My answer most of the time goes like this :"I believe that's a very vital part of this interview but I as a person and a professional believe that money is secondary, i'd rather focus on the job description and how well I can fit into your organisation's deliverables. However, XYZ naira won't be too much to ask". This reply always give me a psychological advantage in terms of salary negotiation as it doesn't make me look too desperate for the job nor too money-concious. Always start at an amount slightly higher than what you expect to earn. Cheers

I can remember going to an interview and was asked how much to be paid.

Me: 120k

Interviewer: is that your last?

Me: Yes

Interviewer : So you are saying if we can't pay you that we shouldn't even bother calling you at all?

Me: remembering I had no job at all other than drinking every night at Area 11 abuja. OK I can take 100k.

2 weeks later

I was given the job but at 120k monthly because that was the amount earmarked for that position by the coy. Sadly I resigned from the job after less than 2 months because it was a one man company and the executive chairman was screwing a marketer which is reporting to me. Well I hear say the girl use juju tie the man down and na hotel she dey stay decide our Faith. So I baled for a government job which I'm happily still on now.

TeamSimple:
Yea op u rite,I got interviewed at cornerstone insurance.I was asked this same ?. MY reply was 3Million Anually and the HRM was like isn't that to much for a fresher. So with boldness I was like I believe dat as a coperate organisation ,deres a salary,allowance and other benefit structure for each department in this establishment. I wud like to know how much as I am also open to negotiations..We later agreed 1.2m per annum salary

Please for which position in Cornerstone Insurance?

TeamSimple:
Yea op u rite,I got interviewed at cornerstone insurance.I was asked this same ?. MY reply was 3Million Anually and the HRM was like isn't that to much for a fresher. So with boldness I was like I believe dat as a coperate organisation ,deres a salary,allowance and other benefit structure for each department in this establishment. I wud like to know how much as I am also open to negotiations..We later agreed 1.2m per annum salary

I just finished entry level training in Cornerstone.

I was once asked that question and I said I would be OK with whatever they pay for the position as obtainable in the industry. The reply I got shocked me. Well it was more or less like a casual discussion; the German interviewer who was the senior project manager as well as the number one guy in the delta state branch laughed so hard and said to me that my response could have cost me being hired but not to worry, that he likes me so no qualms. He then advised me that I should believe in myself and cnfidently quote an amount whenever I'm asked that question in future. That it tells the interviewer I know my worth. To cut long story short, it was just the two of us in the office and it was more like a casual discussion. I got so relaxed eventually I almost asked him 4 a stick of his dunhill cigarette his was smoking. Lol. I got the job anyway... after all na d owner of coy/ CEO wey employ am call them make dem go pick my CV for my uncle office.
Anyways i learned 2 always quote a figure no matter how outrageous, if they need ur services, they will always negotiate.

manueljero:
My answer most of the time goes like this :"I believe that's a very vital part of this interview but I as a person and a professional believe that money is secondary, i'd rather focus on the job description and how well I can fit into your organisation's deliverables. However, XYZ naira won't be too much to ask". This reply always give me a psychological advantage in terms of salary negotiation as it doesn't make me look too desperate for the job nor too money-concious. Always start at an amount slightly higher than what you expect to earn. Cheers

You speak my language bro

megasoul:
I was once asked that question and I said I would be OK with whatever they pay for the position as obtainable in the industry. The reply I got shocked me. Well it was more or less like a casual discussion; the German interviewer who was the senior project manager as well as the number one guy in the delta state branch laughed so hard and said to me that my response could have cost me being hired but not to worry, that he likes me so no qualms. He then advised me that I should believe in myself and cnfidently quote an amount whenever I'm asked that question in future. That it tells the interviewer I know my worth. To cut long story short, it was just the two of us in the office and it was more like a casual discussion. I got so relaxed eventually I almost asked him 4 a stick of his dunhill cigarette his was smoking. Lol. I got the job anyway... after all na d owner of coy/ CEO wey employ am call them make dem go pick my CV for my uncle office.
Anyways i learned 2 always quote a figure no matter how outrageous, if they need ur services, they will always negotiate.

That's called put a value on yourself

Marketing executive..you know they now have another branch at Yaba.

