Not revealing current salary or even salary expectations
#1 rule to negotiation is to let the other party give first offer So I declined to tell recruiter my current comp, not even my salary expectation. Is this a good strategy?
No, the far better strategy is to know your value and be able to articulate it like an adult.
Related question, I thought I was interviewing for SDE2, but later found out it's SDE1 offer. But I gave them a salary expectation in the SDE2 band. Is it a problem? Or will they just offer me a lot less?
I mean, can they decline just because of high salary expectations, or will they give me a lower offer first?
If you make it through the interviews, I believe they will at least want to run the offer with you and see your interest. If the numbers you have quoted are too stretched out and the feedback isn’t strong, there is a slight chance of getting rejected. But the recruiter most likely will let you know about it.
If you are currently low balled, it may work to your benefit. Though in most of the cases, it will backfire.
Like @public2 mentioned above, put your act together and behave maturely. If you are going to join the company, you don’t want to put a bad taste in their mouth before you start. Not revealing your expectations first to get more money just speaks immaturity.
Hell no .. if they give an offer that you think is very low ball .. then game over. Offers in most cases only be adjusted up 10-20% .. recruiter is not going to sacrifice her reputation with HC for you.
It really depends on the situation. Sometimes it is better to set a high anchor point.
Is this conversation after the on-site interview or before? If it’s after the onsite interview and if you know an offer is coming, there’s nothing wrong with setting your expectations.