When you're in an estate agent job interview, the topic of salary can feel a little daunting to approach - especially if you're unsure about the right time to bring it up or what to say if asked about it. It can be tricky to strike the right balance: saying too little might leave you underpaid, while being too direct can come across as overly pushy. It’s important to be prepared when it comes to discussing salary, whether you're asked about it or need to raise the topic independently. In this post, we share some advice on how to approach salary discussions in an estate agent interview, including how to talk about salary confidently and professionally, and what to avoid during the conversation to help secure the right offer.

What to Say When Asked About Salary in an Estate Agent Interview

During an estate agent job interview, hiring managers will often bring up salary questions themselves. They want to understand whether your expectations align with their budget and avoid progressing with a candidate who’s looking for a salary well outside of what’s being offered. Salary conversations may come up during a first interview, or sometimes in a second or third stage - so it’s important to be prepared in case it’s raised at any point. Below are some tips on how to confidently and appropriately answer salary-related questions in an estate agent interview.

  • Do Some Research: Before the interview, take time to research typical salary ranges for roles in your area and experience level. This helps to answer any salary questions with confidence and avoids quoting something unrealistic. Showing you’ve done some research shows professionalism giving the employer a clear idea of your expectations.

  • Give a Reasonable Range: Instead of stating a fixed number, it’s a good idea to offer hiring managers a salary range based on your research and experience. For example: ‘I’d be looking for something in the region of £28,000 to £30,000, depending on the full package’. This shows flexibility, helps avoid pricing yourself out, and encourages further discussion or negotiation.

  • Highlight Value, Not Just Numbers: When discussing salary, link your expectations to the value you bring to the role, rather than focusing solely on a number. Mention relevant lettings experience, local area knowledge, or strong sales results. Framing the conversation around skills and contributions shows focus on your abilities, not just what you earn.

How to Confidently Ask About Salary in an Interview

There might be times when you need to ask about salary, especially if it hasn’t already been brought up during the interview process. It’s vital to approach the topic professionally and at the right moment in an interview. Below are some scenarios when to raise the subject of salary appropriately and with confidence.

Wait for the Right Moment

Make sure you don’t jump in too quickly and ask about salary too early in the interview. Wait until the interviewer has had time to understand your experience and suitability for the role before bringing it up. A good time to ask is towards the end of the conversation, when discussions naturally move to next steps or job expectations and the topic hasn’t been raised.

Phrase it Politely and Professionally

How you ask about salary matters just as much as when you ask. Use polite and professional language, such as: ‘would you be able to share the expected salary range for this role’ or ‘Could you let me know what the typical salary is for this position’ This keeps the tone respectful, avoids sounding too money-focused, and shows you're approaching the topic in the right way.

Show Interest in the Full Package

When asking about salary, it’s helpful to show that you're also thinking about the full opportunity, not just the number. You could say: ‘Could you tell me more about the salary and benefits package for the role’ This shows you’re considering the long-term fit and are genuinely interested in the job and company, not just the pay.

What Not to Mention When Discussing Salary

When discussing salary in an interview, it’s just as important to know what not to say, as the wrong approach could impact your chances of securing the role. Try to avoid giving vague or uncertain answers such as ‘I’m not really sure what I expect’ or ‘I’ll take whatever you’re offering’ as this can make you appear unprepared or lacking confidence in your abilities. 

Similarly, avoid quoting unrealistic salary expectations that are far above the typical range for the role or location, as this can quickly put employers off. It's also a good idea to avoid mentioning personal financial circumstances or expenses as justification for salary expectations. Doing so can come across as unprofessional and may give the impression that you're more focused on money than the opportunity itself.

Partner with Pear Recruitment to Succeed in an Interview

If you’re searching for an estate agent job and want to give yourself the best chance of interview success, why not partner with Pear Recruitment? We’re a specialist property recruitment agency, helping candidates secure ideal roles across the property industry - including in lettings, sales, property management, valuation, and more.

We recruit for estate agent roles with a wide range of carefully chosen clients across the UK, offering opportunities at all levels, from entry-level to senior roles. We’re here to support you through every stage of your job search, from interview preparation to final salary negotiations, guiding you every step of the way to help you succeed. Get in touch with the team at Pear Recruitment today to find out how we can help secure your ideal role.