One of the most common questions job seekers ask is:
“How much salary should I ask for?”
It’s an important question because your expected salary can influence whether you move on to the next interview—or miss out on an opportunity altogether.
Some candidates believe they should ask for the highest possible salary. Others worry about pricing themselves out of the market and end up accepting much less than they’re worth.
The truth is, both extremes can hurt your career.
The key is knowing your value and asking for a salary that is fair, realistic, and supported by your experience.
The Risk of Highballing
Imagine this.
A position offers a market salary of around RM4,500–RM5,500.
A candidate with three years of relevant experience asks for RM8,000, believing, “No harm trying.”
From the employer’s perspective, it’s not always about whether they can afford it.
Instead, they may wonder:
- Does this candidate understand the market?
- Are their expectations likely to keep increasing?
- Will they leave quickly if another company offers slightly more?
Sometimes, an employer won’t even negotiate. They may simply move on to another qualified candidate whose expectations are more aligned.
Asking for a salary significantly above your market value can reduce your chances of progressing, even if you’re capable of doing the job.
But Don’t Sell Yourself Short Either
On the other hand, asking for far less than your market value isn’t always a good strategy.
Some candidates think:
“I’ll ask for a lower salary so I have a better chance of getting hired.”
While that may seem like a safe approach, it can create other problems.
You may:
- Feel underpaid after joining.
- Become dissatisfied more quickly.
- Start looking for another job sooner than expected.
In some cases, employers may even question why your expected salary is unusually low. They might wonder if you’ve underestimated your own skills or if there’s something missing from your experience.
Remember, employers are looking for the right fit, not simply the cheapest candidate.
So, How Should You Decide?
Before stating your expected salary, ask yourself:
- How many years of relevant experience do I have?
- What skills or certifications do I bring?
- What is the typical salary range for this role in my industry and location?
- What value can I genuinely contribute to the company?
Research the market before your interview. Salary guides, job portals, recruiters, and industry reports can help you understand what’s reasonable.
Think Beyond the Basic Salary
A job offer is more than just the monthly pay.
Consider the overall package, such as:
- Performance bonuses
- Commission or incentives
- Medical and insurance coverage
- Career progression
- Learning and development opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements
- Company culture and work-life balance
Sometimes, a role with a slightly lower salary can provide better long-term growth than one with a higher starting pay.
Be Honest, Be Flexible
If you’re asked about your salary expectations during an interview, it’s okay to provide a reasonable range instead of one fixed number.
For example:
“Based on my experience and the responsibilities of this role, I’m looking at a range of RM4,800 to RM5,300. However, I’m open to discussing the overall package.”
This shows you’ve done your research while remaining open to conversation.
Final Thoughts
Your expected salary should reflect your skills, experience, and the market—not emotion or guesswork.
Don’t ask for the highest number simply because you hope someone will say yes.
And don’t undervalue yourself out of fear.
The goal isn’t to win the highest salary today.
The goal is to build a career where your value continues to grow.
Know your worth. Understand the market. Be confident—but stay realistic.
That’s often the best formula for finding opportunities that are rewarding for both you and your future employer.