• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 17:32
CEST 23:32
KST 06:32
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Calendar
  • Streams
  • Liquipedia
  • Features
  • Store
  • EPT
  • TL+
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Smash
  • Heroes
  • Counter-Strike
  • Overwatch
  • Liquibet
  • Fantasy StarCraft
  • TLPD
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Blogs
Forum Sidebar
Events/Features
News
Featured News
Code S RO4 & Finals Preview: herO, Rogue, Classic, GuMiho0TL Team Map Contest #5: Presented by Monster Energy4Code S RO8 Preview: herO, Zoun, Bunny, Classic7Code S RO8 Preview: Rogue, GuMiho, Solar, Maru3BGE Stara Zagora 2025: Info & Preview27
Community News
Classic & herO RO8 Interviews: "I think it’s time to teach [Rogue] a lesson."2Rogue & GuMiho RO8 interviews: "Lifting that trophy would be a testament to all I’ve had to overcome over the years and how far I’ve come on this journey.3Code S RO8 Results + RO4 Bracket (2025 Season 2)12BGE Stara Zagora 2025 - Replay Pack2Weekly Cups (June 2-8): herO doubles down1
StarCraft 2
General
Classic & herO RO8 Interviews: "I think it’s time to teach [Rogue] a lesson." Code S RO8 Results + RO4 Bracket (2025 Season 2) Code S RO4 & Finals Preview: herO, Rogue, Classic, GuMiho Rogue & GuMiho RO8 interviews: "Lifting that trophy would be a testament to all I’ve had to overcome over the years and how far I’ve come on this journey. I have an extra ticket to the GSL Ro4/finals
Tourneys
[GSL 2025] Code S: Season 2 - Semi Finals & Finals $3,500 WardiTV European League 2025 Sea Duckling Open (Global, Bronze-Diamond) SOOPer7s Showmatches 2025 RSL: Revival, a new crowdfunded tournament series
Strategy
[G] Darkgrid Layout Simple Questions Simple Answers [G] PvT Cheese: 13 Gate Proxy Robo
Custom Maps
[UMS] Zillion Zerglings
External Content
Mutation # 477 Slow and Steady Mutation # 476 Charnel House Mutation # 475 Hard Target Mutation # 474 Futile Resistance
Brood War
General
ASL20 Preliminary Maps BGH Auto Balance -> http://bghmmr.eu/ Recent recommended BW games BW General Discussion FlaSh Witnesses SCV Pull Off the Impossible vs Shu
Tourneys
[Megathread] Daily Proleagues [BSL 2v2] ProLeague Season 3 - Friday 21:00 CET Small VOD Thread 2.0 [BSL20] ProLeague Bracket Stage - Day 4
Strategy
I am doing this better than progamers do. [G] How to get started on ladder as a new Z player
Other Games
General Games
Path of Exile Nintendo Switch Thread Stormgate/Frost Giant Megathread Beyond All Reason What do you want from future RTS games?
Dota 2
Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion
League of Legends
Heroes of the Storm
Simple Questions, Simple Answers Heroes of the Storm 2.0
Hearthstone
Heroes of StarCraft mini-set
TL Mafia
Vanilla Mini Mafia TL Mafia Community Thread
Community
General
US Politics Mega-thread Things Aren’t Peaceful in Palestine UK Politics Mega-thread Russo-Ukrainian War Thread Vape Nation Thread
Fan Clubs
Maru Fan Club Serral Fan Club
Media & Entertainment
Korean Music Discussion [Manga] One Piece
Sports
Formula 1 Discussion 2024 - 2025 Football Thread NHL Playoffs 2024 TeamLiquid Health and Fitness Initiative For 2023
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
Computer Build, Upgrade & Buying Resource Thread
TL Community
The Automated Ban List
Blogs
A Better Routine For Progame…
TrAiDoS
StarCraft improvement
iopq
Heero Yuy & the Tax…
KrillinFromwales
I was completely wrong ab…
jameswatts
Need Your Help/Advice
Glider
Trip to the Zoo
micronesia
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 32366 users

Phone Interview Question

Blogs > MaRiNe23
Post a Reply
MaRiNe23
Profile Blog Joined December 2006
United States747 Posts
April 03 2014 23:49 GMT
#1
Hey guys. I have a phone interview tomorrow like the title says and wanted to ask a quick question. So far I had about 3-4 phone interviews and the question about what kind of salary I want nearly always came up. The application for this job also wanted me to put down a number for salary not "negotiable" or something but a numerical value.

