How to Answer "What Are Your Salary Expectations?"
By Zyctra Team · · 6 min read
Salary questions make most people uncomfortable, but a prepared answer can make a big difference to your income for years. The goal is to give a realistic, well-researched range while keeping room to negotiate.
Do your research first
Before any interview, find out what the role typically pays in your city and industry:
- Salary data on job sites and in salary surveys for your country
- Salary ranges in similar job adverts (many countries now require pay ranges in adverts)
- Professional associations and recruitment agency salary guides
- People in the same profession — ask what the range is, not what they personally earn
Then decide three numbers: your ideal figure, a realistic target, and your walk-away minimum.
Option 1: Give a range
A range shows you are informed but flexible. Put your target near the bottom of the range, so even the lower end is acceptable to you.
"Based on my research for similar roles in Lagos and my five years of experience, I'm looking for something in the range of ₦X to ₦Y per month. I'm open to discussing the full package, including benefits and growth opportunities."
Option 2: Ask about their budget first
Early in the process, it is reasonable to turn the question around politely:
"I'd like to learn more about the responsibilities before settling on a figure. Could you share the budgeted range for this role?"
If they insist, give your range.
Think about the whole package
Base salary is only part of the offer. Consider:
- Bonuses and commission
- Health insurance and pension contributions
- Remote or hybrid work (saves commuting time and costs)
- Annual leave
- Training budget and certifications
- Transport, housing or relocation allowances
Negotiating after the offer
- Thank them and ask for a day or two to review the written offer.
- If it is below your target, respond with a specific number backed by your research and value.
- Stay positive: "I'm excited about the role. Based on the scope and my experience with X, would you be able to move the base to Y?"
- If salary can't move, negotiate other parts of the package.
Mistakes to avoid
- Giving your current salary when you don't have to (in some places employers aren't allowed to ask).
- Naming a single, exact number too early.
- Accepting on the spot without reading the full offer.
- Making it personal ("I need more because my rent went up").
Practise the conversation
Negotiation gets easier with rehearsal. Ask Zyctra to role-play a hiring manager making you an offer, and practise responding until you can state your number calmly.
Topics: Salary Negotiation, Job Interview, Career Advice