Sunday Career Thread 60Job Tip: How to Handle the Salary Question Like a Pro
One question you’re almost guaranteed to face in an interview is:
👉 “What is your salary expectation?”
Don’t panic, and don’t throw out a random figure.
Before the interview, understand what similar roles pay, consider your experience and responsibilities, then go in with a range. Most importantly, your lowest number should be a figure you can genuinely accept. If your real minimum is ₦200,000, don’t say ₦150,000 to ₦300,000 just to sound flexible.
But salary is only one part of the negotiation.
Look at the full package, HMO, bonuses, leave, transport, overtime, remote or hybrid options, training, allowances and other benefits. Sometimes a ₦250k offer with strong benefits can be better than ₦300k with none.
Also, don’t negotiate against yourself.
If a company really wants you, there is room to negotiate. You can say, “Based on the responsibilities of the role and what I bring, I was hoping we could get closer to ₦X.” You don't need to be aggressive. You simply need to make your value clear.
And here’s something young professionals should understand about startups.
You can take a pay cut to join an early stage company that has strong momentum, good founders, a product people actually want and a credible path to growth. Your first job is not always about maximizing your salary. Sometimes you are buying experience, access, responsibility, mentorship and equity.
But if you take less money because you believe in the opportunity, negotiate for something in return.
Ask for equity, a performance bonus, a salary review after 3 or 6 months, or a clearly defined raise when certain targets are achieved. If the company cannot pay you what a larger company would pay, they should give you another reason to accept the discount.
And remember this when an employer says, “We need your answer today.”
Urgency has value.
If they need you to decide immediately, you are also giving them something, speed and certainty. Don’t let pressure make you forget your minimum. Know your yes number, your preferred number and your walk away number before the negotiation begins.
The goal isn't to squeeze every naira out of an employer.
The goal is to make sure that when you say yes, you understand what you are getting, what you are giving up and why the deal makes sense for you.
Never negotiate from desperation. Negotiate from preparation
Hope it helps, we continue from there in the next 2 Sundays
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