I'm asking because every time they asked me this question I usually said some modest answer and never gave them an actual number. But I also read after researching this question online that I should say "negotiable." I think last time I said that "i'm not really sure..how much do people from this position usually make" and she told me how much and I said "sure that would be fine with me" is how i delt with it lol.

Basically made this blog to hear what you guys have answered to this question (or the best or the "correct" way to answer this question) and hopefully will help others answer this question too since I'm sure you guys will have to do a job interview sooner or later for those that are in school. But I don't know if saying "negotiable" is correct because I'm worried it sounds like it's too common and everyone says it and I'm trying hard not to make my interview sound rehearsed and robotic if you guys know what I mean. This is one of the few interview questions that I'm not too sure about. Thanks.

*
We have competitive ladder, strong community, progaming in Korea going strong, perfectly balanced game..why do we need sc2? #1 ANTI-SC2 fan
DarkPlasmaBall
Profile Blog Joined March 2010
United States44116 Posts
April 04 2014 00:41 GMT
#2
Is there any chance you can research ahead of time what the average salary for your job makes at that company?

If the starting salary is $30K, say like $35K (they'll haggle you down anyway, so it might as well be down to the average).
"There is nothing more satisfying than looking at a crowd of people and helping them get what I love." ~Day[9] Daily #100
Polemarch
Profile Joined August 2005
Canada1564 Posts
April 04 2014 00:42 GMT
#3
I'm usually on the employer's side of things, and for us the purpose of asking is to see if your salary expectations are in line with what we're prepared to pay. It's a waste of both of our time to spend a lot of time interviewing and then find at the end that you're looking for way more than we're prepared to pay.

You should do some research into what you would expect those sorts of jobs to pay, and then give a ballpark without giving away what your exact minimum is. If you already have a job, a good way of phrasing it is: "I'm currently making about $x; I'm looking to make a little more than that". It's also fine to ask "what's the salary range you have in mind for this position?" and then answer that something in the mid/upper range of that would meet your expectations (some companies might not answer that question though). Saying "negotiable" without giving a ballpark range defeats the point of the question and makes you seem evasive, I think.

You should negotiate, and recognize that the phone screening is part of that negotiation, so come prepared with a ballpark numerical answer.
I BELIEVE IN CAPITAL LETTER PUNISHMENT!!!!!
LuckyFool
Profile Blog Joined June 2007
United States9015 Posts
Last Edited: 2014-04-04 00:49:50
April 04 2014 00:49 GMT
#4
I've found it's best to go with a range expecting to get haggled down a bit. If the expected starting is in the low 50k's then saying something like "in the range of 50-55K" is usually fine.

Most companies have a salary range for their positions depending on your qualifications, past experience etc. I like job listings that state the salary range beforehand so you don't have to deal with that sort of guessing game.
Grobyc
Profile Blog Joined June 2008
Canada18410 Posts
April 04 2014 02:46 GMT
#5
Yeah you should look into the position and see what the typical salary is for the job considering your experience and ask just above it, as like others have mentioned, they will very likely give you an offer under what you asked for. If you ask too high they might just blow you off. If you ask exactly what they're willing to pay, they might still give you a low-ball offer. And don't be too modest and ask for too low, as it shows a lack of confidence and self-worth (and you'll make less obviously). Asking maybe 10% above what you think they would give you is a good estimate I suppose.
If you watch Godzilla backwards it's about a benevolent lizard who helps rebuild a city and then moonwalks into the ocean.
Nereites
Profile Joined November 2010
Canada102 Posts
April 04 2014 03:22 GMT
#6
After reading all the responses, my recommendation will be different than everyone else here. I have been taught to deflect the question back to the interviewer. You want them to show their cards first, if possible.

I would answer along the lines of "Although I have a fairly good idea of what the position entails based on the job posting, I am not sure I know enough specifics (such as benefits) to give a specific salary amount. Additionally, I don't want to price myself too high, or too low and talk myself out of this great job opportunity here at "company name".

Follow up by saying you'd like an offer and that you're sure that if they made one, that you would be able to reach a common ground.

Having said that, I do agree with everyone above in that you should know the range for the position if you can obtain it beforehand.

Also, for entry level positions there might not be as much negotiation room as more senior positions (could be wrong though).

