How to Answer “What Are Your Salary Expectations?” After Being Laid Off
One of the trickiest questions in the job search process is: “What are your salary expectations?” It pops up on nearly every job application, and you can bet it will come up in interviews too. Answering it wrong can cost you—either by pricing yourself too low and leaving money on the table or pricing yourself too high and scaring off the employer.
When you’ve been laid off, this question can feel even more stressful. Do you just take what you can get? Do you hold firm on what you made before? How do you make sure you don’t get lowballed?
Let’s break it down.
Why Employers Ask About Salary Expectations
Companies want to ensure that:
Your expectations align with their budget.
They aren’t wasting time on candidates they can’t afford.
They get you at the lowest possible cost (let’s be real).
This is why they often include the question right on the application. It’s a way to filter out candidates early. But here’s the thing—you don’t have to play their game.
How to Handle the Salary Question on Applications
Many online job applications require you to enter a number. Here are your options:
Leave it blank (if possible). Some systems allow you to skip this question. If you can, do it. You want to discuss salary later, when you have more leverage.
Enter a broad range. If the system forces you to answer, put something like $110,000 - $140,000 (adjust for your field). This keeps your options open and prevents you from anchoring too low.
Use “negotiable” if the system allows text. This signals flexibility without locking you into a number.
How to Answer the Question in an Interview
Once you get to the interview stage, how you handle this question matters even more. Here’s how to respond:
1. Flip It Back to Them
A great way to dodge the question is to get them to reveal their budget first. Try:
🗣️ “I’d love to learn more about the role and its responsibilities before discussing compensation. Could you share the range you have in mind?”
Most recruiters will tell you the range if you ask. Then, you can confirm whether it aligns with your expectations.
2. Give a Range, Not a Number
If they push you for an answer, give a range based on market data and your experience. Example:
🗣️ “Based on my research and experience, I’d expect something in the range of $120,000 to $140,000. However, I’m open to discussing the full compensation package.”
This keeps you flexible and avoids lowballing yourself.
3. Be Ready to Justify Your Range
If they ask how you came up with your range, be ready with:
Market data (Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, LinkedIn Salary)
Your past salary (if it was higher, mention it)
Your skills & experience (tie it back to your value)
Example:
🗣️ “In my last role, I was at $125,000, and I’ve since added XYZ skills. Based on market rates for similar roles in this industry, I believe $120,000 - $140,000 is appropriate.”
What If You’re Willing to Take Less?
If you’re in a situation where you’d accept a lower salary just to get back to work, don’t sell yourself short too soon. Instead of saying, “I’ll take whatever,” position it like this:
🗣️ “I’m focused on finding the right role and team. Compensation is important, but I’m open to discussing a package that makes sense for both of us.”
This way, you don’t devalue yourself, but you also signal flexibility.
Final Thoughts
When answering the salary question:
✅ Don’t lock yourself into a low number too early.
✅ Try to get them to reveal their range first.
✅ Give a range, not a single number.
✅ Base it on market data & your experience.
Being laid off doesn’t mean you have to settle for less. Negotiate with confidence, and remember—you bring value to the table.