Saying “my salary expectations” at work

Say this instead

1. 01

   Thanks for sharing the budgeted range. My range is [X–Y] per year, depending on the full package. Does that fit what you have in mind?

   Recruiter / HR · Chat

   Use it right after a recruiter shares their budget, because it gives your number and invites a direct answer.

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2. 02

   Based on my experience and the scope of the role, I'm targeting [X–Y] per year. I'm happy to talk through how that compares with your budget.

   Recruiter / HR · Email

   Pick this when a recruiter asks for your number in writing, since it ties the figure to your experience and keeps talks open.

   Use for my message
   Copy
3. 03

   Hi [Name], I'm looking for [X–Y] per year for a role like this. Let me know if that works with your budget.

   Recruiter / HR · SMS

   Suits a quick text reply when a recruiter wants a figure before scheduling a call.

   Use for my message
   Copy
4. 04

   Given the responsibilities I've taken on since [month], I'd like to discuss moving my salary to [amount] per year. Could we find 30 minutes this week or next?

   Boss · Email

   Try it to request a pay review, as it gives a reason, a specific figure and a clear next step.

   Use for my message
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5. 05

   Hi [Name], could we set up a short chat about my pay? I'm hoping to move to [amount] per year and can walk you through what has changed in my role.

   Boss · Chat

   Good for a less formal workplace, because it asks for time and states your figure up front.

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6. 06

   I'm hoping for around [X–Y] for the new role. Does that sound realistic for the team?

   Coworker · Chat

   Reach for it with a trusted colleague who knows how the team hires, before you give a number to HR.

   Use for my message
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Examples

What to avoid

• Don't name the topic without a number, and give a figure or range with the currency and the period.
• Switching between monthly and yearly amounts in the same conversation makes your figure hard to compare.
• Opening with “Sorry to ask, but” is unnecessary when you are simply answering a standard question.
• Saying “whatever you think is fair” gives away your position if you already have a number in mind.
• A range so wide that its bottom figure is one you wouldn't accept leaves you open to getting exactly that.

Related phrases

• Saying “I need a deposit” at work→
• Better ways to say “what is your budget?”→
• “I can't give a discount”: how to say it politely→
• Saying “your payment is pending” at work→
• Saying “this is my price” at work→
• Better ways to say “I feel undervalued” at work→