Interview Question and Answers “What are Your Salary Expectations?”

By Lilian Wamaitha

The salary question is one of the toughest interview questions any job seeker encounters. According to Mr. Perminus Wainaina, this is a question depending on how its answered could price you out of the job or get you an offer that is lowered. The salary you ask for today affects all future salary raises. Ask for too little and you could be shooting yourself in the foot or ask for too much and be shown the door.

Just like many jobs have a salary range, you should never walk into any interview without your own salary expectations. The worst crime you can commit as a job seeker according to Mr. Wainaina is saying “I am okay with whatever you will offer me.” This only shows how desperate you are for the job which is a turn-off to an employer.

“What are Your Salary Expectations?” Interview Answers

Here are a few strategies you can use to when asked how much you would like to earn.

Provide a Range: When asked “What are your salary expectations, Mr. Wainaina says that you should give a range rather than limiting yourself to a single number. This allows room for negotiations with the interviewer. If you are let’s say your range was between 45-60K and the offer they make is 45K, you can then use this time to negotiate for other non salary benefits. Remember that this is the window of negotiation. Use it carefully.

Do a Lot of Research: Don’t walk into an interview room, without an idea about the salary range in your industry. Do lots of research. If you are ion the IT industry, get a glimpse of what other people earn in the industry. However remember that sallies also range depending on the working conditions in a specific area so put that into consideration. Use sites like Glassdoor to research sallies in your fields as well as what that company normally offers for a certain position.

Play it Wise: Mr. Wainaina advices that at times you can avoid stating a number when asked how much you expect. Instead say something like “I would like to understand the position and the responsibilities before I think about salary.”

Consider Your Needs Also: Just because you don’t want to appear greedy doesn’t mean you settle instead for whatever is offered. Think about your needs first- the cost of living. Will what they are offering cater for your specific need including living expenses or will it leave you wallowing in debt? Weigh your needs against the salary research you have done. If the numbers don’t add up, this could be a sign that the role is not for you.

Get the Interviewer To Give Their Salary Range: Use this opportunity to flip the tables by finding out what your interviewer is offering. You can ask questions like “What salary range do you have in mind for someone in this position?” or “What other benefits are associated with this role?”

Mr. Wainaina advices that for this interview question the goal is to avoid being too specific and instead to open up room for negotiation. At the end of the day it’s all about what you want and what you are comfortable with as a job seeker.

Do you need help preparing for your next interview? Contact us for Interview Coaching today.

Lilian is a Communications Officer at Career Point Kenya. Email: lilian@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke