How to deal with salary expectations when laid off?

Question

I was laid off recently and I've noticed that recruiters are really pushing me to give them salary expectations up front. So I usually say a high but reasonable number (~$25k less than previous role) and they tell me that I'm way off and give me a range with a maximum that is ~$50k less than my previous role.

It seems like they're really trying to manipulate me because they insinuate that we shouldn't move forward with the interview process because my expectations are too high. So I say their range is okay and that I would like to continue with the interview process anyway since I do need to find a new job relatively soon...

Some of these companies have recent hires are reporting salaries much higher than the recruiters "max" for similar positions. What should I do?

madscience · Accepted Answer

Always try to avoid giving out a number first, for this exact reason. You shouldn't necessarily be negotiating based on a percentage of your previous salary, I'd suggest moreso basing it off of what your personal minimum is. And that could change as you move forward too and learn how the market has been reacting.

Something also to consider is what types of companies have you been speaking with? If your previous role was in FAANG level, you're not likely to get a similar package at a smaller startup.

I've successfully deferred the question by just saying, "Oh yeah I know it's a different market right now, so I'd love to get a range from you guys so I can manage my expectations."

As the other commentor said, it's a competitive market right now and recruiters seem to generally be more transparent because they know they'll have other qualified candidates to go to and they won't have to play this sneaky back and forth game when they're the ones vying for candidates.

Tridom · Answer

How recent are these other salaries your comparing against? The unfortunate current (and temporary) reality is that the mass layoffs have saturated the job market with a lot of talented people in the same situation you are. Engineers need work and companies are taking advantage of that. I’d probably take a job that was acceptable, wait out this 3 year interest rate situation, then go looking again when things clear up. These companies are playing hardball, but there are definitely other places that aren’t.Keep your foot in the door and continue to negotiate. Let them see what they’re missing out on by saving $50k. I don’t envy these companies that are gonna be looking at massive turnover when this situation blows over.

Hairy · Answer

When I get this question, I say that my salary requirements ￼depend on the responsibility of the role, and then ask if they can provide a range for the position to see if we are in the ballpark.

Jafa · Answer

I never tell them or strongly agree on my salary or range or I am unemployed.They can know about  it if they ask my HR at the end of the process witch is rare and still they will tell that is was recently, and there is always companys that don't ask about it and there offer I use to improve othersI am already getting 20-50% increase in my multiples offers as unemploy

Vulcan2022 · Answer

Dont give them your salary expectations ask them to give you a number range and also never ever give a lower number than your making because that becomes your negotiation price. I can teach you alot more advanced salary negotiations with my coaching. Contact me if interested

How to deal with salary expectations when laid off?

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