“What is your expected salary?”
How should you answer this and do you know how to negotiate for a higher pay?
❌ Don’t just give a range of Ksh 50,000 – 80,000…
(You might end up with Ksh 50,000 only)
❌ Avoid skipping negotiation…
(Negotiation is your right, be proactive and advocate for yourself)
❌ Don’t leave out specific numbers…
(Without clear figures, you might regret it if you get a lower offer than expected)
So, what are the right skills for negotiating salary?
Template for You…
Ask the interviewer back.
“Could I ask what salary range the company is considering for this position if I successfully pass the assessment?”
Follow up with additional questions like:
“What is the company’s salary structure?”
“If the offered salary is Ksh 60,000, how much would be basic pay and how much is allocated for allowances?”
“What percentage is allocated for NSSF or pension contributions?”
“Is there any provision for meal, transport, or airtime allowances?”
“Is there an annual bonus? If so, is it awarded to all staff, or is it performance-based?”
“Are there any deductions or changes to benefits during the probation period?”
By assessing HR’s answers, you can evaluate if the offer aligns with your expectations and decide whether to accept it.
If it meets your expectations, gladly accept the offer.
If not, you may respond with something like:
“Hello, I’m very enthusiastic about the position and truly interested in joining your team. I believe my skills align well with your needs for this role. However, after consideration, I would like to request a Ksh 10,000 increase in the offered salary. Currently, I have a few other offers but still feel that your company is the best fit for me. I hope we can adjust the offer to reflect this!”
In the job market, remember that HR is not your adversary—they are your partners. While their goal is to find talent, yours is to secure a good opportunity. As long as your salary expectation is reasonable, don’t hesitate to negotiate to avoid any future regret!
