The job interview is going exactly as planned. You have the necessary qualifications, a rapport with the interviewers, and the practice sessions you and a friend went through helped you present smoothly and confidently. You have a strong chance of getting this job.

Then you're asked the awkward question, "What do you expect to earn?"

Many job seekers dread being asked about their salary requirements. There's a fear that if you underbid a price, you'll lose money. However, if you give an unrealistic figure, you may be priced out of consideration for the role. That is a difficult calculation to make no matter where you are in your career.

The good news is that there are strategies for giving figures that are both fair to you and within the employer's budget when discussing compensation expectations during the hiring process. When discussing money with a potential employer, timing, tact, and research are all important.

Here is what you should do:

1Conduct market and salary research

No matter what type of job you are looking for or at what level, the job interview is your chance to show the hiring manager that you are deserving of top pay. You want the prospective employer to think at the end of the interview, "That's who I want to hire." How can I persuade them to join our team?"

Compensation expectations may be discussed during the initial formal interview — or even during the initial phone vetting. As a result, you should begin planning your "expected salary" response as soon as you apply for the job. That means you must do your research.

For federal data, consult reputable sources such as the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

You can do specific search in you mother countries to establish the standards for both starters and the already established.

Each and every country might be having a specific salary calculator that you might consider using.

2Instead of a specific salary, consider providing a salary range

Job seekers should avoid asking about salary when submitting their application materials or even during the initial phone vetting. Raising the subject of money too soon sends the message that you're more interested in the paycheck than the position.

However, this does not mean that the employer will not inquire about salary requirements during the initial contact.

If a job posting asks applicants to state their expected salary when applying for the position, give a range — not a specific figure — that you're comfortable with. Answers like "Negotiable" may work, but they can also make you appear evasive. You'll know what a reasonable salary range is if you've done your research.

If the topic of pay comes up during your first meeting with a hiring manager, you can still give a range — and hedge it even more:

"From what I know about the position, I believe it is in the $XX - $XX range."

This type of phrasing demonstrates adaptability, which employers value. It also allows you to adjust the figures if you believe they are necessary after learning more about the job and the employer's expectations for the new hire.

3Diplomatically flip the question

There's nothing sneaky about hedging with a salary range when it's still early in the hiring process, as discussed above. An employer who inquires about an expected salary before discussing the job in detail cannot expect a more specific response.

However, at this early stage, you have the opportunity to flip the question. Whether salary requirements are discussed over the phone or at the start of your first video interview with the employer, you can smile and say:

"Before discussing money, I'd like to learn more about the position, the duties, and the team." But, may I inquire as to the salary range you are considering for this position?"

When delivered politely, you'll demonstrate that your priority is learning whether the role is truly what you're looking for — something that every employer will respect. And your deft invitation to share the budgeted salary range will be difficult to resist.

If the employer's salary range is in the ballpark of what you're looking for, or even higher, thank them for sharing the information. If it's a little less, say it's at the lower end of what you were hoping for, but you'd still like to talk about the job.

What's the point? Even in a tough job market, some companies are willing to pay more to attract top talent.

Demonstrate that you have exactly what the employer is looking for, and you'll most likely be able to negotiate a salary figure to your liking as you work out the details of the job offer.

If the employer is starting at a much lower range than your desired compensation, say so and inquire whether the figures would be adjusted for the right hire. Don't waste your or the employer's time if it's clear from the start that you won't be able to agree on a salary.

4It is now time to give a number, not a range

You must make a decision at some point. By the second (or third, if the process is that long), you've probably learned everything you need to know about the job and how success will be measured, you've met team members, and you've shared the salary range you're considering — or the employer has shared the figure they've budgeted for the position.

The only major unanswered questions are the candidate's compensation expectations and whether the employer can meet them. So, when an employer asks you for your expected salary, you must be prepared to provide a number rather than a range.

Consider everything you've learned from your research and interviews. Are the responsibilities and stress level in line with what you expected when you applied for the job? Will you be in charge of people or processes that were not mentioned in the original job posting? What employee benefits, perks, and bonus opportunities will be included in the compensation package, perhaps most importantly?

All of that information should help you arrive at a salary figure that you believe is fair and will be acceptable to the employer. You may have had to tip your hand when salary requirements first came up, but that doesn't mean you're committed to the range you initially provided. Form your response by briefly mentioning the points you believe are relevant to compensation expectations. It's even better if you can frame it positively. For instance:

• Given the position's responsibilities and the number of people I'd be in charge of, I believe $XX is a reasonable salary. It's an exciting opportunity, and I truly believe I'm the right person for the job."

• "The challenges you've described have piqued my interest! $XX appears to be an appropriate starting salary. There's a lot to take on, but I'm confident I'd be successful in the role."

• "I'm thinking $XX. This is a big job, but it's one I'm very familiar with and well-suited for. At my previous employer, I led a similar team, and we accomplished all of our objectives. I'd be thrilled to take on another challenge like this!" "I recall the salary range you gave me earlier, and I appreciate it.

• "$XX is what I'm thinking. This is a big job, but it's one I'm very familiar with and qualified for. At my previous job, I led a similar team, and we accomplished all of our objectives. I'd love to take on another challenge like this!"

• "I recall the salary range you gave me earlier, and I understand that you must work within a budget. However, I'd like to propose $XX as a starting salary. The duties of this position are quite demanding, and as we both stated, I have all of the necessary skills and training. I believe I can provide the results you're looking for."

Maintain a positive and friendly tone. Be assured and courteous. And, most importantly...

5Always tell the truth

Never lie about your experience, training, or the impact you had at your previous or current job. Do not include it on your resume or cover letter, or during interviews or salary negotiations. The truth will eventually come out — perhaps during reference checks, a skills test, or when the employer observes how you perform at your new job. It will eventually come out.

The same is true for your current or previous salary. It's best to keep the conversation focused on your skills and the value you'd bring to the role, rather than how much you've been paid in the past. If you are asked about your current salary, however, be truthful. If it is discovered that you inflated the numbers, you may lose the job offer.

What to do once you've decided on a salary

The offer was made by the employer, and the salary meets or comes close to your salary expectations. What happens next? Thank the hiring manager and request a day or two to think things over if necessary.

If you accept the position, express your enthusiasm and discuss the start date. Then request a formal, written offer so you can double-check everything you've discussed, from job description and pay to perks and benefits.

Don't put your agreement at risk of being misunderstood. And don't give your current job notice until you've signed and returned the written offer.