I once replied an executive director of a media firm who asked me this question " U can't pay me what I'm worth sir so tell me how much u think u can afford". The look on his face was . Ofcourse, before u answer this way, u must have done ur homework very well and know that u have many advantages to negotiate and secure the job.

Yea I know bou the graduate trainee stuff..didn't move for that.

YoungDaNaval:
Noted. I Try This Out!

If you say such, I won't contact you again.

See the reason for that question is to know how much you are worth.
Be confident while responding to this question, looking at the interviewer eye to eye and mention a particular amount.
If you don't know how much you are worth, why should I bother myself employing somebody who doesn't know his/her worth

Am a HRM personnel , that's what I studied for four years , when asked that kind of question , don't you ever answer it . Yes you know your worth but don't mention it . Tell them to pay you according to their pay scale / grading system in the company . The interviewer will insist but stand your ground and possibly direct the question back to them . Eg how do you pay graduates here ? It's nothing wrong if you ask . They want tough and challenging/ confident people . Make it an interactive section and don't feel frightened or intimidated . Goodluck

Aringon:


If you say such, I won't contact you again.

See the reason for that question is to know how much you are worth.
Be confident while responding to this question, looking at the interviewer eye to eye and mention a particular amount.
If you don't know how much you are worth, why should I bother myself employing somebody who doesn't know his/her worth

you are very wrong . Don't ever mention any amount. And yes you know your worth , but you might also choose to consider a lesser amount since there are no jobs . They will never pay you lesser than others on thesame level with you since the company has a grading system . And yes be confident but don't you ever mention any amount. Direct the question back to them . Eg . How much do you pay masters degree holders here ? They will never answer that . It's 50/50 - you might mention higher or lesser . I wish to throw more light on this but tired much .

WoodcrestMayor:
Nice one here.

Pls,do you work in Ecobank?

No

The truth is depending on a person's answer, one can price one's self out of a job offer or one can get a job offer that is lower than one might have expected.

The key is to always be prepared and do a research before the interview day on Salary Payments to find out what similar positions are paying in one's area of expertise.

Here are some pretty good sample answers experts recommend:

“I understand that positions similar to this one pay in the range of =N=X to =N=Z in our region(ie Nigeria).”

“With my experience, I would like to receive something in the range of =N=Y to =N=Z.”

“I would like to be compensated fairly for my experience.”

“The research I've done indicates that positions like this one pay =N=X to =N=Z and something in that range would be acceptable to me as a starting salary.”

“My salary requirements are flexible, but I do have significant experience in the field that I believe adds value to my candidacy.”

Source: www.about.com/careers

Find Jobs anywhere in Nigeria here: http://jobsmaster.com.ng

Thanks

Rilwayne001:


No

following this

How about this answer?: I expect to be paid wages that is commensurate with my qualifications and the Job i'm doing taking into consideration the minimum wage that obtains in the industry..... That will make you appear as someone who knows his value

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCES

Company 1 (A Downstream Oil Company, 2008): Just 2 weeks after my NYSC. I knew I was entry level although I had few months experience pre-NYSC. I answered with "you have a structure" line. I got the job and I was given entry level pay of that company.

Company 2 (Downstream arm of a Multinational oil company, 2012): I went to the interview with 4 years experience. I was asked same question. I had researched their pay for someone with 4 years experience from insiders in that company but the pay was just the same amount with what I was earning in my then current company. I just added 1m to my then current pay and told them that's the minimum I can accept. We didn't agree pay. They were not willing to pay me beyond their pay for that level, which was same figure with what I was earning in my then current company. We didn't arrive at deal.

