your experience is a powerful advantage. Lean into it! Employers want seasoned professionals who are adaptable and tech-savvy. Highlight recent accomplishments and show how you stay current. Confidence and curiosity can beat age bias.

• Use recent success stories to prove your continued impact.
• Emphasize adaptability and comfort with new tools or systems.
• Show how your mentoring and leadership style brings value to teams.

Recommended Reading:

Tips for Salary Negotiation After 50: Protecting Yourself From Age Discrimination

Your Next Great Job Is Waiting

Create your account to access verified jobs in your industry, resume tools, and more.

Job Seeker Sign In

Sign in with Google

Sign in with LinkedIn

Sign in with Apple

Or, use your email address:

Next

We Value Your Privacy

7. How should I respond when asked about my current salary? If I refuse, could that hurt me?

Answer: You’re not required to share your current salary, and it’s perfectly okay to redirect. Focus on what’s fair for the role you’re applying for. Most hiring teams respect a professional, market-driven response.

• Try, “I’d prefer to focus on what’s appropriate for this role and market conditions.”
• Share a researched salary range that reflects your skills, not your past pay.
• Reaffirm your excitement and shift the focus to future value.

Recommended Reading:

Ask a Career Advisor: Can You Lose a Job Offer by Negotiating Salary?

8. How do I handle job postings where the salary is marked confidential?

Answer: When pay isn’t listed, don’t stress; let the process unfold. Wait until you’ve moved forward in interviews before bringing up compensation. It’s okay to ask once you’ve built rapport.

• After progressing in the process, ask, “Can you share how compensation is typically structured for this role?”
• If you must share early, offer a range backed by research.
• Think big picture: negotiate benefits, flexibility, or growth opportunities.

Recommended Reading:

7 Salary Negotiation Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs

9. How do I determine fair pay when the range is something broad like $68,000 to $120,000?

Answer: Wide ranges usually mean room to negotiate. Aim high if your experience matches. Use tools to compare roles in your field and region so you can confidently ask for what you’re worth.

• Use online salary benchmarks and job market data to guide your ask.
• Back up your request with achievements and outcomes.
• If salary is tight, negotiate perks like PTO, bonuses, or remote flexibility.

Recommended Reading:

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Salary Negotiation Script

10. What tips do you have for entry-level candidates, and which AI tools should be used?

Answer: Focus on learning, growing, and communicating clearly. Entry-level offers may have less wiggle room, but you can still advocate for yourself. And yes, AI tools can be a huge asset if used wisely!

• Tap into iHire’s Entry-Level Resource Center to jump-start your search.
• Try AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini to create custom negotiation scripts.
• Always customize any AI outputs – your unique voice matters!

Recommended Reading:

6 Tips for Gen Z Job Seekers – From Real Employers

Watch the on-demand webinar, “Get Paid What You’re Worth: Salary Research Essentials,” anytime for more expert advice.