Disclosure your target TC, why bad idea?

Aug 9, 2019 86 Comments

I've seen many people mentioned don't tell the recruiter your target TC, but why not?
Pros: IMO
- you could stop bothering taking all the interview process when you found out they cannot meet your expected TC.
Cons:
You might lose a chance to get higher than expected TC? Likely?

What will be a good strategy when recruiter asks for expectations?

Thanks!

86

comments

Want to comment? LOG IN or SIGN UP
  1. TOP
  2. RECENT
  3. OLD
 TOP 86 Comments
  • Google
    5 cm/s

    Go to company page Google

    5 cm/s
    Game theoretically, comp negotiation is like territorial border dispute. Mentioning your expectations gives up precious land. Instead of risking a weak move against an adversary with advantage of information asymmetry, force your opponent to make the first offer so that you can leave yourself extra room. It's easier to bluff and stall than to go back on a blunder (after showing your hand).
    Aug 9, 2019 18
    • Google
      ﹏

      Go to company page Google

      ﹏
      Mathematically, unknown means *independent* of assumption or a priori following a probability distribution (see levels.fyi or go/pay-comparison).

      The implicit assumption is in your argument, that a first price forces the negotiation range within some ±Δ. That is an unsubstantiated claim, especially for pro-self parties.

      Relevant literature on first mover disadvantage based on large-scale empirical evidence:

      https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15470620801946587
      "Results indicate that there is a first-offer advantage only when dealing with someone with no experience. While knowledge of strategies and tactics may be useful, without actual negotiation experience the novice appears to be at a distinct disadvantage."
      Aug 10, 2019
    • Google
      LGTM

      Go to company page Google

      LGTM
      Horseshit. Again, if you know the probability distribution of offers for your level and at a specific company. Which you do from levels.fyi, or blinds ultimate list. Then it pays to give a starting point at or above the 99 percentile.

      Look, I’ve coached hundreds of engineers through negotiations. The engineers that try to play coy will get lowballed thus forcing your hand. You then must have a competing offer, lie about one, or walk.
      Aug 10, 2019
  • Apple
    ST8Pr1d3

    Go to company page Apple

    PRE
    BT
     ST8Pr1d3
    When dealing with non-FAANG companies I always disclose my desired TC (the amount of money that will make me make the move) and if the recruiter is taken back or doesn’t think they can meet that I don’t even bother interviewing. It saves a lot of my time. I’ve had experiences in the past where I would go through the interview loop and then when it came to comp we were worlds apart.
    Aug 9, 2019 9
    • Netflix
      donnut

      Go to company page Netflix

      donnut
      But I heard it’s better to have RSU than all cash so me making more cash at Netflix is worse, since I buy index fund after taxes compare to only having base.
      At the end of the day 50k difference could be negotiated and sign on can last me for a year or two..
      Dunno..
      Aug 9, 2019
    • SAP
      Man

      Go to company page SAP

      BIO
      F
       Man
      The worst is when you play "I don't wanna disclose my TC target", and you waste your time flying out to an on-site. Has happened twice to me, and the TC they offered and what I was already making, not even talking about desired TC for a move, were worlds apart.

      I agree, tell TC if it's non-FAANG, don't if it's FAANG and you're higher level.
      Aug 9, 2019
  • Does "make it rain, fuckers" count as a target comp?
    Aug 9, 2019 0
  • Amazon
    Dr. Jones

    Go to company page Amazon

    Dr. Jones
    Really it depends on your expectations and your level of understanding about what reasonable salaries are at the company in question. If your expectations are unreasonably high, then go with your strategy. If you’re not sure what you’re worth, let them give the first number because what you tell them is probably going to be too low and once you do that you’re in a bad position.
    Aug 9, 2019 1
  • Intuit
    t8n1xm

    Go to company page Intuit

    t8n1xm
    I once linked a recruiter to levels.fyi, said my level, and never heard back again. I was trying to demonstrate my market value without wasting their time or mine. Ironically I was told, before mentioning levels.fyi, that they pay top comp. Guess that means different things to different people...
    Aug 9, 2019 0