Company 3 (An upstream company, 2012): I saw the advert in Guardian. The recruitment was handled by one of the Big 4 professional services firms. They didn't mention the company name. They just said "a leading independent E&P company with assets in X state". I threw my research skills into work, couldn't get the name of the company. But I was sure it's not an IOC. I had 4 years experience. The pay question was asked in a form I filled before entering the interview room (first interview handled by the recruiting firm). I just added 2m to my then current pay and wrote that on the form. We had the interview. The company was still not disclosed. That interview wasn't my best performance but I was positive I would scale that stage. I got a call - and follow up email - like 6 months later inviting me for the next stage, now with the E&P company itself (disclosed). From my knowledge of that company I had undervalued myself! I did very well in that 2nd interview but pay was not mentioned. I got a call 3 days later to discuss pay. I added another 1m to what I had written down for them in the form 6 months ago. My reason was 6 months was a long time ago and my then current company had even increased my pay by 500k (annual increase, which was true). They said they can't offer more than what I initially told them on the form. I asked them questions like "Do you do annual inflation adjustment?, Do you have performance bonus?" etc to which they answered in the affirmative. I then told them to add 500k to it because my current company had also increased my pay by that amount. They agreed and asked me to pick the letter for my medicals the next day.

Surprisingly, when I got my offer letter 2 weeks later, what they put there was more than what we agreed - they put the amount I asked for i.e added 1m to my initial request.

Still, when I got to that company, I realized I was still underpaid. I was still the lowest paid of all of us in that band. But who knows, I may have gotten the job because of the reasonable pay I asked for! Maybe if I was too outrageous I may not have gotten the job.

Thankfully, just 1 year later, the company carried out a company-wide uniform grading system that shot me up the ladder - with 50% payrise!

Company 4 (A foreign medium-size oil servicing, 2013): I don't know where they got my CV, just got a call from them. It was a Friday and they told me to come to their office on Monday to discuss with their management as they want me to replace their Finance Manager that left without adequate notice. I told them I will get back to them in 1 hour, and dropped the call. I quickly googled their name. Just a medium oil servicing firm. I know oil servicing don't pay much but I was still trying to give it a go, especially since it's a manager role. I wanted to travel on the Monday they fixed so I called them to tell them I was ready for the interview that day. I told them I came to work in casual wears (T-shirt on jeans) and they said they didn't mind. I didn't drive to work that day (and you don't go for an interview where you want to ask for N20m on bike!) so I quickly collected the key to one of my Colleagues' Camry and I drove off. I branched in one boutique to buy chinos and short sleeve shirt (the jeans I wore to work was faded and too casual - didn't want to overstretch my luck). Quickly dressed a little better in that boutique and zoomed off. Both offices within VI so in 30 minutes I was there.

The receptionist was downstairs already to welcome me (see reason I didn't want to go on bike). Parked the Camry within the compound and was ushered in, with the MD and Commercial Director waiting for me. We talked extensively, and they told me they saw my CV on one global oil and gas jobs website (I remember I put it there 2 years ago, targeting Middle East Oil Jobs - didn't know companies also go there from Nigeria to recruit) and felt I should be fit for the role, that they wanted to fill the role urgently blabla. We discussed at length.

It got to pay matter and I told them what I was earning at the time and the pay level I was willing to take to leave my current company for them. They were not ready to pay that. They were talking of what was even lower than what I was earning. I said that's not possible. I came down a little (added 4m to what I was earning) and told them that was the least I could take. That was where the discussion broke down. We exchanged cards and I told them I can recommend some guys for them. I sent them a CV of a friend when I returned to office but they didn't call him. Not unexpected, they were annoyed already.

danmike1:
Its actually a trick question. There is usually no right answer.

If you say the exact amount they pay, assuming you researched it, you may sound cocky.

If its too small and its a negotiated salary structure ( Like Globacom in the earlier days) then you may get the job but be paid lower than others. If its too high, you have most likely priced yourself out of a potential job offer.

So what best do you do?

1. Classify the industry and company. For example if its a blue chip then go for the upper limit for that industry. If its commission based ask for the optimum amount you require to function and a modest percentage of sales made. Ask for the basic in a small to medium company.

2. Research the company salary scale for your level. Internationally, use websites like www.glassdoor.com
This website gives, usually, anonymous inside scopes or realities behind the curtain.

3. For experienced hires, negotiating for other benefits other than just pay can show how professional you are. Internationally, 401k (pension), Dental (e pass just medical - why you think say oyinbo professional teeth dey shine? No be by mistake!), official car, residence, paid overseas vacation (research before you throw this spanner oh! E fit open the door or bolt am permanently!!)

