Have you ever imagined going through the nerve-wracking stages of a job interview?! You answered tough questions, showcased your skills, and connected with the hiring manager. Then comes the part many people dread – the salary discussion. Suddenly, your confidence wavers. Should you accept whatever they offer just to secure the job? Or should you speak up and risk sounding “too demanding”?
This scenario is all too familiar for many job seekers in Nigeria and beyond. The truth is, negotiating salaries at job interviews isn’t just about money – it is about understanding your worth, communicating it with confidence, and ensuring you are fairly compensated for your skills and experience. As career coach Ngozi Nwosu once put it: “If you don’t value your skills, no employer will.”
In today’s competitive job market, being able to negotiate your salary confidently can make the difference between being underpaid and building a fulfilling career.
Why Salary Negotiation Matters
Salary negotiation goes beyond securing a paycheck. It determines how valued you feel in your role and affects your financial well-being in the long term.
Think about this: If two fresh graduates accept jobs at ₦150,000 and ₦200,000 monthly, respectively, the difference might not look massive at first. But over a five-year period, with annual increments and bonuses tied to that base salary, the second graduate could easily earn millions more than the first.
By negotiating salaries upfront, you set the stage for fair pay, better job satisfaction, and future growth. Employers often expect negotiation, so failing to do so might even signal a lack of confidence.
The Nigerian Context: Why Many Don’t Negotiate
In Nigeria, cultural and economic factors often make salary negotiation intimidating. Many candidates feel they should be grateful for getting an offer at all – especially in a country with high unemployment rates. Others fear that asking for more could cost them the opportunity.
I remember Chika, a marketing graduate from Enugu, who shared her story at a career seminar. She was offered ₦120,000 at her first job but felt it was too low for her role. She wanted to negotiate but feared rejection, so she kept quiet. Months later, she discovered a colleague in the same position was earning ₦160,000 – simply because he asked.
This highlights a key truth: negotiating with confidence often pays off.
Steps to Negotiate Salaries at Job Interviews with Confidence
So, how do you overcome fear and approach the conversation like a pro? Here’s a practical roadmap:
Preparation is everything. Research the average salary range for the role you are applying for. Tools like Glassdoor, MySalaryScale, or even conversations with industry professionals can help.
For instance, if you are interviewing for an HR officer role in Lagos, knowing the market range (₦180,000 – ₦250,000) gives you a solid foundation. Walking into an interview blind is like playing football without knowing the rules.
Employers aren’t just paying for your presence – they are paying for your skills, experience, and potential contributions. Before your interview, list your strengths: certifications, unique skills, successful projects, or leadership experiences.
If you can confidently say, “In my last role, I grew sales by 25% in six months,” you’re not just asking for a higher salary – you are justifying it.
3. Practice the Conversation
Negotiation is part skill, part confidence. Role-play with a friend, mentor, or even in front of a mirror. Practicing how to say: “Based on my skills and market research, I believe a salary in the range of ₦220,000 – ₦250,000 would be fair,” can boost your composure.
4. Be Strategic About Timing
Avoid jumping into salary discussions too early. Let the employer see your value first. Once they are convinced you are the right candidate, you will have stronger leverage.
5. Stay Professional, Not Defensive
Negotiation is not an argument – it is a conversation. Even if the offer is lower than expected, respond politely. You might say: “Thank you for the offer. I was expecting something closer to ₦X based on industry standards and my experience. Is there room for adjustment?”
This keeps the door open without sounding confrontational.
Sometimes, the employer may not meet your salary request but might offer benefits like health insurance, remote work, training opportunities, or bonuses. Don’t dismiss these perks – they can add significant value.
For example, a company offering ₦180,000 with a strong pension scheme and transport allowance might be better than one offering ₦200,000 without extras.
7. Be Ready to Walk Away
This can be tough, but it’s important. If the offer is far below your expectations and the employer won’t budge, sometimes walking away is the best option. Accepting an underpaying job often leads to frustration down the line.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Salary Negotiation
- Not doing research – Asking blindly can make you look unprepared.
- Undervaluing yourself – Accepting too little because you are scared of losing the offer.
- Overvaluing yourself – Asking for unrealistically high figures without justification.
- Being vague – Saying “I want more” without specifying a range.
- Sounding desperate – Employers may sense desperation and exploit it.
Remember, confidence comes from preparation.
Employer’s Perspective: Why They Respect Negotiators
Interestingly, many employers actually respect candidates who negotiate. It shows self-awareness, confidence, and business sense. No organisation wants to hire someone who doesn’t know their worth.
In fact, research shows that employees who negotiate salaries are more likely to be seen as assertive and leadership-oriented. So instead of fearing rejection, think of negotiation as an opportunity to demonstrate skills employers admire.
Confidence Pays Off
Take the story of Tolani, a software developer in Port-Harcourt. He was offered ₦350,000 monthly by a fintech startup. Instead of accepting right away, he politely shared his research and explained how his expertise in blockchain could give the company a competitive edge. He asked for ₦450,000.
The company eventually settled at ₦420,000 – ₦70,000 more than the original offer. Tolani’s confidence and ability to back his request with facts made all the difference.
Quotes to Remember During Salary Negotiation
- “You don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate.” – Chester Karrass
- “Negotiation is not about winning, it’s about finding a solution that works for both sides.” – Anonymous
- “Confidence comes from preparation and knowledge of your worth.” – Career Coach, Lagos
At the end of the day, negotiating salaries at job interviews with confidence is a skill every professional needs. It is not just about securing more money – it is about building a career where you feel valued, respected, and motivated.
Yes, the Nigerian job market is tough, and opportunities can feel scarce. But settling for less than your worth only perpetuates the cycle of underpayment. As we have seen from real examples, those who approach negotiations with preparation and confidence often walk away with better offers and more fulfilling careers.
So the next time you sit across from a hiring manager and the salary question arises, take a deep breath and remember: you bring value, you have worth, and you deserve fair compensation. Negotiation isn’t greed – it is smart career management.
As the saying goes, “If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no.”
Contributed by Agolo Eugene Uzorka, a Human Resource Management Consultant and Content Writer.
