Job Interview Question and Answer: What Did You Earn at Your Job?

This salary question can be one of the most awkward parts of a job interview. If you’re aiming for a significant pay increase—or even taking a step back to change industries—sharing your previous salary may feel like a trap.

It’s a tricky balance: being honest while not underselling yourself or pricing yourself out of the role. While you’re not legally required to disclose your salary, how you respond can shape the direction of the negotiation and influence whether or not you receive an offer.

Here’s how to handle the question with confidence and tact.

1. Know Your Market Value

Before any interview, research the typical salary range for your role, industry, and location. Sites like SEEK Salary Guide or the Labour Market Insights portal by the Australian Government can help you benchmark your skills and experience against market expectations.

This equips you with evidence to justify your desired salary and avoids relying on your past income—which may not reflect your true value in the current job market.

2. Read the Timing of the Question

When the question is asked can reveal a lot. If it comes early in the process, it might be used as a screening tool. If asked later, it could signal serious interest in making you an offer.

Either way, be cautious about giving a figure too soon. Revealing a salary that’s too high may make you seem unaffordable; too low, and you risk underselling yourself or inviting a lower offer.

3. Redirect the Question

If you’re not ready to disclose specifics, you can pivot with a response like:

“My previous salary was within the standard industry range for someone with my level of experience and responsibilities. I’m more focused on finding the right fit and opportunity for growth.”

Then, flip the question:

“Could you share the salary range you have budgeted for this position?”

This approach signals that you’re open to discussion but won’t commit prematurely. It also helps ensure that the employer is transparent about their offer expectations.

4. Offer a Salary Range, If Necessary

If pressed, provide a realistic salary range based on your research, rather than a single number. This gives you flexibility and leaves room for negotiation once an offer is made.

Example: “Based on my experience and the industry standard, I’d expect a salary in the range of $75,000 to $85,000, depending on the overall package.”

Be prepared to explain how you arrived at that range—back it up with data or reference your evolving responsibilities in past roles.

5. Emphasise Total Value, Not Just Pay

Remember, salary is only one part of your compensation. If you’re flexible, highlight other factors that matter to you:

• Professional development or training opportunities
• Workplace flexibility or hybrid options
• Career progression or mentorship programs
• Extra leave entitlements or wellness initiatives

Tip: Framing the conversation around your broader career goals shows maturity and long-term thinking—qualities that employers value.

Stay Diplomatic and In Control

How you handle this question can say as much about your communication style as it does about your pay expectations. Aim to be:

• Confident – Know your worth and back it up with research
• Flexible – Show you’re open to negotiation based on the full package
• Professional – Stay calm, polite, and on-topic

Whether you’re negotiating your first job out of uni or stepping into a senior role, this question is your opportunity to demonstrate self-awareness, strategy, and assertiveness—all while keeping the conversation constructive.

Need more help with tough interview questions? Explore our full interview Q&A guide for practical tips and sample answers.