Should be frank with my pay expectations when taking up the job?

Did you check to see what the company salaries are?? or what the market in your area is paying for the type of job you applied for?? Once you start a job there is usually a 3month trial period that either party can say goodbye..so this is when you want to be on your best behavior... Why dont you call the human resource department and ask them what the pay range is for the job that you applied for??? It is not wise to start a new job with demands as it may be seen as you being unsure of yourself or that you dont want the job and are looking for a way out.

When going into an interview is when you ask for details of job and salary and share what you are looking for in these areas. Give h/r a call ask.. wishing you good luck.

It really depends on where you are in your career. If this is one of your first jobs, you're easily replaceable and you're not really in a strong position to negotiate salary.

If however you're quite experienced (5-10 years or more experience), then you are in a better position to negotiate salary as you're not as easily replaced.

Either way, your vague statement didn't accomplish much. If you were in a position to negotiate then you should use actual numbers (although do try to get them to say a number first), if you're not in a position to negotiate then what have you really told them with the vague statement? Nothing really at all. No harm done though.

you get what they give you