I do this For most companies I would give them "I want 300k CAD base salary to consider it" & that'd usually end the conversation right there A year ago Times

I do this For most companies I would give them "I want 300k CAD base salary to consider it" & that'd usually end the conversation right there A year ago Timescale reached out, seemed like an interesting situation (good fit since I work on Citus), so I lowered the bar & told them I'd want 190k CAD base & 40k CAD signing bonus to consider it. They said that fell in range. Interviews went well. Unfortunately it turned out my ask wasn't in range: 180k CAD (apparently this was top of range for the level's band now) & only some options for signing, base would be total comp since it'd be as a contractor So I let them know when I say "I want X to consider the position" that means I'm telling them a hard limit floor. Still, having a competing offer that was somewhat competitive with my current role (base quite a bit lower, but shares/bonus make up good portion of total comp) enabled late promo with nice raise So this worked out for me, but recruiters will tell you X is okay & then try talk you down at the end. Maybe my wording should've been clearer that I was disclosing my floor to them