Student Question:
Hello. I have a few questions about salary discussions that came up during an interview.
① They say whoever reveals their number first during salary negotiations loses. Does this apply only to fresh graduates, or to everyone?
② During a recent interview, when we got to salary, the manager asked what my expected pay was. Not wanting to show my hand, I turned it around and asked about their compensation structure. The manager gave a vague answer: base salary, commission, bonuses, and so on. I pressed further and asked about the salary budget range for the specific role I was interviewing for. The manager said it would depend on my abilities and what the company allocates per level — specifics would be discussed after a second interview.
Then they insisted I give a specific number. I said 4k–8k. The manager wasn’t satisfied and said, “So should I just put you down for the minimum, 4k?” After going back and forth, I finally gave them my expected salary.
My question is: did I lose control of the negotiation? If so, how do I hold onto the initiative next time?
Master Chi’s Response:
Base your expected salary on what the market actually pays — nothing more complicated than that. If a company can’t meet your number, move on.
This isn’t like haggling at a vegetable market. Companies that nitpick and bargain over salary are companies with no real future — don’t go there.
The moment you said 4k–8k, they knew your floor was 4k.
Get clear on what you want, state a number, and if they can’t hit it, stop negotiating. If they won’t pay you that rate, it means they don’t believe you’re worth it. Arguing further accomplishes nothing.
As things stand right now — what leverage do you actually have?
Find a decent company, get paid market rate, and focus on doing good work.