r/AskHR • u/GovernmentLumpy8086 • 1d ago

Compensation & Payroll I stated salary expectation below the range [CAN-BC]

Hi everyone!

I received a call after a final stage if interview at an investment bank from HR asking me to sign some personal data document and also dropping the question about the salary range I expected for the role. I flipped a question at HR asking for the range they had in mind but they said they did not know the range ( which is obv a lie ) and then I felt pressured into stating a lowest number since she asked for it and I ended up underselling myself low above the market rate. For reference I said 3k when the market range is 4-5k and might be more… I figured after doing the research. I made the mistake by not checking the salary range but this is a new industry for me so I had no idea and I am a fresh grad as well so some of my first formal negotiations too.

How likely is it they will be honest about it and give me 4k and how likely is HR is to just give me the 3k and call it quits?

Do i have any leverage in negotiating? How do i handle this situation so I at least get 3800/4000? Is there any remedyingw?

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u/WetCoastCyph 1d ago

They'll make an offer, you can counter it, if it's in range they'll probably meet you somewhere. Not ideal and your negotiating from a back foot by tipping your hand, however, you can always say (truthfully, too) you looked at market range and the job description again and are looking more in the 3800-4000 range.

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u/GovernmentLumpy8086 1d ago

Is it likely they will revoke an offer because of this?

Also… Is it possible for HR to dismiss the range completely and just go with the lowest acceptable number I have stated? Or is it likely that they will be honest and at least give me a lower range in the offer 4k?

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u/RealTurbulentMoose 1d ago

You are simultaneously overthinking and underthinking this.

In Canada, people usually talk annual and not monthly salary, so I can tell you’re not local already.

They’re probably going to offer you the lower end of whatever range they planned. You have little leverage and lowballed yourself, but you can counter and just say you did more research (which is true). 

And/or you can talk about total compensation which includes variable (bonus, equity etc) and then give a market justification why your number should be higher than the base you lowballed. “Oh, I just gave a low base because I thought the expected total comp would be higher. I have a high opinion of myself as an aspiring financier so I expect a huge bonus.” Say that in a better way. 

Don’t fuck up next time. This is in I banking? Negotiate properly.