Here’s How to Nail the Tricky Question
“What’s your expected salary?” can indeed be tricky, but with the right strategy, you can navigate it effectively. Here’s how to approach it:
Research the Market:
- Before the interview, research salary ranges for your role using websites like Salary.com, Glassdoor, Payscale, and industry-specific salary surveys. This gives you a baseline for what to expect and shows you understand the market.
Consider Your Value:
- Reflect on your experience, skills, unique qualifications, and past achievements. How do these align with the job you’re applying for? This can justify a higher salary within or even above the typical range.
Provide a Range, Not a Number:
- Instead of giving a single figure, offer a salary range. This shows flexibility and leaves room for negotiation. For example, if you’re aiming for N75,000, you might say, “I’m looking for a salary in the range of N73,000 to N80,000.” Keep the range tight to avoid appearing indecisive or uninformed.
Deflect if Necessary:
- If asked early in the interview process when you don’t have full details of the job, you can say something like, “I’d like to learn more about the role and responsibilities before providing a specific number. Could you share more details about what the position entails?”
Openness to Negotiation:
- Express that you’re open to discussing the total compensation package, including benefits, bonuses, and other perks. This indicates you’re looking at the full value of the job offer, not just the base salary.
Turn the Question Around:
- Sometimes, you can ask, “What is the salary range budgeted for this position?” This can give you insights while also shifting the focus from your expectations to the company’s offer.
Avoid Previous Salary:
- Don’t disclose your previous salary as it might anchor the conversation to outdated figures or lower than your current market value.
Be Confident and Professional:
- Confidence in your worth is key. You might say, “Given my background and the value I can bring to your team, I expect a salary that reflects my expertise, somewhere in the region of X to Y.”
By preparing with these steps, you’re not only answering the question strategically but also positioning yourself as a knowledgeable and valuable candidate. Remember, the goal is to align your expectations with the company’s budget while ensuring you’re fairly compensated.
