The most nerve-wracking question of all might just be: What are your salary expectations? To gain more insight into how to answer this question in a smart way, I reached out to a few of my colleagues — across job titles, departments, industries, and levels of experience — for advice. Here’s what they had to say:

• Before the interview, figure out the market rate of your role, or what people in similar jobs, in your location, and with your level of experience, are making.
• Use your research to prepare a data-driven argument. Building the conversation based on facts and data is key to avoiding confrontation.
• If you’re unsure in the moment, ask for the salary band for the role — the low-end and top end of what an organization is willing to pay someone for that position. Believe it or not, some organizations will disclose this information.
• Aim higher than you want to — negotiating down is easier than negotiating up. Take your current salary, up it by a bit, and then tell them that number.
• Use the opportunity to ask about the entire benefits package. A new employee (early career) might prioritize securing health insurance, a steady paycheck, and work-life balance versus a higher paycheck with a tight work schedule.