Best answer for “what salary are you looking for?” Always have something planned but wind up showing my cards. Is giving a range smart or do you push it back on them?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I came in knowing what somebody in my position generally would make and I told them the number that I wanted. It worked.

like

I never understood the tactic of asking for a range because it’s just human nature for everyone to say “OK the top of that, then.” No one is going to say “oh somewhere in the middle.”

Once you know the range, you’re unable to go outside of it. Do some research. Ask around. And aim a bit high. The worst thing they can say is “that’s outside of our range.” It happened to me once, and I was promoted to meet my number.

Conventional wisdom always says to let them open the negotiations. But truthfully I think opening with my number tells them “I have thought this through, and this is where I stand.” Whereas just hearing their number and then trying to tack on $10k more says “I am just doing the standard negotiation game and don’t really know what I’m worth.” They know you’re going to counter anyway. So even if you think you successfully got them from $70k to $80k, they were anticipating it the whole time.

smart

Always ask them if they have a range in mind. Then say you were thinking the top number in that range or higher

I always ask them what their budget/range for the position is and I can let them know if it’s within a the range I’m looking for.

I try to dance around as much as I can and basically say that I want to be paid fairly for my level, but idk where you’re at with your budget and what not.

Always ask what their budget is.

Never reveal your “desire salary”, until the recruiter gives you the range.

Recruiters have access to the salary in the market for that role, access to the range/budget from the hiring firm, etc. The ONLY thing they don’t have access to is YOUR desired salary.

So, don’t give the information about your desired salary too easily. Let them give you the range. Otherwise 2 things could happen:
1. You fall outside the range - which end the interview
2. You are below the upper range - which you will leave money on the table

Several responses that worked well for me:
- “I do not have any specific answer since I need to know more about this role. Do you mind sharing the salary range for this particular role you are looking to fill?”
- “I have not been in the market for a while, so I won’t be able to pin point to a specific number. Do you mind sharing the salary range for this particular role you are looking to fill?”

Depending on the stage of the interview, you can respond accordingly.

If it is before you begin to talk to the team/hiring manager: “I am comfortable with that range. Let’s move forward with the interview so I can understand the role and responsibilities, and get to know the team better.”

If it is after the main interviews and the recruiter is about to draft the offer letter: “I enjoyed the conversation with the team and I am comfortable with the role and responsibilities. Based on the discussion about this role, I would be comfortable if you can provide $[upper range number + 25%] for this role.”

Recruiter will negotiate down and ideally about 10-15% on top of the upper range that he/she gave you.

The goal is to let the team/hiring manager to fall in love with you first, and give the recruiter as little information until the very end. This way, they will be motivated and pressured by the hiring team to extend the offer.

Related Posts

Hello everyone, does anybody here knows a good starting salary for Pharmacovigilance positions?
Thanks for your help!

like

What’s the current salary for an entry level US TECH in GA

like

The severance package at Meta for laid off employees almost makes it nice to be laid off depending on what your personal situation is….. personally wouldn’t mind getting 4+ months of full pay to reset and think about what’s next 😬

like

Realistic target for switching to another firm? Some details:
-Been at current firm doing tech/management consulting for 3.5 years out of college at 100k.
-Looking to jump to new firm, targeting...

How much would a CD earns in an Singaporean agency?

like

What was the signing bonus for MBA hires that just received offers this fall?

like

What’s the best way to turn down a 2nd interview? During the 1st interview, I learned that the compensation for the role is not within the range that I am looking for and requires 400 more billable hours a year than what I bill now. I’d basically be laterally for my current salary just to bill 400 more hours. I also wasn’t aware that the local office was strictly ID. Firm website advertises lots of practice areas. Any advice? TIA!

like

Just got an offer from Facebook. Seemed a tad low to me, but the recruiter is not budging. FB fish, is the offer fair?

Role: Data Science, Manager 1
Base: 180k
Bonus: 20%
RSU: 60k per year (240k total), vesting quarterly
TC: 276k

like

Hi Fishes,

How much can I ask for a senior product manager role at S&P global market intelligence? My yoe is 7..

