Our compensation for this role is between $600 and $800 a month depending on the position. What are your salary expectations and how did you arrive at that figure?
RoleVirtual Assistant
DifficultyMedium
TopicSales & Service
Asked at
Why This Is Asked
MyOutDesk wants to filter out candidates who will later feel underpaid and leave. They also need to know you can handle a mature conversation about money, because US clients may ask you to negotiate with vendors. This question checks whether you've done your homework and whether you'll represent yourself professionally.
General Approach
Come prepared with a number based on the company's own range and your skills. Acknowledge the structure (pay starts after matching) so they know you're realistic. Don't say 'It depends on the client'; that's their job to match, not yours to guess. State your target and back it with one sentence about why: a specific software skill, years in a similar role, or a relevant certification.
General Answer
Start by anchoring your figure to the range they just gave you, then move one step past it. Say plainly that you have reviewed the $600 to $800 band and that your expectation falls within it, because that immediately signals you are a reasonable negotiator who does homework. Then name a specific number, not a range, and tie it to one or two concrete assets you bring, like a certification, a tool you have mastered, or the number of years you have handled a similar workload. For example, if you have three years of executive support experience and you are fluent in a CRM they likely use, say you are targeting $750 because that reflects the efficiency you can deliver from day one. Acknowledge the matching structure without dwelling on it, something like you understand the exact rate depends on the client match, but you want to be transparent about your baseline. Keep your tone calm and steady, and avoid hedging words like "maybe" or "hopefully." In the Philippine context, resist the urge to undersell yourself out of politeness; a confident, well-reasoned number is seen as professional, not arrogant. Close by inviting them to share if that aligns with their budget, which keeps the conversation collaborative rather than confrontational.
PH Interview Gotcha
Laganap sa Pinoy ang sumagot ng 'Kahit magkano po, okay na sa akin' o 'Ikaw na po bahala.' This is the number one reason talented VAs stay underpaid. In a MyOutDesk interview, they ask this question to see if you know your market value. Don't apologize: 'Pasensya na, pwede po ba ang $700?' Instead, own it: 'Given my 3 years of ISA experience and HubSpot certifications, I'm targeting $780.' Also, be aware that some candidates blurt out 'Magkano ba budget ninyo?' which is too forward; better to reference their published range.
Sample STAR Answer▾
S
Situation
When I was offered my first VA position, the client asked what I expected to earn. I didn't know the industry range then, so I just said 'Whatever you think is fair, sir.' Later I found out I was being paid below market rate for someone with my skills.
T
Task
Now, I want to approach this professionally so that I both respect the company's range and advocate for myself based on my actual value.
A
Action
Before the interview, I researched MyOutDesk's published range and read through the job description to list which specific skills I bring that match the higher end: for example, I have two years of experience using Follow Up Boss and have managed over 5,000 leads with a conversion rate above 12%. During the interview, I said: 'Based on my experience running similar pipelines and my proven ability to hit lead response targets, I'm targeting the $750–$800 end of your range. I understand compensation kicks in once I'm matched with a client, and I'm prepared for that timeline.' I didn't apologize for naming a number.
R
Result
The recruiter didn't flinch; in fact, she noted that my specific CRM experience would make me a stronger match for higher-tier clients. I was eventually matched with a client in the $780 range.
Key Takeaway
When you don't name a number, you leave money on the table. Research the rate before you walk in, connect it to concrete skills, and state it without hesitation. Recruiters respect clarity.
Attempt Your Answer
Write your own answer, then get instant AI feedback graded against:
- •STAR Structure
- •Specificity & Numbers
- •Ownership Language
- •PH Workplace Context
Get AI feedback on your answer — free.
3 free AI-graded answers + 1 free mock interview, no card needed.
Sign Up FreeAlready have an account? Log in
Share Your Answer (0)
Sort
Sign in to join the conversation.
No answers shared yet — be the first to show how you'd approach this.