Expected salary is ridiculous. Budgeted salary…sillier still. Just like advertised salary, unadvertised salary, and the-salary-we-hope-to-pay salary. How do I know this? Let’s see... Negotiated over 600 employment agreements and salaries as an executive recruiter. Wait. There’s more. Of the more-than 3,000 people I’ve personally coached as an international career coach, I’ll estimate, conservatively, 25% of them needed negotiation help. That’s…let me carry the…wait, is that grouping, carrying, or borrowing now? Either way, roughly 750 more. Can we agree on over 1,000 data points (even though it’s over 1,300)? Cool. Let’s say, for the sake of email argument, you’ll play along. Why do we even have budgeted salaries? Why ask about expected salaries? Well, companies and people think this saves time. I think it helps you miss opportunities as an employer or employee. What should YOU do instead of focusing on these expectations when you enter an interview process as a job candidate? Learn the 5 most important variables at play when it comes to pay… If you'd like to build a great career and lead a rewarding life, check out some of these other places where I share my teachings: 1. Check out the milewalk Academy, my coaching and training site, for freemiums and premiums. 2. I have hundreds of educational and inspirational videos on my YouTube Channel. 3. Grab any of my three books related to interviewing, hiring, and goal setting. All can be found on my Amazon Author Page. 4. Follow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter (X), TikTok, Threads, and Facebook. 5. Stay in touch with me in your email inbox by joining my newsletter here! --Andy