How to Respond to 'We Are Concerned That Your Expected Salary Exceeds the Growth Potential of This Position at Our Company'

How to Respond to 'We Are Concerned That Your Expected Salary Exceeds the Growth Potential of This Position at Our Company'

1. Problem Description

When the interviewer raises this point, it implies they are worried that your current salary expectations might not align with the future promotion prospects or salary growth potential of the position. For instance, if the company's salary adjustment scope is limited in the coming years, and you expect significant raises through rapid promotion, they might perceive your expectations as unrealistic or fear you might leave after joining due to slow salary growth.

2. Solution Steps

Step 1: Understand the Subtext

  • Core Concern: The company worries you might focus too much on short-term salary and overlook the long-term value of the position (such as skill development, promotion channels), which could lead to stability issues.
  • Their Goal: To gauge whether you genuinely recognize the long-term growth potential of the role and assess how well your expectations match the company's compensation system.

Step 2: Clarify the Position's Growth Path

Sample Response:
"Thank you for raising this point. To better understand the long-term development of this role, could you please share the typical promotion path for this position? For example, does the company have a clear promotion cycle, opportunities for skill enhancement, or cross-departmental development channels?"
Purpose:

  • Shift the focus from the "current salary gap" to "future growth possibilities," demonstrating your emphasis on long-term development.
  • Gather information through questions to inform subsequent negotiations (e.g., understanding the salary band after promotion).

Step 3: Emphasize the Alignment Between Your Growth and the Position

Sample Response:
"I understand the company's consideration regarding salary growth potential. In fact, one of the key reasons I'm interested in this position is its development potential (provide examples, such as team expansion plans, company training resources, etc.). My salary expectation is based on my understanding of the role's value, but I am also very willing to earn promotions through practical contributions, rather than relying solely on the initial salary."
Purpose:

  • De-emphasize the fixation on short-term salary, highlighting your willingness to earn long-term rewards through performance.
  • Show that you have researched the company background and approve of its development model.

Step 4: Propose Flexible Solutions

Sample Response:
"If the company believes the initial salary needs to better fit the current position's band, we can explore other possibilities. For example:

  1. Set Phased Evaluations: Conduct a salary review based on my performance 6-12 months after joining.
  2. Adjust the Salary Structure: Convert part of the expected salary into performance bonuses or project bonuses tied to achievements.
  3. Clarify Promotion Conditions: If promoted to a specific level (e.g., XX) in the future, can the salary be adjusted to my expected range?"
    Purpose:
  • Address their "growth potential" concern with concrete solutions, demonstrating flexibility and a cooperative attitude.
  • Shift the negotiation focus from "whether we can offer a high salary" to "how to achieve a win-win through mechanisms."

Step 5: Reaffirm Your Commitment to the Position

Sample Response:
"Ultimately, I am more focused on whether this platform can allow me to grow continuously and create value for the team. If my expectations differ from the company's system, I am willing to negotiate within a reasonable range, hoping we can find a balanced solution."
Purpose:

  • Avoid giving the interviewer the impression that you are "only concerned about salary," reinforcing your willingness to join and your stability.

3. Key Considerations

  • Avoid Contradiction: Instead of saying "My expectations are reasonable," start with "I understand your concern" to maintain empathy.
  • Support with Data: If you know the industry salary levels for promoted positions, you can mention them tactfully (e.g., "Based on my understanding, the market median salary for the XX level is XX"), but avoid appearing to challenge the company's system.
  • Prevent Proactively: Inquire about the position's promotion path early in the negotiation to reduce the likelihood of this question arising later.