My Salary Expectations - I Completely Blew It

[u/Dry_Court_7358]

I had my final-stage interview at the beginning of this week. It was between me and one other candidate, and this round was with the company's founder. The whole thing was very intense, but I felt like I was doing well until he asked me what salary I wanted. The advertised range was £83k to £103k, so I asked for the top end because I've received three promotions over the past four years in my current job.

He immediately said there was no chance he would pay me that amount, cut the interview short, and wished me luck finding someone willing to offer me that salary. It was clear that the range they put in the job posting wasn't realistic in the first place.

I feel incredibly discouraged. I usually undervalue myself and ask for less than I deserve, so this time I made a conscious decision not to do that. But it backfired catastrophically.

The job market has been tough for a while, but this situation also reminded me how supportive my current company is. The main downside is the salary. There is an opportunity for me to progress and earn more, but the raises usually come in very small increments.

I'm not looking for any specific advice, to be honest. I just needed to get this off my chest and stop sitting around feeling miserable about it.

[u/Odd-Collection-5429]

Sounds like u dodged a bullet

[u/Ok_Database8940]

I’m so sorry to hear that. It does often feel like trying to find a job is a losing game, nothing you do is ever right. Ik it’s hard to hear now but rejection truly is redirection and you will end up exactly where ur meant to be and realize that role was never meant for you. The fact that you made it to the final round is testament that you are the prize and another company will appreciate that and pay you what you are worth.

[u/SnooFloofs8691]

Lesson learned. You never ask for the top amount. If your skills were really good, maybe 95 would have been a reasonable ask. But shooting for the middle of their range is typically the right move. It says you know you have worth but also are not arrogant. It also shows that you are willing to negotiate. 

[u/axed_age → u/SnooFloofs8691]

I agree that it may be prudent to ask for the lower-middle range if you’re really in need of a job, but I don’t think asking for the high necessarily means that you’re arrogant or not willing to negotiate. 

[u/infinitejester0727]

He was probably thinking, I want some humble wageslave who is eternally grateful for any job, not someone who expects a high salary or thinks they deserve a high salary

They don't actually care about your skills, they just want someone obedient

[u/WolfAlternative1255]

They may already have candidates in mind, but are just trying to find the same thing, only cheaper.