How to Respond to 'We Are Concerned That Your Salary Expectation Exceeds Your Current Value'

Problem Description:
When an interviewer raises this point, it typically indicates doubts about the alignment between your abilities and your salary expectations. They may think you have overestimated your market value or are concerned that future performance may not meet the requirements corresponding to the requested salary. You need to both uphold your own worth and alleviate the other party's concerns.

Solution Process:

1. Stay Calm and Avoid Confrontation

   • Do not directly refute (e.g., "I am absolutely worth this salary"), as this may come across as arrogant.
   • First express understanding: "I understand your concern about the alignment between salary and value, which is also something I wish to clarify."

2. Reiterate Your Value and Relate It to the Job Requirements

   • Quickly summarize your core competencies and how they match the position. For example:
     "In previous projects, the XX initiative I led improved efficiency by 30%, and this experience directly relates to the XX capability required for this role."
   • Emphasize the specific problems you can solve for the company (such as reducing costs or improving efficiency), rather than merely listing skills.

3. Support Your Expectation with Market Data

   • Cite objective references:
     "According to industry reports and the current market salary range for similar positions (e.g., the average salary for XX roles in the X region is X-X), my salary expectation is based on market standards and my personal contribution capabilities."
   • If you have other offers or ongoing interviews, you can mention them tactfully (e.g., "Other companies have also provided similar salary ranges"), but avoid appearing to exert pressure.

4. Show Flexibility and Guide the Discussion Toward Specifics

   • If the other party remains hesitant, proactively narrow the scope of discussion:
     "If there are constraints within the salary structure, could we explore possibilities such as performance bonuses, stock options, or a post-probationary period reassessment?"
   • Shift the focus from 'whether I am worth it' to 'how to realize value delivery,' for example: "What areas do you believe require further demonstration from me? I can plan ahead for post-onboarding goals."

5. Ask Reverse Questions to Clarify the Root of Their Concerns

   • Uncover the interviewer's genuine worries through questions:
     "Are you primarily concerned about the match between my experience and the role, or would you like a clearer understanding of my future contribution plans?"
   • Based on their response, provide targeted examples (such as past experiences of quickly adapting to new environments) to alleviate their concerns.

Key Principles:

• Always steer the conversation toward a "common goal" (how to achieve a win-win outcome), rather than merely arguing over numbers.
• If the other party insists on negating your value, evaluate whether this reflects unclear positioning of the role within the company and make decisions cautiously.