When you’re asked about your salary expectations during an interview, the employer is typically trying to gauge two main things:
- Your self-assessment of value: They want to see if you understand your worth in relation to the market, your skills, experience, and the job role.
- Budget alignment: They are checking whether your expectations fit within their budget for the role.
How to Ace This Question:
1. Do Your Research:
- Industry Standards: Research the typical salary range for the position you’re applying for in Kenya, considering factors like your experience level, the industry, the company size, and location.
- Use Resources: Websites like BrighterMonday, Glassdoor, or PayScale can help you get insights into salary expectations for similar roles in Kenya.
2. Be Flexible, But Confident:
- Instead of giving a fixed number, offer a salary range that reflects the market rate and your value, while showing that you’re open to negotiation.
- For instance, say something like, “Based on my research and experience, I would expect a salary between Ksh X and Ksh Y. However, I’m open to discussing this further, depending on the full compensation package and growth opportunities at your company.”
3. Focus on Value, Not Just Numbers:
- Emphasize the value you bring to the company. Highlight key skills, achievements, and experience that justify your expected range. This helps position your salary expectations in the context of what you will deliver.
4. Turn the Question Around:
- If you’re uncertain about the company’s budget, you can respectfully ask for more context before answering. For example, you can say, “I’d appreciate it if you could share more about the budget for this role to help me better understand how to align my expectations.”
Dos:
- Do stay within a reasonable range: Align your answer with industry standards and your level of experience.
- Do express openness to negotiation: Employers like candidates who show flexibility and willingness to discuss further.
- Do mention other benefits: If the salary is not flexible, express interest in other forms of compensation, like bonuses, health benefits, or professional development opportunities.
Don’ts:
- Don’t Undervalue Yourself: Giving a low number may give the impression that you don’t understand your value, and you could be shortchanging yourself.
- Don’t Give a Fixed, Unresearched Number: Avoid stating a salary number without backing it up with research, as it can come off as either unrealistic or uninformed.
- Don’t Get Defensive or Hesitate: Even if you are unsure about how much to ask for, don’t hesitate or show signs of being unsure. Employers value confidence.
Example Answer:
“I believe a fair range, given my 5 years of experience in tele-sales, is between Ksh 60,000 and Ksh 80,000 per month. This is based on my research and the value I can bring to your team in terms of sales targets and customer relationship management. However, I’m flexible and open to further discussion depending on the overall compensation package.”
By doing your research, being flexible, and presenting yourself confidently, you can ace the salary expectation question.