Recently interviewed with a AI chip major based in Santa Clara. After the due rounds of interview, was notified that I was the top candidate. When the top candidate however asked for a top notch billing and TC, the Sr. Director flipped apparently. Strongly believe my requirements were within the band for the position , at the max of the band. After silly dallying for a couple of days HR got back saying you are pricey and we will go with the cheaper alternative. BTW the salary ranges were never discussed until all interviews were over and I went with Glassdoor/Paysa suggestions. So my question is how do you handle such situations and get HR to understand that with high quality comes high price?
AI chip major manufacturer in Santa Clara? Nvidia?
No, the other one
Ultimately it’s the company’s call on what your worth. I’m not sure how easily you can change their mind. They probably have fairly strict budgets
Hate to say this but I don’t think you were truly the top candidate.
seriously, why do people believe recruiters when they try to fluff your ego?
Weird that they didn't want to negotiate at all. I would just state when they ask you about salary requirements in an interview, "I've researched the average salary for this type of role, and x is a realistic salary for someone with my skills and experience"
What numbers did you ask for?
I feel like I’m the top candidate every time I go interview. Doesn’t always get the job though.
Yes for being White
The thing, even if you are a top candidate, you aren’t a superman or significantly better than others. The marginal difference is usually narrow. And if the 2nd best is 20% cheaper, then you are over pricing yourself.
If you were truly the top candidate, either the next candidate was very close to as good - and cheaper - or they felt that it was easy to find other candidates of your caliber who would take salary in the mid band. It’s not a great thing to be hired in at the top of a band, as it will be hard to give you raises at that point w/o promoting you. I can imagine a company not wanting to hire at top of band unless it absolutely has to. To get a higher incoming salary you really need to argue to be in the next band up, and do what you need to do in your current role to level you up so that you can interview and get hired at the next level.
Why would a company reject a top candidate for a position would be a better question
For the sake of diversity. Its common-place nowadays.
Could also be salary. A government job really wanted me but couldn't get close to what I was being paid.