Good Luck!
Stop whining about imbalance. You're just bad (likely) at the game and I am probably worse. Just have some fun
Shikada
Profile Joined May 2012
Serbia976 Posts
April 04 2014 07:08 GMT
#7
Never give the number first, it's 101 of salary negotiation. And talking about salary over the phone is sketchy, at best. At least it isn't the norm in the IT industry.

I suggest you read your way through the Workplace Stack Exchange. A lot of very good advice there.
joshie0808
Profile Blog Joined March 2011
Canada1023 Posts
Last Edited: 2014-04-04 08:09:39
April 04 2014 08:03 GMT
#8
On April 04 2014 12:22 Nereites wrote:
I would answer along the lines of "Although I have a fairly good idea of what the position entails based on the job posting, I am not sure I know enough specifics (such as benefits) to give a specific salary amount. Additionally, I don't want to price myself too high, or too low and talk myself out of this great job opportunity here at "company name".

Follow up by saying you'd like an offer and that you're sure that if they made one, that you would be able to reach a common ground.


Solid lines right there.

The rule about salary is that the first person to drop a number loses. Company's goal is to determine if your expectations are out of line with what they're gonna pay. Interviewer's goal is to get the highest pay that company thinks the job is worth. If your potential employer thinks you're a good candidate, getting them to name a value is better because they (usually) won't want to low-ball you for fear of losing a good candidate. So they'll start in the mid-upper range.

Secondly, go in prepared knowing the range of salary that your position pays based on your years of experience. This will help in knowing if you're getting a good offer or not, as well as help you set realistic expectations.

Nereites wrote a great way to gently evade the question. Don't dodge too hard else you'll seem evasive. Some other ways to say it:

- (in a joking/light way) "I'm sure you have talented accounting individuals who can figure out just what this job is worth. (more serious way) I'm interested in being paid appropriately for the value i'll be bringing to the job"

- I'd like to be paid fairly and competitively for the work I will be performing. I am someone who values <list things off> and will be open to discussing other compensation methods such as vacation time, bonuses, other perks etc.

Final note: Always get an understanding of the FULL compensation package (not just salary) especially if it is a career type job and not a summer position/internship. This includes bonuses, pay for performance, vacation time, training / further education funds, employee stock options, pension plans, etc. A 50k job with a great pension/ good stock options is worth much more than a 65k job with terrible pension plan and no stock options in the long run.

Negotiation should happen not during the interview (they ask this question to determine your fit and expectation level). The appropriate negotiation time (where you can be more firm and ask for more details etc.) is upon them giving you an offer. This means that they are interested and want to invest in you as an employee. DO negotiate. DO ask for tons of details on everything. It will show that you are interested, responsible, and not a fool for accepting whatever. Don't be a jerk about your demands. Be realistic but don't sell yourself low.

Good luck!
itzme_petey
Profile Blog Joined February 2004
United States1400 Posts
April 04 2014 15:05 GMT
#9
Speaking about salary during the preliminary interview stages is a bad idea. Stay vague and avoid giving a number.

Impress the interviewer with your skills, experiences and overall "value" to the company. Then once you get into the late stages, you can ask for 30% more than you expect and will eventually land a good 10%-20% higher than standard salary for that position.

Imagine a salesperson leading a conversation with price and then talking about all the benefits of a product. Its a tougher sell versus explaining all the benefits of the product based on what your needs are and then telling you the price. Our mind will usually overshoot the perceived value if the presentation was done right and thus agree to the asking price easier.
"Last night, I played a game.. as I recall it was a strategy game.. Peeked around and what did I see, a girl playing starcraft better than me.. and I jizzed in my pants.."
Cyx.
Profile Joined November 2010
Canada806 Posts
April 04 2014 18:01 GMT
#10
Also, www.glassdoor.com can give you a pretty decent idea of what people in your area in your field make - it's a decent starting point for this kind of bargaining problem.
MaRiNe23
Profile Blog Joined December 2006
United States747 Posts
April 04 2014 19:45 GMT
#11
Ok, just got done with the phone interview. I took the advice of not stating a number and they basically gave me a number estimate they were willing to pay and it's like kinda what joshie said because as we were wrapping up the interview he said as if he was checking off a list "your able to start right away, your salary are within our range(or something like that can't remember exactly what he said), etc" so right there is in line with what joshie said in that basically they were trying to see if their salary expectations match urs. I'm not sure what would've happened if I accidentally stated a number that wasn't in that range.

