What are Your Salary Expectations? 5 Best Answers from a Former Executive Recruiter

Few interview questions create more damage with fewer words. Not because it's hard. But because people answer it at the worst possible time, with the least possible leverage. Most candidates think this question is about money. It isn't. It's about timing, power, and whether you understand how hiring decisions actually get made. Say a number too early and you either leave money on the table you'll never get back or price yourself out before anyone truly understands your value. And here's the part nobody teaches. There isn't one "right" answer to this question. There's a sequence. A progression of responses that protects your leverage, keeps the process moving, and positions you to negotiate when your stock is highest, not lowest. In this week's lesson, I break down: Why giving a number early almost always works against you. What recruiters are really trying to confirm when they ask. And the exact recruiter-proof responses I use to control this conversation without sounding evasive or combative. If you've ever felt pressure to answer this question quickly, or worried that one wrong sentence could cost you thousands, this lesson will change how you approach salary conversations forever. If you'd like to build a great career and lead a rewarding life, check out some of these other places where I share my teachings: 1. Check out the milewalk Academy , my coaching and training site, for freemiums and premiums. 2. I have hundreds of educational and inspirational videos on my YouTube Channel . 3. Grab any of my four books related to career development, interviewing, hiring, and goal setting. All can be found on my Amazon Author Page . 4. Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , Twitter (X) , TikTok , Threads , and Facebook . 5. Stay in touch with me in your email inbox by joining my newsletter here ! --Andy

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What are Your Salary Expectations? 5 Best Answers from a Former Executive Recruiter is an episode from Tips for Work and Life with Andrew LaCivita by Andrew LaCivita.

This episode is 26:48 long.

This episode was published on Jan 27, 2026.

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