Currently have an existing offer of 23l (all fixed)

Will appreciate any suggestions, so that I am not low balled!

Thanks in advance !

I am having offer from Tejas network and Radisys. Which one should i join?
YoE - 11 years
Radisys is offering more.

like

Who decides the Hike percentage in EY GDS ?

Please help me to understand if counsellor plays any role in hike percentage or is that based on Current rating we have got while VPB announcement ?

like

Hi Fishes, What is the fixed ctc band for SC2 at EY GDS SC&O. Also, how are the levels tracked for progression for a given designation (SC2 to SC3).

Please respond if someone knows about it.
EY

like

I have been going through the final round of interview Intel Corporation. I am a mechanical engineer having 12yrs of experience in the field. What band and salary range can I expect?

like

Hi Fishes,

Please suggest which one is better ?

INFOSYS (Associate Consultant) 9LPA + 1 Joining Bonus - Bangalore
Statestreet (Cyber Security Engineer) 11 LPA (All Fixed) - Bangalore
Tietoevry (Technical Specialist) 10 LPA (All Fixed)

IAM domain - Azure and Okta. Let me know please. YOE 2.5 years

like

Hi, I’m looking for advice of what sort of salary range to expect for an AVP role within Corporate Trust (specifically Structured Finance) in Dublin?

like

Larsen & Toubro Infotech Hi Fishes,
Needed ur help to decide on - YOE - 15
Coforge - 34 with 5 % variable
Larsen & Toubro Infotech - 33 with 10 % variable Infosys - 29 with 20% variable
My priority is WLB and longer term lookout.

Please help I need to decide urgently.
Coforge Infosys Larsen & Toubro Infotech

like

I am working in EY LLP as consultant 1 and joined in June 2021 I got an offer in Dubai protiviti should I wait to get bonus and then leave or should I leave and how much bonus can I expect .

like

How much EY India offers for Manager position in technology consulting role

like

What’s an appropriate salary/range for an Account Director in Toronto? It’s a small agency, so I know that will skew things a bit on the lower side. Initial research on LinkedIn & Glassdoor says $93-$95k average. Personally have 8 years’ experience.

like

More Posts

Hello everyone! This is my first time posting since joining this platform. I’m interested in connecting with someone who is open to HR mentoring. I’ve been in HR now for about six years and have never had a mentor. I’ve been relying mostly on SHRM and other people in the company for feedback. Even if it’s for feedback, I would really appreciate it. Thank you!

like

Is DC a competitive office to get into for McKinsey?

like

Hi,

Is connect week in Fidelity mandatory for employees ?

Unpopular opinion:
Don't understand what people are loving about Indian Matchmaking
I do not find it hilarious and do not find Nadia adorable 🙄

like
like

This one is going to make some of y’all mad, but it’s so annoyingly unnecessary. The most irritating part is “is it a shirt day or a skirt day”…. Like women don’t wear shirts with skirts and men don’t wear shirts with pants. Shirts and skirts are not mutually exclusive. I’ll just leave this here.

Post Photo
likesmart

Should those of us who write code be taking a moral/ethical responsibility for what the code is used for?

likesmart

Hi fishes,
How's the interview process in Infosys for data analytics role? How I can prepare myself for that? And, how much I can ask considering my YOE is 2 years and current profile devops.

