I’m really confused about how to answer the salary question in interviews. After reading a bunch of “tips” online, I said that “a comfortable range for me is from … to ….”. But they told me I wasn’t a...

The reality is this: employers aren’t just evaluating your skills, they’re evaluating your decision-making and communication style. When you give a... wide or “comfortable” range, it can come across as uncertainty rather than strategy.

A better approach is to be clear, anchored, and justified.

Instead of saying:

“A comfortable range for me is…”

Say something like:
“Based on my experience, market data, and the value I bring, I’m targeting a salary in the range of $X to $Y. I’m open to discussing the full compensation package depending on the role and growth opportunities.”
That does three things:
Shows confidence
Shows market awareness
Keeps flexibility without sounding vague...
From a recruiting perspective, clarity matters. Companies want to know: Do you understand your value? Can you communicate it directly? Are you aligned with their budget? Yes—you should state an expected salary.
But do it strategically:
Research the market (role, location, industry)
Anchor your number slightly above your minimum acceptable
Be prepared to justify it with your skills, results, and experience. more