If the interviewer keeps pressing you for a number, here are a few things to consider:

☛ Similar to doing market research before writing down a salary expectation on a job application, you want to do your homework for interviews as well. In particular, look up salaries at the company you are interviewing for. To name a few, provide detailed information on salaries for either the exact position you are interviewing for or comparable positions.

☛ What is the total compensation package? Try to find this information out before giving your salary expectations. Compensation is more than salary and you may find that you would rather focus on negotiating more vacation days or a flexible work arrangement than your paycheck.

☛ Typically in an interview, you can and should provide a range instead of an exact number. But again, do not say any numbers you are not comfortable with because if the employer offers you a salary at the lowest end of your range, you do not have much to negotiate with when it comes to getting a higher salary.

☛ Do not be too stubborn or cagey at this phase of the interview process. It may communicate to the interviewer that you are too much of a hassle to be bothered with. Instead be confident but flexible until you reach the stage where an offer has been made. By then you will know what is most important to you and what you can leverage to get your ideal compensation package.