I have always seen people struggle with negotiations during interviews when asked the question of, “What is your salary expectation?” As an HR Specialist and someone who has sat on so many recruitment panels, I must say that the actual interview session is not the time and place for you to do a mental calculation of what you desire to be remunerated with.
Before the interview day arrives, take time to research of what would be a fair compensation commensurate to the level of your skills, experience and qualifications. Research industry standards and salary ranges for similar roles. Get a good understanding of what other companies are paying for the same position in your field. This can help you asses your value in terms of skills, experience, and qualifications relevant to the position.
Don’t limit your evaluation solely to salary; take into account other valuable benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and more. Personally, I’m constantly reminded and grateful for the fact that all three of my children were born with insurance coverage, sparing me from the burden of medical bills over many years. Health insurance coverage is a significant benefit that often gets overlooked by employees during negotiation.
Speaking to Paul Mwirigi Muriungi, an HR Specialist said that, “when discussing desired salary during interviews, it’s crucial to assess what value I’m bringing to the table, the scope of work involved, and any additional benefits beyond just monetary compensation. If the overall package doesn’t feel motivating enough for me to consider a move, I would view it as a deal breaker. Additionally, I place a high importance on organizational culture and the potential for future growth within the company.”
Understanding the mandatory deductions from your salary is another important consideration when negotiating. Calculate the accurate amount of what directly comes to your pockets. It’s essential to differentiate between gross and net pay to avoid misunderstandings and unrealistic financial planning. I’ve encountered situations where a figure stated as gross was mistaken for net. To accurately calculate your earnings, consider deductions such as PAYE, local service tax, and NSSF, which are mandatory in Uganda. You can utilize tools like this calculator (https://aren.biz/uganda/calculators/grosscalc.php) to determine your exact take-home pay based on your desired amount.
Having a proper evaluation of your financial standing helps you make an informed decision. Make a list of your priorities regarding salary, benefits, work-life balance, etc. Be prepared to prioritize them in case you need to make compromises during negotiation. Pay close attention to what the interviewer or hiring manager is saying. Understand their needs, concerns, and any flexibility they might have in the negotiation process.
While the value of your experience might be tricky to accurately capture, it’s crucial during negotiation. “Experience often serves as our compass in navigating career transitions. When departing a role, one may gauge their worth by their existing salary and benefits. Yet, in negotiation, knowledge of industry standards gathered from thorough background checks can be the wind in our sails.” – Leticia Iguma, Secretary General, Human Resource Managers’ Association of Uganda
During the negotiation, exhibit a professional conduct. Manage your emotions well and maintain courteous demeanor throughout the negotiation process. Avoid being confrontational or overly aggressive, as it could harm your chances of reaching a satisfactory agreement.
Once you’ve reached an agreement, make sure to get the terms documented in writing, either in an official offer letter or employment contract. Review it carefully to ensure it accurately reflects the agreed-upon terms before signing.
If the terms offered are significantly below your expectations, or if the employer is unwilling to negotiate on key points important to you, be prepared to respectfully decline the offer and continue your job search elsewhere. It all starts from knowing what you want and what you have valued yourself at.
Negotiation is a skill that improves with practice. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself, but also approach the process with professionalism and a willingness to arrive at a reasonable compromise if need be.
