Let’s talk about Interviews - imagine the scenario: you’re interviewing a data analyst for a fast-paced tech startup, someone who’ll shape business insights with every dashboard they build.
The candidate arrives with a crisp resume and a knack for translating messy data into actionable stories. The technical grilling goes well: SQL queries, analytics frameworks, the whole nine yards. Throughout the call, it’s clear this analyst knows their stuff, the hiring manager even gives those subtle “yes, that’s exactly what I’m looking for” nods.
Then comes the pivotal moment, the one that tends to tighten the air:
“What are your salary expectations for this position?”
There’s a pause. The friendly, upbeat tone suddenly wavers. The candidate glances down, fidgets, and then blurts out a number - one buried under a nervous chuckle and a voice so shaky you can barely hear it.
The interview moves on, but after the call, the hiring manager remarks, “They really had the skills, but when it came to talking about compensation, all that confidence disappeared. Not sure if they’re ready for this environment.”
This wasn’t about greed, or even about the number itself. Instead, it was about how they said it, or more accurately, how uncertain they sounded when they did.
Why is this moment so critical?
In high-stakes, dynamic roles like data analysis (or, honestly, any modern job), technical ability gets your foot in the door, but your presence, the way you advocate for yourself is what locks the offer down. Yet so many candidates rehearse technical answers, but not the “real-life” moments that count: talking about money, value, impact.
When you stumble on the salary question, two signals go out:
You might not know what your skills are worth in the current market.
Or, worse, you’re not secure enough to ask for what you deserve.
Neither is a deal-breaker on its own, but both chip away at the trust you just spent the whole interview building.
So what should you do instead?
Research your range. Platforms like Glassdoor, industry groups, even informal chats with colleagues, can give you a clear window into what data analysts are earning right now.
State your expectations plainly. Try: “From my research and experience level, I’m targeting somewhere in the 1.5 - 3 million Naira range. Of course, I’m open to the specifics of your package and benefits.”
Keep your tone steady. Practicing your answer in front of a mirror, with a friend, or just out loud to yourself — can help you deliver it as calmly as you write a summary formula.
Remember, it’s not a trick question. Employers want to know if your expectations align - it’s not a test of humility, but of preparedness and self-awareness.
Bottom line: The salary question isn’t just a hurdle, it’s the moment you show you don’t just value yourself in code, charts, or performance metrics, but in words, too. Own your ask, and you’ll signal the kind of confidence that teams want in their decision-makers.
Interviews are never just about technical skill. They’re a dance of self-expression, negotiation, and trust. Master both sides - and suddenly, you’re not just another analyst. You’re the one they remember.