CSS Plans Free Career Forum: How To Successfully Negotiate Your Salary

By Ruoro Kairu  

When I got my first job, it was after months of unsuccessful job search. I had attended a few interviews, but the employers were silent afterward. The few employers who responded did so with a regret email.

During the interview to my first job, when the employer asked, “what is your expected salary?” I quickly answered, “I’m okay with anything.”

I got the job, but I later learned I was earning half of what other colleagues in the same position were earning.

At this point, I found it hard to go back to the employer and demand for my salary to be doubled.

Since that interview, I have always prepared my salary expectations before attending an interview.

Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation?

You’re at an interview, everything is going on well, and then you’re asked about your salary expectations, and everything goes south from there.

The salary question is vital during an interview.

If you quote too high, you’ll likely miss out on the position since the employer cannot afford your salary requirements.

If you quote a salary too low, the employer will think you’re not confident in your skills and will go for another candidate. Even if you do get the job after quoting a low salary, you’ll be in the situation I found myself in –where my colleagues were earning double what I was.

The challenge of quoting the right salary

The biggest challenge that comes up with this question is the job market vs. your value. The job market is full of professionals who can equally handle the job you’re interviewing for. This high competition may force you to quote a low salary to appeal to the employer. At the same time, you should be compensated for your value –which may be higher than what other professionals are quoting.

What are employers looking for when they ask this question?

What is the best way to answer the question during an interview? and,

How do you prepare for this question before getting to the interview?

We have organized a free career forum to help address your questions and concerns regarding salary questions in an interview.

A HR Expert from Corporate Staffing Services will offer guidance and impactful tips to help you answer this and more questions.

The forum will take place on 11th October 2019 at our training offices.

If you wish to attend and learn professional tips on how to answer this question, email communications@corporatestaffing.co.ke with the subject of your email reading “How To Successfully Negotiate A Salary”

We only have 25 spaces available, which will be allocated on a first-come basis.

Reserve your seat today to learn from HR experts.