As a teacher I used to get $39600 per year at XYZ school.

[Ashraful Haque]

I was just imagining a situation where the employer asked me about my salary expectation. I don't know if the following sentence is correct:

"As a teacher I used to get $39600 per year at XYZ school. So my expected salary is....."

I'm not sure how natural this sounds. How can I say it more naturally?

 

[GoesStation]

"I got about forty thousand dollars at XYZ. I expect to get at least that much."

I'm not sure this is a good negotiating strategy.

 

[Ashraful Haque]

"I got about forty thousand dollars at XYZ. I expect to get at least that much."

I'm not sure this is a good negotiating strategy.

I also heard 'make' for example, "I make forty thousand dollars." Do we say 'make' only for business or jobs as well?

 

[jutfrank]

We do use make as a synonym for earn, yes.

 

[tedmc]

We do use make as a synonym for earn, yes.

But is it appropriate to say "I make forty thousand dollars" in a job interview?

 

[jutfrank]

But is it appropriate to say "I make forty thousand dollars" in a job interview?

Are you asking whether it's appropriate to use the verb make in this sense? Or whether that's an appropriate thing to say?

 

[tedmc]

Are you asking whether it's appropriate to use the verb make in this sense? Or whether that's an appropriate thing to say?

I am asking whether it is appropriate to say one makes so much in a job.

 

[jutfrank]

I am asking whether it is appropriate to say one makes so much in a job.

I don't think one can answer that. It would depend on so many factors. I can imagine it could be appropriate.

 

[emsr2d2]

I was told by someone involved in interviewing people for high-profile positions that it's a very bad idea for candidates to say what they earn now. When you're asked "What salary are you looking for?", just give them a figure, confidently and boldly, perhaps starting it with "At least". Also, aim high so that if they negotiate, you still might end up somewhere near what you wanted. If you want £38,000 pa, ask for £42,000. You never know, you might end with £40,000.

 

[bubbha]

Interviews are formal occasions, so use "earn" or "make" instead of "get".