How to answer "what's your salary expectation?"

This question makes most candidates nervous, because it feels like whoever answers first loses. In practice, a clear three-part structure handles it well almost every time.

First, if the role's scope is still unclear, it's fair to ask a clarifying question: "Before I give a number, could you share the budgeted range for this role?" Many companies will answer directly.

Second, give a range, not a single number. A single number invites a take-it-or-leave-it response. Base your range on real research and keep it narrow enough that you'd be happy anywhere inside it.

Third, anchor your number to value, not need. "Based on my experience leading similar projects, I'm looking in the $X–Y range" lands very differently from talking about personal expenses.

Answered this way, the question stops being a trap and becomes just another normal part of the conversation.