Thanks to everyone that posted though and especially the last couple posts about not stating a number.
We have competitive ladder, strong community, progaming in Korea going strong, perfectly balanced game..why do we need sc2? #1 ANTI-SC2 fan
Please log in or register to reply.
Live Events Refresh
BSL: ProLeague
18:00
Bracket Stage: Day 3
Hawk vs UltrA
Sziky vs spx
TerrOr vs JDConan
LiquipediaDiscussion
Cheesadelphia
15:00
Cheeseadelphia 2025
CranKy Ducklings427
davetesta96
LiquipediaDiscussion
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft: Brood War
Britney 16153
Calm 2917
Rain 1862
Horang2 1019
Dewaltoss 89
Rock 43
NaDa 7
Dota 2
LuMiX1
League of Legends
Grubby3105
Dendi1807
Counter-Strike
fl0m5925
Fnx 1162
Foxcn345
Stewie2K284
Heroes of the Storm
Trikslyr120
Other Games
tarik_tv51988
gofns21696
summit1g4576
C9.Mang0663
ViBE131
Mew2King101
Organizations
Other Games
gamesdonequick1238
StarCraft 2
angryscii 42
Blizzard YouTube
StarCraft: Brood War
BSLTrovo
sctven
[ Show 20 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• Hupsaiya 44
• LUISG 22
• tFFMrPink 20
• HeavenSC 18
• musti20045 8
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• sooper7s
• intothetv
• Kozan
• IndyKCrew
• LaughNgamezSOOP
• Migwel
StarCraft: Brood War
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
• BSLYoutube
Dota 2
• WagamamaTV620
• Ler116
League of Legends
• Doublelift4291
Other Games
• imaqtpie1625
• Shiphtur312
Upcoming Events
GSL Code S
10h 28m
Rogue vs herO
Classic vs GuMiho
Sparkling Tuna Cup
12h 28m
WardiTV Qualifier
18h 28m
BSL: ProLeague
20h 28m
Bonyth vs Dewalt
Cross vs Doodle
MadiNho vs Dragon
Replay Cast
1d 2h
Wardi Open
1d 13h
Replay Cast
2 days
Replay Cast
2 days
RSL Revival
2 days
Cure vs Percival
ByuN vs Spirit
RSL Revival
3 days
herO vs sOs
Zoun vs Clem
[ Show More ]
Replay Cast
4 days
The PondCast
4 days
RSL Revival
4 days
Serral vs SHIN
Solar vs Cham
Replay Cast
5 days
RSL Revival
5 days
Reynor vs Scarlett
ShoWTimE vs Classic
uThermal 2v2 Circuit
5 days
SC Evo League
6 days
Circuito Brasileiro de…
6 days
Liquipedia Results

Completed

Proleague 2025-06-11
BGE Stara Zagora 2025
Heroes 10 EU

Ongoing

JPL Season 2
BSL 2v2 Season 3
BSL Season 20
KCM Race Survival 2025 Season 2
NPSL S3
Rose Open S1
CSL 17: 2025 SUMMER
2025 GSL S2
Murky Cup #2
BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025
ESL Impact League Season 7
IEM Dallas 2025
PGL Astana 2025
Asian Champions League '25
BLAST Rivals Spring 2025
MESA Nomadic Masters
CCT Season 2 Global Finals
IEM Melbourne 2025
YaLLa Compass Qatar 2025
PGL Bucharest 2025

Upcoming

Copa Latinoamericana 4
CSLPRO Last Chance 2025
CSLPRO Chat StarLAN 3
K-Championship
SEL Season 2 Championship
Esports World Cup 2025
HSC XXVII
Championship of Russia 2025
BLAST Open Fall 2025
Esports World Cup 2025
BLAST Bounty Fall 2025
BLAST Bounty Fall Qual
IEM Cologne 2025
FISSURE Playground #1
TLPD

1. ByuN
2. TY
3. Dark
4. Solar
5. Stats
6. Nerchio
7. sOs
8. soO
9. INnoVation
10. Elazer
1. Rain
2. Flash
3. EffOrt
4. Last
5. Bisu
6. Soulkey
7. Mini
8. Sharp
Sidebar Settings...

Advertising | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Contact Us

Original banner artwork: Jim Warren
The contents of this webpage are copyright © 2025 TLnet. All Rights Reserved.