Disclose Salary Requirements: Scripts, Strategy & The Defensive Range (2026/27)
Job seekers searching for how to disclose salary requirements are often caught between being transparent and not underselling themselves. In 2026, with competitive hiring and stricter applicant tracking systems (ATS), knowing how to answer salary expectation questions is a must-have skill in your job hunt.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn exactly how to disclose salary expectations across different scenarios (forms, calls, interviews) — without compromising your negotiating power. You’ll also get access to:
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Real-world scripts and salary response templates
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A step-by-step method to calculate your ideal salary range
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Legal and strategic approaches to avoid salary history traps
Whether you’re applying online or speaking to a recruiter live, this page gives you everything you need to control the salary conversation.
Quick Answer Table: What to Do When Asked About Salary
| Scenario | Goal | Script or Defensive Move |
|---|---|---|
| Online Form (ATS) | Anchor high using your range | Use your calculated defensive salary range or “Flexible depending on total compensation” |
| Recruiter Call | Delay giving a number | “What budget range has your team allocated for this role?” |
| Asked About Current Salary | Evade legally and professionally | “I’d prefer to focus on the role’s value, not past compensation.” |
Why Disclosing Salary Requirements is a Strategic Move
When a recruiter asks, “What are your salary expectations?”, they’re often trying to set a low salary anchor to guide future negotiations. If you disclose too soon — or guess wrong — you risk getting boxed into a lower offer than you deserve.
That’s why your strategy should be simple: Delay. Deflect. Pivot.
You only disclose your salary expectation after you understand:
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The role’s scope
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The full compensation package
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The budgeted salary range the employer has planned
How to Calculate a Defensive Salary Range
Before any application, you need to research and prepare a defensive salary range — a smart, data-backed range that anchors your value without scaring off recruiters.
Step-by-Step:
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Find the market median salary for your target role and location
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Set your floor slightly above median (signals you know your worth)
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Set your ceiling 10–20% higher to give room for negotiation
Example:
Role: Financial Analyst
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Market Median (Base Pay): ₦4,800,000 NGN
Calculated Defensive Range:
₦5,200,000 – ₦6,000,000 NGN (annual base)
Use this range:
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On online forms (when a field is required)
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Late in the interview process
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If the recruiter insists on a number
Video Resource: You might find this video relevant
For a detailed breakdown of entry-level salaries in the Nigerian consulting sector, view this resource:
Conclusion: Control the information, and you control the outcome.
Strategic Salary Scripts for Every Situation
1. Online Application Forms (ATS)
Most ATS systems force you to submit a number. Here’s how to answer:
If a number is required:
“₦5,200,000 – ₦6,000,000 annually (flexible based on total package).”
If a text field is available:
“Flexible, depending on total compensation and scope of responsibilities.”
2. Recruiter Phone Screening
Recruiters often ask salary questions in the first 5 minutes. Your goal is to pivot and avoid naming your number.
Script:
“I’m flexible depending on the full package — base, bonus, equity, benefits. May I ask what range your team has budgeted for this role?”
3. When Asked About Salary History
In many regions, asking about past salary is illegal. Even when it’s not, it’s best to refocus the conversation.
Script:
“I’d prefer to focus on what this new role is worth and ensure the salary aligns with the market value — not my previous compensation.”
Don’t Just Think Base Salary — Think Total Compensation
When evaluating an offer, or setting expectations, always include:
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Base salary
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Bonuses (sign-on and annual)
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Equity or stock options
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Retirement plans or pension
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Insurance (health, life, dental)
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Paid leave, education benefits, remote flexibility
This gives you leverage in negotiation and flexibility if base salary is fixed.
What to Say If Asked About Salary
1. Recruiter Call Script
“I’m flexible depending on the full compensation package. May I ask what budget range has been set for this role?”
2. Online Form Entry (Text Field)
“Flexible — based on total compensation and final role scope.”
3. If Asked About Previous Salary
“I prefer to focus on what this role is worth today, not my past earnings.”
4. Ideal Range (When a Number is Required)
Use a calculated range based on market data — for example, ₦5,200,000 – ₦6,000,000 NGN annually.
Key Tip
Always frame your expectations around total compensation — including bonuses, equity, and benefits — not just base salary.
Final Checklist: How to Disclose Salary Requirements Professionally
Do:
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Prepare a defensive range with market data
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Ask for the recruiter’s budget before offering a number
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Phrase your answers with flexibility and confidence
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Anchor above the market median
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Emphasize total compensation
Don’t:
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Reveal your bottom line too early
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Share previous salary unless absolutely required
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Appear unprepared or uncertain when asked
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Neglect bonuses, equity, and benefits
Final Thought?
Disclosing salary requirements is not just about answering a form — it’s a negotiation strategy that begins the moment you’re asked. In 2026, with rising job competition and smarter employers, how you answer can mean the difference between settling for less and commanding your worth.
By using a strategic salary range, applying professional scripts, and treating compensation as a total package, you gain the confidence — and control — needed to negotiate like a pro.