4. Rule of thumb - when you have no idea how much they pay but you really want the job? Just tell them you are ready to take what the position has to offer. And say something like its not all about the money, you are interested in the opportunities for growth, exposure, travel, training etc

When I conduct interviews and really want the candidate but not sure if they will take my offer...I would usually insist they put a name to a figure! In that case you must yarn something! (Chokes - when you say whatever and they over, over , over insist say you must say am ba, then most likely them wan give you the job!)

But one thing I generally advise freshly minted graduates is to first and foremost garner experience.

It means you can work for almost free, if you have to, in order to get new skills (that means the place MUST have those relevant saleable skills my guy!). That was part of the reason NYSC was formed (besides post Civil War integration ba).

If you have skills, experience and a former employer that can write you a reference, you have more options than a fresh graduate with only a university degree.

Best of luck as you navigate this long road.

Danlami M

Thanks for providing a link that atleast gvs one clue on salary scales. But the salaries stated there are in "W". How do I convert that to NAIRA please?

These are a few thing I have learnt so far (I would not mind if more experiences are shared)in answering the question posed by the op and answered by seasoned HR expert, experience interviewers, and commentators that have shared their experiences;

1.If you are unemployed or underemployed, you are ready to take what the position has got to offer and be quick to add, that it is not about money, you are interested in growth, exposure, travel and training both on and off the job;

2. If you are underemployed, a starting salary of 80k is not out of place (irrespective of the location, as long as it is in Nigeria);

3. Classify the organisation into sectors such as hospitality, FMCG, IOC, Education(depending on the location and level such as Lecturing, Pre-Primary and Post-Primary{ A' or O' level}), NGO e.t.c. Please note, location plays a big role;

4. Call any figure that comes to you mind that you know will accommodate all your needs, irrespective of the organisation, be it small, medium or large. For example, two persons interviewed by a Briton and a German said, they were advises by their interviewer to mention any amount, reason is because if they want you, you will be employed. However, it should be noted that it not in all cases.

5. If you call a figure, it should be after tax, that is, net pay and not gross.

6. When ask the dreaded question, throw it back to them, how? If it is for either an entry level or experience hire. If the interviewer says, you have not answer my question , you know what to do;

7. Do not undervalues you self, because from my little observation and research I have come to the realisation, that your "paper" brings you the podium but paid for the values you bring to the organisation;

8. After given a specific figure, always ask if it is net pay or gross pay. if it is gross pay, change you figure and if it is net pay, you are safe;

9.Young graduates should learn to gain experience rather than money. Why? with experience comes the money.

10. Using this thread as a basis, the acceptable figure that should be given if you are unemployed but want a better offer is the higher or lower of 50% or 40% of tour present salary (Note: depending on the applicants).

P.S. Number six, is applicable to certain situation. Interviewee discretion is strongly advised.

I once got an offer in a trading firm that the pay was twice of my previous place of work and upon confirmation times three of what I was presently taken home I turned down the offer because, I was gaining experience in where I was. Prior to that time, I got an offer in the cosulting firm, I had another offer that was twice of the trading firm. Experience is key.

Furthermore, Salary negotiations is a dicey question and organisations would do anything to underpay in order to cut cost. Moreso, the changing economic situation.

Thanks to everyone.

At dis juncture, do I see anyone here with salary scale idea of OGMT construction chemicals? Need it urgently, d company is at apapa? Any candid idea will be appreciated

iwonbaoko:
Just a small point of "grammar" ; since you have not started working for them "how much do we pay you?" is wrong. It is a subtle point but still annoying everyone cheats their way through school these days and don't grasp the most basic elements of grammar,very annoying!!
Please correct the title

brother i see that the grammer here is more relevant to you other than the challenge majority of job seekers encounter when they are in this shoe.
after spotting the grammatical fault, u should have also contributed to the subject.

Rilwayne001:


No, sir the lunar calender is different from the gregeorian calender. The lunar calender which is te my first explanation on this quote, you will affirm that the month cannot also fall in line with the solar calender.

Lol...honestly am confused.

I just want to know what dates they fall on in January to december calender.

When does ramadan come up too in jan to dec calender ,you kill rams to in ramadan right?

@ Mowyo and Rilwayne001, please stop derailing this thread.

Thanks