Application forms and interviewers often ask what salary you expect. A clear, researched answer protects you from asking for too little and shows you understand the job.
Leave it off your CV
Your CV is for evidence of what you can do. Do not list your current or expected salary on it unless the advert asks you to. Answer the question where it is asked: in the form, the cover email or the interview.
Research a range
- Look at adverts for similar jobs in your city that show a salary.
- Read recruitment agencies’ salary guides for your field.
- Ask people who do the job, or a recruiter, what the range is.
Then pick a range of about 10 to 15% around the figure you are happy with, with your real target near the bottom.
Know the package
South African offers are often given as cost to company (CTC), which includes things like the employer’s retirement and medical aid contributions. A CTC figure can be well above the take-home pay you will see. Ask what is included, and check the take-home amount with a take-home pay calculator.
What to say
“From my research, roles like this pay between R 28 000 and R 32 000 cost to company. I am looking for something in that range, depending on the full package.” If a form needs one number, use your target.