How to Negotiate Your Tech Salary Simulation ft. Levels.fyi

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Watch our mock negotiation to effectively get a higher salary in your interview process. Stephen asks Zaheer (Levels.fyi co-founder) to navigate three negotiation scenarios that are common to your recruiting process. These tips are critical to landing a higher compensation.
Chapters -
0:00 - Introduction
1:58 - Scenario 1: Compensation Expectations
8:23 - Scenario 2: Exploding Offers
19:30 - Scenario 3: Negotiating the Offer
29:30 - Tips & Tricks
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#negotiation #productmanagement #tech #levels #productmanager #entrepreneurship #product #software #exponent #engineering #google #facebook #startup

[@tryexponent]

Don't leave your tech career to chance. Sign up for Exponent's interview courses today: bit.ly/3VjMYRq

[@GiacomoVaccari]

The most realistic part: the recruiter not letting go of wanting a figure 😂

[@DruDilly]

I’m in the process of doing this now…got another call from a different recruiter asking about that number today…lol

[@austinkim8213]

"Google offered me $500k. But if you can settle for $160k I'll take it."

[@johnlloyd5070]

@@austinkim8213

[@abhishekthaker1417]

Tip 1: Put the camera below chest level to assert a towering dominance.

[@Chicken-zz1tt]

The amount of engineers who I hear have drastically different salaries but both have the same role at the same company is crazy.

[@johncenakiwi]

I am one of them. New grads are getting paid more than me (YOE : 6 )

[@spammusubi8596]

@@johncenakiwi time to search for a new job! Market’s hot for experienced engineers! Get dat 🍞!

[@johncenakiwi]

@@spammusubi8596 Best piece of advice! Yep, looking for a change. Interviewing as of now.

[@Satenc0]

@@johncenakiwi Hey, did you manage to get a new job? How did it go, just curious

[@BuffNerdInCa]

The range of skills and productivity acrossd engineers is easilly a factor of 10. Salary is negotiated and also based off skills and how worthwhile it is keeping them.

[@cx123456]

An actual conversation I had with an external recruiter who approached me on LinkedIn and convince me to have a conversation about new career opportunity: (10 minutes in after giving a vague company introduction without going into specifics and not giving an actual name and a brief position description which was matching my current position) - Can you provide me with your salary expectation? - I really don't know. I haven't thought about it since I'm not actively looking for a new job right now. - Alright, so can you tell me what is your current compensation? - I'm afraid I can't. I have a clause in my contract that explicitly forbids me to do so. - But maybe... - How about you give me the salary range for your position so I could tell you if that would be suitable for me. - I'm afraid I can't disclose such information. - Really? - If you could tell me your current compensation... - Neither can I... - Alright, I understand. Thanks for your time. Bye. - Bye.

[@mrinalinimusic]

Ouch 😅

[@Ammar23217]

you dodge the bullet

[@nataliarybakova5128]

Had this one many times!

[@gamerjaebea5361]

I feel the biggest help with negotiations is the ability to walk away. If you have mentally accepted the consequences of walking away from the offer, then this all becomes a lot easier

[@Kevin_the_Caveman]

I have a suspicion they make recruitment as tedious as it can be so that when you finally get an offer you're more likely to accept out of exhaustion, not wanting to go through it all over again with another company

[@spagon]

Exactly. I got a job offer when I was already working, so there was nothing at stake. I walked away, they upped. That happened 3 times total for a 25% increase. This showed me how much they were investing in me. It ended up being a really great job.

[@snp6493]

Very informative. The best part about this channel is practical simulations as opposed to theory.

[@tryexponent]

Thanks Shefaali! We like to think we can be funny too :): kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmrOZIN6ZaaAq80

[@snp6493]

Exponent absolutely! You have my likes for being funny as well .. :)

[@hmswrth]

Man this is godly. I managed +70% revision. You're God sent.

