The salary expectation question — how to answer it without destroying your negotiating position
by Haziq Rahman·May 25, 2026
The moment you give a number first, you anchor the negotiation. The moment you refuse to give one, you risk seeming difficult. Here's how to navigate.
Strategy 1: Deflect with a question
"I'd love to understand the full scope of the role before naming a number, could you share the budgeted range for this position?"
Strategy 2: Give a wide range confidently
"Based on my research and experience, I'm looking at a range of RM7,000–9,000 depending on the overall package and scope. Is that in line with what you have in mind?"
Strategy 3: If forced to commit
Give the top of your range as your target, not the midpoint. You can always negotiate down; rarely can you negotiate up from an opening number.
What doesn't work: "Whatever is market rate" (sounds passive) or refusing to engage at all. Interviewers read avoidance as a lack of self-knowledge.