You’re in the final interview for a great tech job in the EU. Everything is going perfectly. Then, the HR manager smiles and asks:
“So, what are your salary expectations?”
Freeze. This is a test. And in Europe, this question is becoming more complex.
This is not a casual question. It’s the first move in a negotiation. How you answer it can change your financial future by thousands of euros. Here is your interview prep.
1. Why They Ask
They ask for two reasons, and only two:
- To Anchor You: If you say “€50,000,” you will never get €65,000, even if that was their budget. You have just “anchored” the negotiation low.
- To Screen You: If their budget is €50,000 and you say “€80,000,” the interview is over. It saves them time.
2. The New Law: The EU Pay Transparency Directive
This is the game-changer. This question is being phased out.
A new EU Pay Transparency Directive is now law (to be fully implemented by member states by June 2026). This law requires employers to provide the salary range for a role upfront in the job ad. It also bans employers from asking about your salary history.
This law is already changing the culture. It is moving the power from the employer to you.
3. Your Strategy: The “Dodge, Deflect, and Flip”
Your goal is simple: Do not be the first person to say a number.
HR: “What are your salary expectations?”
Level 1: The Dodge
This is a polite, vague answer that focuses on the role.
You: “Right now, I’m most focused on finding the right fit. I’m really excited about the team and the tech stack. I’m sure if I’m the right candidate, we can agree on a fair compensation.”
Level 2: The Deflect (The Pro Move)
This is a polite dodge that also shows you’ve done your research.
You: “I’ve done my research on the market for a [Your Role] in [City Name], and my understanding is that a competitive range is between €X and €Y. I’m confident that if this is a good fit, you’ll make a fair offer.”
Note: You’re not saying what you want. You’re saying what the market dictates.
Level 3: The Flip (The Best Move)
This is the most confident move. You turn the question back on them.
You: “That’s a great question. I’m flexible and open to a competitive offer. To make sure we’re on the same page, could you tell me what the budgeted salary range is for this position?“
In the new-EU-transparency world, this is the expected, professional question to ask. 9 times out of 10, they will tell you.
What if I’m Forced?
Sometimes, a form or a recruiter won’t let you proceed. If you must give a number, give a range, not a single number.
- Make the bottom of your range the lowest number you would be happy with.
- Base your range on research (Glassdoor, Levels.fyi) for that specific city (jobs in Germany pay differently than jobs in Poland).
- Never base it on your last salary. Your last salary is irrelevant.
This process is stressful, which is why a recruitment agency, get-talent.eu in Europe is so valuable. A good recruiter is your “agent.” You tell them your real number, and they have this negotiation for you. They know the budgets, and it’s their job to get you the best possible offer.
References
- European Commission: Pay Transparency in the EU
- Harvard Business Review: How to Answer ‘What Are Your Salary Expectations?’