[@valyriansteel6277]

hey hemanth, I would love to hear more details if you dont mind connecting offline

[@stanluo1025]

I love how the interviewer's smile freezes when he realised this guy is tough as

[@1anre]

Each time Zaheer says “Uhumm”, that’s him calling bullshit on the crafty attempt by the ‘Recruiter’ to fleece him. Subtle but spot on.

[@Fivousix]

This was actually very accurate to some very pushy recruiters conversations I had in the past. Most of the information presented here I came across in bits throughout my career, so for however is watching this (and reading this comment), this is pure gold!!

[@MrKrizzer]

This is hands down the best negotiating simulation I have seen on youtube! Keep up the good content.

[@allthehui]

This might be my fav video from this channel yet! I'll be pointing anyone who asks me about negotiations to this video. Awesome job.

[@EDEdDNEdDYFaN]

Absolutely the best video I’ve seen thus far on negotiation of offers. Reading books like Never Split the Difference or blog posts like patio11’s writeup on salary negotiations are helpful but actually having a real dialogue and post dialogue analysis is so incredibly helpful. Thank you for posting this for free!!

[@map-creator]

Best Mock interview on salary negotiation so far. Good tips and tricks. How Zaheer remains calm on pushy Stephen is the key.

[@moons_mind]

This is the single most realistic video I've seen on negotiating. Just had a negotiation go exactly like this. Best advice as well about not surrendering info and negotiating over email

[@harshbharvada4099]

The most important tip which guys gave at the start is that - having as much leverage as you can have is important to acing the negotiations and keep your cards close to your chest Awesome content 🔥

[@geekspeak1066]

Ok the HR screening. Deflection is definitely a approach but I think being direct is much more productive and I always end up with more then my research indicated. I usually shoot for 10-15% of the range based on that research. My lowest number is always the base salary that I’m comfortable for. I agree using the phrase “total compensation” is the measuring stick. However, while bonuses and stock are great, that base money can be a multiplier for 401k contributions. Use the anchor principle in ur favor.

[@garrettgeorge877]

I've experienced every aspect of these mock interviews in real life. The recruiter impersonation is spot-on in my experience down to each phrase he used. In previous interviews, I knew I wasn't comfortable with being asked about my "salary expectations" up front, but I didn't know how to say no effectively. Watching Zaheer handle this was illuminating, and this was just the beginning. Much wisdom is share here. I learned so much from this video. Thank you!

[@comatosetorpor3602]

man zaheer is some next level negotiator who perfected the art of salary negotiations.

[@ShubhamAggarwal1]

You can also read about the tactics used in this video in Chris Voss' book 'Never split the difference'.

[@katara4955]

This is a great video!! Love that you did a mock play-by-play of the negotiation rather than just give advice. And it was SO uncomfortable to watch so you can only imagine how uncomfortable it is to be in that spot doing it.

[@StarOnCheek]

"I don't think it's actually allowed to ask about my current salary nowadays" Expectations: oh, sorry I just want to establish the range to get a general idea Reality: aaaaaand you're not hired, next please

[@1anre]

@@StarOnCheek how does this translate, can you breakdown why not telling them your current compensation will lead to them moving unto another candidate?

[@StarOnCheek]

@@1anre because they have many more candidates and unless you do everything perfectly you are not worth their time

[@1anre]

@@StarOnCheek Not true. For you to have gotten to that stage of the offer they’ve had sifted out most of the candidates & arrived at just a few, & if you were one of the few strong ones that they really liked, there’s nothing they wouldn’t try and adjust for you. So I disagree with you saying they’d drop the person & move along. Else how did you get the 150% incremental amount on your offer if these steps in this video don’t work or give results ?

[@StarOnCheek]

@@1anre ok, first of all, did you read all my comments under this video? Second, i was mostly joking at first and wrote that before i got hired. And last, i decided to go with it since that's probably how it is for no skill jobs like a cashier at McDonald's. The advice in this video is actually great, just do exactly as they say and it works

[@swamivivekananda-cyclonicm8781]

Fantastic. Take a pause and listen carefully and you get to learn at least 3 new thoughts.

