Talking about money is awkward, especially when you are in the running for a new job. The moment when compensation expectations come up can make even the most confident professional squirm.
But discussing your desired compensation doesn't have to feel like walking through a minefield. With the right preparation and approach, you can navigate these conversations with confidence and land on a number that reflects your true value.
Know Your Worth Before You Name Your Price
You can't discuss compensation requirements confidently if you don't know what you should be earning. Research is your foundation here.
Start with these steps:
- Check salary databases like Glassdoor, PayScale, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Factor in your location. Costs vary dramatically by region.
- Consider your experience level and specialized skills.
- Look at total compensation. Base salary, benefits, bonuses, equity, and perks.
Pro tip: Working with a staffing company like Nesco Resource can give you insider knowledge about what employers are actually paying. You can also reference Nesco Resource’s 2026 Employment and Compensation Guide.
When to Discuss Your Desired Compensation
Timing matters. Some applications force the desired compensation conversation early by requiring salary information upfront. If you must provide a number at this stage, give yourself room to negotiate by offering a range.
During interviews, most experts recommend waiting until you have an offer. Why? Because you have more leverage once they've decided they want you.
That said, if the interviewer asks directly about your compensation expectations, don't dodge the question. Being transparent (like being honest about the reasons you’re leaving your current job) builds trust and saves everyone time.
How to Actually Express Your Compensation Expectations
Here's where preparation pays off. You need a script you can deliver naturally and confidently.
Frame It as a Range
Never give a single number when discussing your desired compensation. Ranges show flexibility while protecting your minimum.
Try something like: "Based on my research and experience, my compensation requirements fall in the range of $65,000 to $75,000, depending on the complete benefits package."
Turn the Question Around
Sometimes the best move is a polite redirect: "I'm open to discussing compensation expectations. Could you share the range budgeted for this position?"
Be Ready to Justify Your Number
If they push back on your desired compensation, calmly explain your relevant experience, market research, specialized skills, and the value you'll deliver.
Negotiation Strategies That Work
Once you're discussing compensation requirements actively, it's negotiation time.
- Come prepared with data to support your ask.
- Consider the full package. Sometimes flexibility beats a higher base.
- Know your walk-away number before conversations begin.
- Use email strategically. Written negotiations give you time to think and research.
Mistakes That'll Cost You
Even with preparation, it's easy to stumble. Avoid these pitfalls when discussing compensation requirements:
- Naming a number too early. Let them show their hand first when possible
- Underselling yourself. Know your market value
- Being completely inflexible about your compensation requirements
- Skipping the research. Guessing makes you look unprepared
Take Control of Your Career
Discussing compensation expectations confidently doesn’t mean you need to be aggressive. Simply go into negotiations knowing your value, doing your homework, and communicating clearly about your desired compensation.
At Nesco Resource, we've been helping candidates navigate these conversations since 1956. As a nationally ranked staffing and workforce solutions company, we connect job seekers with opportunities that fit their skills, schedules, and goals.
Whether you're looking for contingent labor opportunities or direct hire positions, we help you find work that works for you and ensure you're compensated fairly. From your first interview to your first day and beyond, we walk with you through every step, including those sometimes-uncomfortable discussions about compensation expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your desired compensation?
Your desired compensation should be a realistic range based on market research, your experience, and the role's responsibilities. Provide a salary range (for example, "$70,000 to $80,000") and explain how you arrived at those numbers using industry data.
What compensation are you seeking?
When asked what compensation you're seeking, respond with a well-researched range reflecting your market value. Consider benefits, bonuses, and growth opportunities. A strong response: "Based on my experience and market research, I'm seeking compensation requirements in the $60,000 to $70,000 range, though I'm open to discussing the complete package."