Salary discussions are a crucial part of any job interview, but they can also be intimidating. One of the most challenging questions candidates face is:
“What are your salary expectations?”
A poorly handled response can lead to missed opportunities or lower pay than you deserve. Employers use this question to assess your market knowledge, confidence, and whether your expectations align with their budget.
In this article, we’ll cover common mistakes job seekers make when answering salary expectation questions—and how you can avoid them to secure the best possible offer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Answering the Salary Expectation Question
1. Not Researching Salary Trends Before the Interview
Walking into an interview without knowing the market salary for the role is a major mistake. If you quote too high, you may be seen as unrealistic. If you go too low, you risk undervaluing yourself.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Research salary data from sources like Glassdoor, Payscale, and LinkedIn Salary Insights.
- Look at salary trends specific to your industry, location, and experience level.
- Factor in the cost of living if relocating to a different area.
Learn More: Salary Estimator: Find Out Your Worth in 2025
2. Giving a Salary Figure Too Early
Discussing salary too soon can work against you. If you provide a figure early in the interview, you might limit your negotiation power before fully understanding the job and benefits.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Wait for the employer to bring up salary first.
- If asked early, respond with:
- “I’d love to discuss compensation, but first, I’d like to understand more about the role and responsibilities.”
- “I’m open to discussing salary at the right stage, once we’ve explored how I can contribute to the team.”
3. Saying “I’m Open to Any Salary”
Saying you’re flexible on salary can make you seem unprepared or desperate. Employers may interpret this as a sign that you’ll accept a lower offer.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Provide a well-researched salary range that reflects your skills and industry standards.
- A good response could be:
- “Based on my experience and market research, I’m expecting a salary between R25,000 and R30,000, but I’m open to discussing other benefits as well.”
4. Asking for an Unrealistic Salary
Requesting a salary that is way above the market value might make employers move on to another candidate.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Research salaries to ensure your expectations are reasonable.
- If you want a higher salary, justify it with:
- Your skills, certifications, or industry demand.
- Your previous achievements and experience.
Example Answer:
“Considering my experience and skills, I believe a salary range of R30,000–R35,000 is competitive, based on market trends.”
5. Ignoring Benefits and Perks
Some job seekers focus only on salary and ignore benefits such as medical aid, bonuses, pension contributions, and remote work options.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Ask about the full compensation package before finalizing salary discussions.
- Consider benefits like:
- Paid leave and bonuses
- Medical aid and retirement contributions
- Work-from-home options
You can say:
“I’d love to understand the complete compensation package, including benefits, before finalizing my salary expectations.”
Learn More: Understanding Cost to Company (CTC): Breaking Down Your Salary Package
6. Not Being Ready to Negotiate
Many candidates fear negotiating and accept the first offer without discussion. Employers often expect negotiations, so failing to do so might mean leaving money on the table.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Politely counteroffer if the initial offer is too low.
- Example:
- “I appreciate the offer. However, based on my experience and the market rate, I was expecting something closer to R28,000. Is there room for negotiation?”
7. Reacting Emotionally to a Low Offer
Getting frustrated or defensive when you receive a low salary offer can hurt your chances of negotiation. Employers expect professional responses, even in difficult situations.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Stay calm and professional.
- Ask questions to explore other options:
- “Is there flexibility in this offer?”
- “Are there performance-based raises in this role?”
8. Being Too Rigid with Your Salary Range
Some candidates refuse to discuss anything below a specific number, which can limit opportunities. Employers prefer candidates who are open to discussion.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Provide a reasonable salary range, allowing flexibility.
- Example Answer:
- “Based on my research, I’m looking for a salary between R25,000 and R30,000, but I’m open to discussing benefits and growth opportunities.”
9. Overlooking Long-Term Career Growth
A job offer is about more than just money. A slightly lower salary with growth opportunities might be better than a higher-paying job with no career advancement.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Ask about career progression, promotions, and training programs.
- Example question:
- “What are the growth opportunities within this role?”
10. Lying About Previous Salaries
Some candidates inflate their past salaries to get a higher offer, but many companies verify salary history. If caught lying, you may lose the job offer.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Be honest about your previous salary but emphasize your skills and achievements as justification for a raise.
- Example:
- “In my last role, I earned R20,000, but considering my experience and the responsibilities of this position, I believe R28,000–R30,000 is a fair range.”
Final Tips for Answering the Salary Expectation Question
- Do Salary Research – Know industry rates before the interview.
- Let the Employer Bring Up Salary First – Focus on proving your skills.
- Provide a Salary Range, Not a Fixed Number – Be flexible.
- Consider Benefits and Perks – Look beyond just the salary.
- Negotiate Confidently – But remain polite and professional.
- Think Long-Term – Look at career growth opportunities.
Learn More: How to Answer the Salary Expectation Question During an Interview in 2025
Discussing salary expectations in an interview doesn’t have to be stressful. By avoiding these common mistakes and preparing ahead of time, you can confidently negotiate the best salary and benefits while making a strong impression on your potential employer.
