What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of prétentions (claims or pretensions) and salariales (relating to salary).
Which one should you use?
While prétentions salariales is widely used, you can also use the alternative attentes salariales, which uses attentes (expectations) instead of prétentions (claims).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Prétentions salariales is the standard formal term used in recruitment and human resources in France. In an informal setting, such as when speaking with a friend, you might instead use phrases like Combien tu penses gagner ? (How much do you think you'll earn?) or Quel salaire tu vises ? (What salary are you aiming for?). For highly formal compensation discussions, one might also use the phrase niveau de rémunération attendu (expected level of remuneration).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is most commonly used in its plural form, but you can use the singular form prétention salariale to refer to a single salary expectation.
Did you know?
- The word salaire comes from the Latin 'salarium', which was the money given to Roman soldiers to buy 'sal' or salt.
- In France, discussing prétentions salariales is often the most tense part of the interview because culturally, talking openly about money is traditionally more taboo than in the US or UK.
- When discussing your prétentions salariales, you must always specify the gross annual amount. If you only provide a monthly figure, an employer might assume you are talking about 'net' pay, which can lead to expensive misunderstandings during contract negotiations.
Examples in context
- Mes prétentions salariales sont de 50 000 euros annuels.My salary expectations are 50,000 euros annually.
- Mon niveau de rémunération attendu est de 60 000 euros par an.My expected level of remuneration is 60,000 euros per year.
- Combien tu penses gagner dans ce poste ?How much do you think you'll earn in this position?
- Quelles sont vos prétentions salariales ?What are your salary expectations?
- Mes prétentions salariales sont de quarante mille euros.My salary expectations are forty thousand euros.
- Il a dû revoir ses prétentions salariales.He had to revise his salary expectations.
Example conversation
A job interview at a marketing agency.
- GabrielPourriez-vous préciser vos prétentions salariales ?Could you specify your salary expectations?
- EmmaMes prétentions salariales se situent autour de cinquante mille euros.My salary expectations are around fifty thousand euros.
- GabrielC'est dans notre budget pour ce poste.That is within our budget for this position.
- EmmaJe suis ravie de l'apprendre, merci.I am delighted to hear that, thank you.
