How to respond to expected salary target question
So I have been dodging the question to give a number first as opposed to them, but it keeps coming back. Any recommendations on how to handle this so I don't shortchange or corner myself?
Know what is the range for what you want
Google "Kalzumeus Salary Negotiation"
also look up haseebās negotiation series
Is this early on or after onsite? If early on, keep saying you're not comfortable revealing salary. Verbal jujitsu. If recruiter makes a reason, turn it around on him, e.g. I need to know if our range can match yours | Please let me know what the range is and I'll let you know if it's in my range. I can't give out range for confidentiality reasons | Sure, no need for official range, what are the average numbers that you see. This position is new, I have no range and no idea what market rate is | ok sure what numbers do you think is reasonable based on your experience with similar jobs, the company historical pay rates and conversation with other candidates?
Thanks @zij. It's after onsite, have a vm to call back to discuss expected salary in case they need approval to move forward with offer. They specifically point to me not giving them a # before and to have a call to discuss it now.
Bullshit. If they want to discuss numbers, they'll give you the numbers they want to pay you and you'll decide whether that's good enough. It's their job to sell you on taking the job and compensation is part of that. Don't short change yourself and give up the game. Make them anchor first. You have all the leverage.
"I know from Glassdoor etc that the salary ranges anywhere from $160k to $200k depending on how you're levelled at my range of experience, but but that also is variable as it's balanced against stocks and bonus and 401k health benefits etc. Once you share the offer package we can go over the details"
Don't trust their old data that doesn't capture rsu or bonus correctly. You will get the average base salary from 5 years ago and little rsu/bonus.
Getting counter offers is the only sure way to get great pay. You can try to ask for more money or trigger their FOMO with competing offers.
Personally, I just lob it back at them while assuring them that Iām confident we can negotiate once they present the offer. I donāt trust salary ranges because Iāve routinely received offers well above what any online salary data would suggest. I always, always make them bring the first number.
Been there before by politely giving a range based on online data, and finding out after joining what a good deal they got.
Most recently, I wouldāve undervalued myself by 25k had I given them the top salary I found online... itās just not reliable enough to risk it, even here on Blind.
I always tell them I don't have enough data points for my answer to be valuable. Data pts I need r package detail, RSU, bonus, and then I ask them to help me fill in the blanks so I can figure out an answer
Umm always ask for more? Itās not really that hard
Ok +$1, now your constraint is satisfied.
Canāt teach common sense.