[@blackopsking93]

Very helpful. I wish I had negotiated my salary when I started my current job. For the same role at a different I got a 6.4% bump, so I was happy with it. However, Zaheer is right that there’s always negotiation room.. so I should’ve still asked for more.

[@kgr_alex]

after watching this video and writing down some main ideas/key phrases, I was able to negotiate an offer fairly well not just live over the phone... live on zoom, with my camera on. kinda crazy. wasn't nervous at all. felt like a super power.

[@SatyaUpendra]

Best answer to compensation question, loved total conversation

[@Kujakuseki01]

Fantastic video. Great to act out these scenarios. As a principal SE, I've negotiated several offers like this and it really often is this ridiculous game like this. Best to learn how to play it, and this is super helpful for a lot of folks.

[@catcallierose]

SOOO thankful for this and will be trying out these tips next week and report back on what happens

[@paradigm2897]

This is brilliant, great job to both of you!

[@gameplayer1980]

Love conversations that go in circles.

[@nj1204]

Best salary negotiation video I have watched so far! Thanks you!!!

[@tangho]

one of the best salary negotiation videos I've seen. thanks for doing this guys

[@denniscsulb8398]

I've had this happen to me and push themselves on me several times and eventually I give. Great tips! Thanks

[@3sierrav]

Very useful - used some of the tips here to negotiate up on an already great offer (meaning, I normally would not have negotiated). Thanks for your help, both!

[@divewithshubham]

Thanks a lot. You guys spoke what I wanted to hear.

[@BuffNerdInCa]

I like the realistic back and forth.

[@travelingbySEA]

Very very thorough. Thank you for this! Love the video and hoping to use these tactics when needed

[@tryexponent]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Analysta654]

Excellent simulation! Felt Spot-on, in terms of what a recruiter would say, and how to handle it.

[@yungetong634]

Going to negotiate one right away!!! Thanks, really helpful

[@shirleyconnor1595]

THIS video was EXCELLENT!!! thanks sooo much for this no fluff content rich information! pleeeze keep up the good work!

[@saidabedi2836]

Really informative! Just came across your channel and I love it.

[@tryexponent]

Welcome aboard! Glad you like it!

[@mverma85]

great series... thanks for putting these across

[@bhavyasingh6393]

This is magnificent. A sneak peek into what negotiations actually look like was really helpful. Thank you for doing this. Love your channel :D

[@tryexponent]

Glad you like it :)

[@VikalapGupta]

Very helpful, wish I had gone through your videos in past. So glad to find this video for future interviews. Thank you

[@tryexponent]

You’re welcome!

[@harshanair]

Excellent! Can't thank enough for simulating all possible scenarios. Clarity of thought, good audio, very helpful content👌👌

[@harshanair]

Question 1 : If the recruiter pushes for competitor companies name, should we feel any obligation to reveal ? Question 2 : the main fear of negotiating is losing out on the offer. Could you please give some insights into how hiring teams /recruiters perceive candidates who negotiate a lot ?

[@levels-fyi4502]

@@harshanair 1. No obligation to reveal but revealing competitor names can sometimes actually help you as it shows you have interest from multiple parties. 2. It is extremely rare for an offer to be rescinded. It is almost unheard of. For larger companies especially it is very very uncommon.

[@paekut]

I think this one topic needs more videos.. Advanced negotiation techniques, when it drags more than you want it to - how to deal with it and maintain your upper hand + how long is enough. Also, busting many pre-conceived notions (separate video) like % hikes etc. Changing the dimension of discussions, get recruiters on backfoot etc. could be more. What to do when you are jobless but still want to show up as strong. What to do when you don't have any offer. Whether to reveal that you're jobless when you are, and how long could you not reveal that + pros and cons of doing that. Would look forward.

[@tryexponent]

Thanks for the feedback Prateek! Are there any other questions you'd like us to focus on for the next video?

[@anujgupta3296]

Really great scenarios and realistic simulation of pushy HRs.

