A very common question among candidates in selection processes is how to respond when the subject is salary expectations. After all, everyone wants to be well paid, but they also want to stay within the vacancy budget and demonstrate alignment with the position. Balancing these expectations is a challenge and, therefore, many professionals end up making mistakes at this point.
Since this is a topic that often generates insecurity, we have prepared this article to clarify what salary expectations are, point out the most common mistakes candidates make when dealing with this subject, and offer practical guidance on how to deal with it in the best way possible. Read it to the end to prepare yourself with confidence for any question about salary expectations in your next selection process.
What is salary expectation?
Salary expectations are the amount that a candidate expects or would like to receive to take on a certain position within a company. This amount usually reflects professional experience, level of specialization, the market in which the position is operated, and the responsibility involved in the position.
It may be requested by the company at the time of application, appear as a question on the application form, be included in the CV field or appear during the interview. Being clear about your salary expectations is essential to demonstrate maturity, self-knowledge and alignment with market reality.
Salary expectations: the main mistakes candidates make
We have selected the five most common mistakes candidates make when talking about salary expectations and how to avoid them:
1. Not researching the market before setting your salary expectations
One of the most frequent errors is to quote a salary without being aware of whether it is suitable for the position, the sector or location of the company. In order to quote your salary expectations, some research must be done on employment websites, conversation with field professionals and analysis of their experience.
How to avoid: Take advantage of salary comparison tools, read corresponding job adverts, and refer to good salary benchmarks.
2. Giving a vague answer or saying “I’m open to proposals”
While this may seem diplomatic, it can convey a lack of clarity or insecurity. Instead, it’s important to provide a realistic salary range based on your profile.
How to avoid: Define a minimum and maximum range that is consistent with the market, demonstrating flexibility without giving up your criteria.
3. Setting a claim that is much higher than the vacancy budget
When the expected salary is much greater than the company can offer, the applicant risks being overlooked at the initial stages.
Avoidance: Where possible, attempt to learn about the vacancy budget beforehand, either from the job advert or by speaking with the recruiter.
4. Ignoring benefits when setting salary expectations
Many candidates only look at the gross salary amount and forget to consider benefits such as bonuses, health insurance, food vouchers or home office.
How to avoid: Consider the full compensation package when setting your salary expectations, as it can offset any differences in your base salary.
5. Contradicting yourself at different points in the process
Having one figure on your CV, another at the interview and a third at the negotiation sends a message of inconsistency or worse, bad faith.
How to avoid it: Be consistent in the process. If you need to revisit salary expectations in response to new facts, explain that openly.
Should my CV reflect my expected salary?
In general, you should only mention your salary expectations on your resume when the company explicitly asks for it. Including this information spontaneously can limit your chances, especially if the amount is outside the budget for the position.
If the company asks for it, give a salary range instead of an exact number. This shows that you are open to negotiation and avoids being disqualified due to a small difference in expectations.
Salary expectations: what to answer during the interview
In the course of the interview, salary expectations are typically discussed outright. Here, it is most appropriate to quote a salary range based on market data, your experience level and the job responsibilities.
If you don’t yet have sufficient information regarding the job, it’s okay to mention that you’d like to get a clearer picture of the tasks involved before giving a more specific number, but still indicate that you already have some expectation.
A good answer might be:
“Based on my experience and the market, my salary expectations are in the range of R$X to R$Y, but I am open to discussions depending on the responsibilities and benefits offered.”
What should you include in your wage expectations for online applications?
When filling out an online application form that requires the “salary expectations” field, the ideal is to follow the same logic: indicate a coherent salary range, based on market research.
If the system does not support ranges and needs a fixed value, enter a number close to the anticipated average for the position. Refrain from symbolic values, like “1 real”, which may create the perception of negligence or lack of interest.
Another hint: if you are not sure about the salary, see if the position description mentions the salary. In many cases, this is already stated in the ad and can serve as a point of reference to determine your salary expectations.
