Did I screw myself over throwing out a number on first recruiter call

Brookfield Residential
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Brookfield Residential

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Apr 20 29 Comments

So, I made a mistake on first call with FAANG recruiter and told him that I was okay with the posted salary for a role.

(At the time, I was in a state where you legally have to post salary.) I know, it's stupid.

Now that I've done more research, it's clear that that number really is on the low end (I'm unclear if that posted number was TC or base, but either way it's low).

Now I'm at the final interview loop (no offer yet), and am working with a new recruiter.

My question: What's the best course of action from here?

I am interviewing at other FAANG companies but this company is my top choice and also I think the surest shot. I also don't know if I'll have any offers to leverage (i.e., don't think I'm ready to walk away from this).

EDIT: Blind Tax, 100k (TC as contractor), ~8 years of experience in non-technical role

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TOP 29 Comments
  • Financial Services Company
    cougarpaw

    Financial Services Company

    cougarpaw
    **** the conventions.

    You can say you researched further and found out the the market rate is $ X00k.
    Apr 20 3
    • Ubisoft
      kPFm82

      Go to company page Ubisoft

      kPFm82
      Or just say through interviewing with various companies you discovered that your market value is higher than you thought, that way you are indirectly telling them you have alternatives don't try to screw me
      Apr 21
    • Brookfield Residential
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      Brookfield Residential

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      OP
      THAT is a great point. And also, it's true—I am indeed interviewing with various companies and finding new data. Thank you!
      Apr 21
  • New
    allizwell

    New

    allizwell
    Just tell them your expected TC is xxx. Only after they are moving to an offer. They won't mind but negotiate your way out.
    Apr 20 4
    • New
      allizwell

      New

      allizwell
      That is true. And it's worse if you would have done this post-offer conversation. That's not your case. So it's not a big deal.
      Apr 20
    • Brookfield Residential
      ^^^^^^^

      Brookfield Residential

      ^^^^^^^
      OP
      True. Thank you!!
      Apr 20
  • For a large company, it doesn't matter. They have pretty tight standard ranges they offer based on level, YOE, and interview performance. The hiring manager (for companies that don't do later team matching) will usually do some adjustment based on interviews.

    What you said in the beginning really doesn't matter besides confirming that the interview process isn't a waste of everyone's time.
    Apr 20 3
    • The *starting* offer is fairly standard. From there they expect you to negotiate. Some people are better negotiators or have more leverage than others, which leads to different end results.
      Apr 20
    • Brookfield Residential
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      Brookfield Residential

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      OP
      Ah ok, yeah that makes sense. Funny how that works. Related question—I have a FAANGMULA role I'm interviewing for that I 90% know I won't take. However, if I did get an offer it would help me negotiate current offer I actually am interested in. Worth it to go through like 2 more loops on that one?
      Apr 20
  • Pay your blind tax or.....
    Apr 20 2
    • Financial Services Company
      cougarpaw

      Financial Services Company

      cougarpaw
      Yo KT
      What's a good SWE TC with 2-3 yoe at KT (aka Motive)?
      Apr 20
    • Brookfield Residential
      ^^^^^^^

      Brookfield Residential

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      OP
      Edited to add
      Apr 20
  • New
    wjEz34

    New

    wjEz34
    Don’t worry about it until you have an offer in hand.

    If they give you a call with offer, be happy but not SUPER happy, mild enthusiasm and vague “that’s a great start” if they come with a number.
    Apr 20 3
    • New
      wjEz34

      New

      wjEz34
      I think just saying that you’re excited about the team/ role/ company/ tech stack/ company mission/ etc is enough. Large companies won’t walk away once you have an offer, as long as you’re not a total dick, offers just don’t get rescinded.

      No mistake to say you’re interested— you do have to show interest throughout the process.

      Just don’t enthusiastically go “that’s fantastic!” Literally only when they give you their first offer number.

      I said almost verbatim on my first offer call, “that’s a great starting point, thank you for getting those numbers for me, can we check in a few days after I do some research and talk to family/friends?”
      And in that second call, negiotiate.
      And if they push back with “we gave you what you asked for,” you can say something like “after a more thorough audit of the role’s responsibilities and my current comp, I think something along the lines of $X-Y would actually be more fitting.”
      Apr 20
    • Brookfield Residential
      ^^^^^^^

      Brookfield Residential

      ^^^^^^^
      OP
      wjEz34 — That sounds like solid insight. And that script is SO helpful. Thank you!
      Apr 21