[@rohitagl]

Awesome simulation. Exactly what I was looking for in negotiation. I am book marking this and will visit again :)

[@makiet]

Thanks for your great video. I learned a lot.

[@pinkowbs]

I watched this before my salary expectations call and guess what? The recruiter caved first. The number was way lower than what I expected so I have a follow up call tomorrow Thank you so much for this. Super helpful.

[@nikhilagrawal8888]

Really helpful. My negotiation is coming up in a week time.

[@darksun280]

Wish I could like this twice. Very informative. Thanks!

[@arunimavj8837]

That was very helpful..thank you!

[@annaberzitskaya9865]

Such a helpful conversation!

[@alfalogic]

Outstanding training and has very wide applicability beyond tech.

[@GeorgeZoto]

Great and informative session and I liked this scenario based approach. Thank you both, I will also check out your websites and services.

[@pathway27]

This helped me a lot to get a great bump in total compensation. Thanks!!

[@tallneilio]

thanks so much for this video, really helpful!

[@tryexponent]

You're so welcome!

[@aajkaarjun3875]

Ok, wow!! This video just opened my eyes. Now that I think of my previous experience, I realise how much i Suck at negotiation.

[@pujarivineetkumar]

Enjoyed this one and I also enjoy watching your PM interviews. I have been working for the same company for the last 10 years and have no plans to change jobs. Watching and learning from your videos makes me want to go out and crack a few interviews :)

[@tryexponent]

:)

[@nishadkumar7322]

Great simulation. Very similar to real life negotiation scenarios. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Terracraft321]

Very informative, thank you.

[@TheNinjaBiker]

Thank you so much for this. It’s very helpful. Currently I am in the process of negotiation and trying to extend the offer acceptance timeline with a firm so that I can get the results of my other interviews as well and then take the judgement accordingly.

[@tryexponent]

I'm glad this was helpful, Yash! Be sure to subscribe and share the video to others you know who could benefit!

[@TheNinjaBiker]

Sure :)

[@safol123]

Thanks so much for this. it was much needed!

[@tryexponent]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gawaspushkar85]

Best one I have seen so far .. very realistic

[@Codepasta]

First Scenario is the exactly same with conversation I took last week with my recruiter. She said she wants to know my expectations and that will definitely help me with upcoming procedure. I was so confused because it was my first time to having these type of conversation with recruiter...... and the thing that hit me a lot was I'm not the finalist. So I gave her the number and eventually I was forced to get an another interview session..... I'm pretty nervous right now and still not getting it why they don't allow me to get any information of comp band.

[@emmm_4465]

Lol the little back and forth at the start of the video was giving me flashbacks, and yes deflection is a great strategy

[@prithwishdasgupta4508]

Here in India its a norm that recruiter asks previous salary and the candidate has to reveal it else they may close the conversation.....that's the most sad part

[@vgop2503]

Salary negotiations are always stressful. Just watching this video was a bit nerve wracking. Very helpful in facing your discomfort, thank you!

[@Asgardinho]

I'm already stressed even before clicking play

[@gsu12797]

Wow.. Best thing i have watched in a while on youtube! Thank you!

[@tryexponent]

You're very welcome!

[@bakhtiyor_sulaymonov]

Very realistic and informative, thank you guys

[@StarOnCheek]

Got the job and managed to get 150% of the initial offer, thanks, the shit actually worked 😂

[@scottneaves3487]

Congrats

[@madhusaivemulamada3556]

In other comments this person stated that it is a joke. So, please don't take it seriously and expect that you can negotiate to get 150% more than your initial offer (although there are chances and other factors but just wanted to keep the right expectations)

[@StarOnCheek]

@@madhusaivemulamada3556 the joke is your existence. My comment is serious

[@madhusaivemulamada3556]

@@StarOnCheek grow up 😂. The way you responded shows your maturity level

[@StarOnCheek]

@@madhusaivemulamada3556 I'm not trying to be mature. I really like it when people say I act like a kid and most of the time no one seems to mind it at all. I am the way I am and I love it and so do people around me

[@cats3xxx]

Fantastic video. This was eye opening, wow

[@aliyektaie9123]

Awesome video! I love the idea and the content!