Hi all , I have accepted PS offer letter one month back ; but now I got an opportunity to do my MBA ; so I can't join PS. My joining is in next week ; and also PS sent me one welcome gift box 🎁 (Not sure why) ; Do I need to return that box while informing HR that I cannot join ?

like

Any good mf with less tracking error to invest in us equity.

like

New York folks:
Are you aware of the CPA exam credit extension to 2021 for NY CPA candidates impacted by COVID19? It’s on a person-by-person basis and you need to request the extension. Has anyone tried doing this yet? Can anyone shine more light on this? The extension would really help me, but I’m not sure what more to tell them in my email than the fact that I couldn’t sit for the exams this Spring/Summer due to test centers closing in NYC.

like

How many days will it take for Wells Fargo to release the offer letter ?
I attended my interview and got shortlisted as well, I just got an email stating congratulations and send us list of documents !! After which When I try contacting the HR, he's not responding !! What do I do in such case !!
Kindly Advise...

like

Any update on performance ratings?
Any idea what to expect looking at current scenario!!

like

Any SAP folks out here ???
Need some insights

like

Hi folks. Just collecting some info.
Please drop ur ctc if u r 6or7yoe as data engineer. How much u r getting and if u switching how much u r expecting. This will help the upcoming data engineer to negotiate better.

like

So I just started a new job in sales (B2B specifically). All my life I’ve been in blue collar jobs, military, then construction work ect. I don’t have much money saved to get myself my own business cards as I’m sure they are important to have, I’ve got all the info that I need to go out and start selling. I guess what I’m looking for is just tips on how you guys were successful walking into a whole new arena if that makes sense?

like

I have to stop imagining how great it will be to sell my script until it actually sells.

like

CPE question: if I won’t get my license til summer of 2023 does CPE that I earn starting in January of 2023 count? Just want to make sure I know how this works. Thanks

like

What is the salary I should ask for in IBM.. YOE: 6.5, SAP FICO… Current Salary 15 LPA

like
likefunny

Additional Posts in Advertising Confessions

Since disconnecting with past stories my reality has drastically bent. My stories programmed my reality, attracting what I told myself I was/wasn't.

likefunny

I am not ok.

like

My CEO was just ousted and I think he left a stash of weed in his old office

like

If everything is “asap”, nothing is “asap”

likesmart

I left my job without having anything else lined up otherwise I would have had a mental breakdown. I’m not even in that great of a financial place, but it was my job or my sanity. I know at least three other people who, in the past few months, have left with nothing lined up. I feel like it’s something we need to be talking more about. This isn’t normal for people to be doing this right?

like

I just want to go home and eat cheese.

likeupliftingfunny

I’m struggling. I left an agency I liked last year due to growth limitations and since then I’ve worked at 2 different agencies and can’t seem to find my footing. The first one seemed like a good fit at first but then it turned out to not be the best place for me so I left. At my current agency I feel super undervalued. I’m always raising my hand and offering to help where I can and no matter what I do, I don’t feel utilized or valued or part of the team.It’s really taken a toll on my confidence

like

The turkeys nest is where you find inspiration

like

After nearly a year WFH and being with my family 24/7, I’m not entirely sure we actually like each other. Or maybe they don’t like me being at home. Or they don’t like me. Probably the latter 😞

like

I’m tired of the arrogance and male techno-superiority. Where are the humans with feelings, vulnerability, joy in all of this?

like

Is anyone else in the middle of switching jobs? Should coronavirus be giving me second thoughts about making a move?

like

I’m white.. and a man. Shhh, don’t tell anyone.

likefunny

I get so frustrated and annoyed when people make stupid common sense mistakes and I think it’s starting to affect my relationships. Don’t really know what to do.

like

It makes me intensely uncomfortable when I hear people who should know better misusing the word “myself.” As in “please cc Kate and myself on your email.”

likefunny

First day back after a 10-day beach stint. Putting on pants was hard enough.

likefunny

I am stupidly rejecting recruiters with legit offers because I am waiting for The One. The offer to end all offers. But they are taking entirely too long to notify me. They keep telling me to hold on.

like

I like to think of myself as calm but really I’m just dead inside.

likefunnysmart

Who has made the leap from working/living in the US to abroad? Any words of advice?

like

My partner refuses to flatulate during waking hours around me. I feel this lack of intimacy is cause for alarm. I calmly mentioned my concerns and she doesn't feel comfortable speaking about the subject. Any suggestions?

likefunny

America is the Florida of the world and it’s embarrassing.

Post Photo
likefunny

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal