Salary, notice period and logistics
Sound calm and friendly when talking about money and timing.
What they’re listening for
- • Are your expectations in their range?
- • When could you start?
- • Any location or visa constraints?
Stiff vs. natural
Interviewer: “What are your salary expectations?”
Sounds stiff
“I expect 100,000 dollars.”
Sounds natural
“Good question. I'm still learning about the role, so I'm a bit flexible, but based on my research for similar roles I'm thinking somewhere in the range of [your range]. Is that roughly in line with what you have budgeted?”
- A range backed by research sounds confident, not greedy.
- Asking a question back keeps it a conversation.
Interviewer: “When could you start?”
Sounds stiff
“I can start after one month.”
Sounds natural
“I have a four-week notice period, so realistically early next month. I'd like to leave my current team in a good place, and maybe squeeze in a long weekend in between, if the timing works.”
- Caring about your current team is a green flag.
- A small life detail (a long weekend) makes it human.
Money and timing
- “I'm a bit flexible, but…”Opening the salary topic softly.
- “Based on my research for similar roles…”Backing up your range.
- “Is that roughly in line with…?”Turning it back to them.
- “Realistically, I could start…”Giving a start date.
- “I'd want to leave things in a good place.”Explaining a notice period.
Humor and life talk
Works well
- • Warm, friendly tone throughout
- • A small life detail about timing (a trip, a move)
Skip it
- • Jokes about money itself, which can read as nervous or unserious
Now say it out loud
Rehearse with the AI interviewer and get feedback on your answers.