Interview prep

How to answer "What are your salary expectations?"

The salary question comes up in phone screens and first interviews in almost every field. The goal is simple: give a researched range that fits the job, show you are flexible on the full package, and move back to why you fit the role. This guide is written for jobs in Canada.

Published November 4, 2026

Step 1: Check the posting first

Many Canadian postings now show pay, so read it before you answer.

If the posting shows a range, your answer can point to it. B.C.’s guidance notes that you can still ask for pay outside the advertised range.

Step 2: Research a range

Use Job Bank’s wage search for your job title and city or region. It shows low, median and high hourly wages by occupation. Two examples for Ontario from Job Bank (wages updated November 19, 2025; checked November 3, 2026):

Pick a range that starts near the middle for your experience level and goes a little higher. Then check it against the posting.

Step 3: Answer in three parts

  1. Range: one researched range, not a single number.
  2. Reason: one line on why (the research, your experience or your credentials).
  3. Open door: say you are open to the full package (hours, shifts, benefits, schedule) and turn back to the role.

Model answers

When the posting shows a range

“The posting lists $24 to $27 an hour, and that fits what I found when I checked wages for this role in my area. With my two years in home care, I’d be looking at the middle to upper part of that range. I’m also interested in hearing about shift patterns and benefits.”

When there is no range in the posting

“Based on my research for data analyst roles in Toronto and my experience with SQL and Power BI, I’m looking at $68,000 to $75,000. I’m flexible depending on the full package, and I’d like to hear more about what success looks like in the first year.”

New grad or first job

“I looked at wages for entry level roles like this in Ottawa, and something in the range of $52,000 to $58,000 seems fair for a new graduate. I care most about learning and growing in the role, so I’m open to discussing the full package.”

When they ask early and you’d rather wait

“I’d like to learn more about the role and the team first so I can give you a useful number. If it helps, my research shows roles like this in the area pay about $60,000 to $66,000, and I’m open to that range.”

When they ask what you earn now (outside B.C.)

“I’d rather focus on what this role is worth. Based on my research and the responsibilities here, I’m looking at $70,000 to $76,000.”

(Figures in the model answers are examples only. Replace them with your own research.)

Mistakes to avoid

  • Giving a number before you have read the posting or checked Job Bank.
  • A range so wide it says nothing (“$50,000 to $90,000”).
  • Talking about personal costs (rent, debt) instead of the job’s value.
  • Saying “anything is fine”. It can read as not knowing the role.

Practice it out loud

Say your answer out loud three times, then once with a friend asking it at an awkward moment, such as the first minute of a phone screen. Keep it under 30 seconds.

Practice with the guide for your role

Each role page has two questions with full model answers. The printable guide for a role is $24 CAD / $17 USD, paid once on that page.

Need the resumé that gets you the interview first? See resumé editing.

Sources

  1. Government of Ontario. Your guide to the Employment Standards Act: requirements related to publicly advertised job postings. https://www.ontario.ca/document/your-guide-employment-standards-act-0/requirements-related-publicly-advertised-job (accessed Nov 3, 2026)
  2. Ontario. O. Reg. 476/24, Rules and Exemptions re Job Postings. https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/240476 (accessed Nov 3, 2026)
  3. Government of British Columbia. Guidance on wage or salary information on job postings. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/about-the-bc-government/gender-equity/wage-or-salary-information-on-job-postings (accessed Nov 3, 2026)
  4. British Columbia. Pay Transparency Act, SBC 2023, c. 18, ss. 2 and 3. https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/23018 (accessed Nov 3, 2026)
  5. Job Bank, Government of Canada. Wages: Registered Nurse (R.N.) in Ontario, https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/993/ON, and Personal Support Worker, Home Support in Ontario, https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/24584/ON (wages updated November 19, 2025; checked November 3, 2026). Search tool: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/trend-analysis/search-wages
Practice for your role

Now try real questions for your job.

Each role page has two real interview questions with full model answers, free. Some roles also have a printable guide with 20 more questions.

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