Let's say I have multiple offers. Recruiter A asking for "what are you looking for?" They say they need it to come up with the comp package. Recruiter B going round about way to know my current comp. Asking how much unvested RSUs I got. And saying his guess where my base comp is. How do I maximize my chances of getting a solid offer? This is similar to talking with car dealerships. Instead here you haggle up. It's more stressful than the interview itself.
I’ve recently been in a situation where they asked me how much vested and unvested RSU I have at my current work. At first I didn’t want to divulge but they said if I didn’t they may not be able to give any RSU (claimed my level typically doesn’t come with RSU and will need special approval for it). This is for senior swe position. I still don’t know what the best course of action is...
Say, “that’s unfortunate, I’m not going to consider any roles that don’t include an equity component”
A senior SWE role that doesn't come with RSU's? Sounds like a lie or a shitty company. I would call their bluff.
Recruiter is saying you give me your number first. She needs this info. Wtf?
Shady
So just say what you want then. Worst case you don’t get it and it was never gonna work out anyway
Come up with an actual range of what your looking for.. be open about that range upfront.. gather multiple offers...take the best one.. not rocket science and don't need to withhold info to get what you want
Found the recruiter. /s Of course recruiters are withholding information from you. And even the nice ones often outright lie. There's nothing wrong with withholding information yourself. You start at a massive information disadvantage.
I disagree and I have been on both sides of the table many many times. 'never go first' is not always a good stance. In a negotiation, both sides should win. And at the end of the day, if the offer is lower then you want, you shouldn't take it. If the offer is the best one you have and meets/exceeds your expectations you will prob take it. If the recruiter is withholding info then they are not good at their job and that sux.
I said I want a TC of Around X It should not be based off of what you make now so you don’t have to tell them And then once you have multiple offers with comp you can have them bid for you. Once I had several offers I disclosed specifics to make the others up say the base or RSUs or bonus
Wife is a recruiter for a very large tech company. They’re not allowed to ask your current comp, so they need to find round ways to figure out what a good offer is in your mind. They have no vested interest in what the company pays you. What they’re vested in is closing you should the company extend an offer. They’re on your side and are fighting for what you need to join the team so that they can close you. They are not your adversary in this process... don’t treat them as such. Work with them on what you’d need to join the company. Otherwise, they talk to candidates all day and know when someone is just collecting offers.
I just gave her the numbers. Not crazy stupid high but slightly on the higher end. And now got ghosted. What does that tell you? Are they on my side?
They may need a bit of time... recruiters often juggle many reqs at once... dont be afraid to respectfully follow up with them should you go a while without hearing from them
There are other components here. In CA we are not allowed to ask for your current comp while in other states we are. I am not on your side, I am not on their side, I’m not on anyone’s side. I see all of these enormous compensation questions on here and while they are admirable, some companies like mine have salary bands, have to answer to the gov’t and face audits. In other words, we can pay what we can pay. Sure the bands aren’t small and there is leeway but I’m trying to see if I can make you an offer that you would consider taking. The last thing I want to do is waste your time, my time and the hiring manager’s time. If you are looking for 20-30k over the range that the position can pay based upon your years of experience and education then why proceed? Of course....I wouldn’t ghost you. Honesty is the key.
Give your expectations and ask if that’s within range for the role. You can always have a “competing offer” at the end of the process if you want to ask for more.
I would state honestly that you have multiple interview loops at company X, Y, Z for level A, B, C. At that point, go to levels.fyi and then try to get max TC for that level.
A sounds like amazon
Congrats on multiple offers! I would recommend not responding to your recruiters guesses at your comp and not sharing it - unless you are moving into a not for profit sort of company and know you are taking a pay cut then sharing your current comp will probably only hurt. My colleague used moonchaser.io as a negotiation coach and found it to be helpful. Looks like this guide seems to have tips on not sharing your comp https://www.nicksingh.com/posts/the-secret-art-of-salary-negotiation. I also thought this guide was decent too https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.freecodecamp.org/news/how-not-to-bomb-your-offer-negotiation-c46bb9bc7dea/amp/
Man, here in India, companies basically ask for your payslip for the last three months. So we have almost no negotiation scope.
You still have leverage. The fact is, you are employed and it would take X to make you move.