What if they say they cannot go above a number?
Pivot to the total package: 'Could we look at the total package, including signing bonus, equity, and benefits? Sometimes there is more room there even when base has limits.' This widens the negotiation beyond base salary.
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More FAQs in Salary Expectation Interview Questions With Sample Answers
Give a researched range: 'Based on my research for this role and level, I am looking at a range of X to Y. I am happy to discuss specifics after understanding the full scope and total compensation.' Make the bottom a number you would accept.
If required, share it, but immediately frame the conversation around your market target, not your current. 'My current is X, but I am focused on market rate for this role, which based on my research is in the range of Y to Z.'
Justify with skills, projects, and market data: 'Based on my skills in [tech], my projects, and market data from Levels.fyi, X is in line with this role. I will also bring [specific value], which I am happy to discuss in detail.'
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