How to Respond to the Statement 'We Are Concerned That Your Expected Salary Exceeds the Band for This Role in Our Company'

Problem Description:
When the interviewer raises this question, it typically indicates that the company has clear internal limits regarding the level, scope of responsibilities, or salary band for this position, and your expected salary may exceed this range. The other party may be testing your willingness to accept a lower salary or assessing your understanding of the role's actual positioning.

Solution Process:

1. Stay Calm and Clarify the Core Issue

   • Avoid direct contradiction or showing disappointment. Respond with a cooperative attitude first:
     "Thank you for your candid feedback. I understand that the company has a clear position for this role. Could you please elaborate on the specific responsibilities or level definition for this position? This will help me better understand the company's considerations."
   • Purpose: Use questions to make the vague "positioning" more concrete, clarifying whether it's a matter of responsibilities, level, or budget constraints, while buying yourself time to think.

2. Reiterate Your Value and Alignment with the Role

   • Based on their response, specifically highlight how your experience exceeds the basic requirements of the position:
     "Based on the responsibilities you just described, I notice this role requires [a key skill/experience]. In my previous position, I [provide an example of a relevant achievement, such as improving efficiency by 30% or solving a complex problem]. These capabilities might allow me to take on broader responsibilities, potentially even beyond the initial job description."
   • Purpose: Shift the conversation from "salary exceeds the band" to "whether the value matches the potential for higher contribution," implying that your salary expectation is based on actual capabilities, not merely the job title.

3. Explore Flexibility and Seek Alternative Solutions

   • If the other party insists the role's positioning cannot be adjusted, you can negotiate other forms of compensation:
     "If the salary is indeed constrained by the role's level, is it possible to bridge the gap through performance bonuses, a signing bonus, or an early post-probation period review? Additionally, what does the future promotion cycle or scope for expanded responsibilities look like?"
   • Purpose: Demonstrate flexibility while narrowing the gap through long-term gains (e.g., promotion speed) or short-term incentives (bonuses), and also understand the career development path.

4. Weigh Your Bottom Line and Decide Your Next Move

   • If the company cannot offer any alternative solutions and the salary is below your minimum acceptable level:
     "I genuinely appreciate the opportunity this platform offers, but the salary gap might affect my level of commitment. If a more senior position becomes available in the future, would it be possible to contact me first?"
   • If the salary is acceptable but slightly lower than expected:
     "Given the career development opportunity, I am willing to adjust my expectations appropriately, but I hope the company can provide support in areas like [training resources/project leadership authority] to help me create value more quickly."
   • Purpose: Maintain a professional image while being clear about your own bottom line, leaving room for future decision-making.

Key Points:

• Avoid arguing about "whether the positioning is reasonable"; instead, focus on "how to justify the salary through demonstrated value."
• Use questions to turn abstract issues into specific discussion points (responsibilities, budget, promotion mechanisms).
• Consistently link your personal capabilities to the company's long-term interests, minimizing the focus on a simple salary discrepancy.