Job Interviews
Job InterviewsMedium
“What are your salary expectations?”
Expected Duration: 1-2 mins
Sample Answer
Based on the market range for this role in Kabul and my three years of experience, I understand positions like this typically pay between 45,000 and 60,000 AFN. I am flexible within your organization’s structure — the total package, including learning opportunities and contract stability, matters more to me than the top of the range. What range did you have budgeted for this position?
Strong Example
“I know the standard band for NGO monitoring officers here is 50–70k AFN. I am comfortable anywhere in that band given your training budget — may I ask what you have allocated?”
Weak Example
“Whatever you give is fine. I just really need this job.”
How to Answer
Never name a number first without market research; give a researched range and end by asking their budget. Saying “anything” signals desperation and hurts you in both salary and credibility.
Common Mistakes
- Saying “any amount is fine”
- Naming an unrealistic number with no justification
- Refusing to answer at all
Follow-up Questions
- Q: What is your current salary?
- Q: Would you accept a lower start with a review after 6 months?