[@prrateekk]

Great content! Would love to see more such videos

[@tryexponent]

More to come! Definitely check out our existing playlists on our channel page as well! Here's another one of our popular videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZaZhKKvnpeeZrc

[@bshervheim]

Fantastic video. Lots of great pro tips- even for a 10 year veteran. Worth waiting through the whole video to find the nuggets 😊

[@tryexponent]

Glad it could help!

[@zachgoestoeuro]

Everyone is super excited

[@TjRizzles09]

This was a wonderful salary negotiation video.

[@Ogaros]

Hey guys! I'm super duper excited to tell you how excited I am after watching this video! Even thinking that some people might read my comment makes me super excited! Again, just want to clarify that I'm very excited about leaving this comment. Cheers!💰💼💻

[@hileshcool]

Real negotiation starts at 22:28

[@hasanozdemir1067]

Great Job and I really liked to watch it.

[@AbbasHashmigcc]

Thank you for this excellent video !

[@muraliboddu4007]

very helpful. good simulation ..

[@vijaydas7590]

Thanks. Great resource.

[@tryexponent]

Glad you liked it!

[@veerendrashukla]

Very nice helpful conversation.

[@JohnTube2K]

I’m upfront about my salary and what I am looking for. I know I am in the high percentile salary range wise and don’t want to waste my time past the initial meeting if salary ranges don’t line up.

[@peterwachira4191]

Me after watching this: Again I'm super excited about the role, super excited about the company...

[@taoyinghuang1439]

Great strategy and negotiation skills. Very helpful

[@tryexponent]

Thanks!

[@adarshagrawal4557]

Just a word of caution - If you ask for written form then a recruiter can also think that you would be doing offer shopping which means using that document to get a better offer from the competitor. I would suggest to avoid pushing for a written offer unless you are sure

[@gennaro]

Thats the only reason I'd want a written offer, they know this, I know this, we all know this. Its the unspoken truth

[@malabikasen2401]

This is super helpful. Thanks a lot for doing this!

[@tryexponent]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Cosmicgardening]

This was incredibly helpful!!!

[@PratikDaga23]

Meanwhile in India: Candidate: “would like you to discuss the offer in detail, may I know my options” HR: “yeah, it’s yes or no”

[@MK-jq5mc]

Thanks for making this video

[@tryexponent]

You're welcome!

[@motohddk]

This was really good, thanks!

[@kamaldeepsingh4346]

Great topic. Makes me think really made a few errors for my next role , never the less - I could use these skills very soon. Video saved

[@tryexponent]

Glad it was helpful!

[@aaditya4125]

Awesome video. But should one ask for increase in net compensation or one can ask to increase the base salary itself (if it is a startup)?

[@candyclaire]

This is all great! I was wondering what happens if the recruiter or the team rescinds the offer due to the not meeting your compensation expectations -- but you are really passionate about the company.

[@nvasudeva]

Awesome video !!

[@kayluvsexy]

Great exposé, nice one guys

[@DarshanShah1994]

Thanks for doing this! Much helpful. Love the exponent way of helping folks out. I have a few questions: 1. In India specifically, past role/position are often used as a benchmark for the next roles to be offered. Also, payslip or previous organisation's offer/promotion letter is used to determine the legitimacy of the candidate. I don't that is a fair thing to do. Any other way a candidate can offer to verify some credentials? 2. What if a candidate doesn't have a competing offer to leverage in negotiations? 3. Is 5-10% good enough baseline for wiggle room? Any tips to determine if there is more scope there? 4. If the offer on the table is ridiculously low, for ex: I think in this mock 120 was low compared to Zaheer's expectation of 160, is it not preposterous in an actual situation to raise the expectation by that much? 5. Apart from compensation/money what else a candidate should consider negotiating? I had vacation days/notice period in mind. Usually, I see organisations have these as a standard for all employees.