This question asks the candidate about their salary expectations. Interviewers ask this to see if the candidate's expectations align with the company's budget. It's crucial to research industry standards and company compensation ranges beforehand. Be prepared to discuss your desired salary range and how your skills and experience justify it. For example, you might say, "Based on my research and experience, I'm looking for a salary in the range of $X to $Y, but I am flexible."

What is your expected salary range?

As a seasoned software engineer, I understand the importance of aligning compensation with both my skills and the market value for the role. While I'm very interested in learning more about the specifics of the position and overall compensation package, based on my research and experience, I'm targeting a salary range of $180,000 to $220,000 annually. Of course, this is just a preliminary range, and I'm open to discussing it further after we've both had a chance to assess the fit.