How to Respond to "We Are Concerned That Your Expected Salary Exceeds Our Internal Level Benchmark for This Position"

Topic Description

When an interviewer says, "We are concerned that your expected salary exceeds our internal level benchmark for this position," it means the company believes your salary request falls outside the range designated for that position within the company's internal compensation system. This could be because your qualifications or experience surpass the job's requirements, or the company has a strict salary grade structure. You need to negotiate to demonstrate your value while respecting the company's policies, aiming for a win-win solution.

Problem-Solving Process

Step 1: Understand the Underlying Message

• Reading Between the Lines: The company might be concerned about the following:
  • Making an exception for a higher salary could disrupt internal pay equity and cause dissatisfaction among other employees.
  • Your qualifications might be "overqualified," potentially leading to job dissatisfaction in the long run.
  • The company hopes to hire a suitable candidate at a lower cost.
• Mindset for Response: Avoid directly contradicting or questioning their system. Instead, show flexibility and respect for their structure.

Step 2: Clarify the Position Level and Scope of Responsibilities

• Specific Action: Politely inquire about the specific responsibilities and salary range associated with the position's level.
  • Example question: "Could you please elaborate on the responsibilities and salary range for this level? I'd like to understand the company's standards more clearly."
• Purpose:
  • Understand the company's compensation structure to avoid negotiating blindly.
  • Determine if your expected salary is genuinely out of range or if there's room for negotiation.

Step 3: Emphasize the Added Value You Bring to the Role

• Core Strategy: Explain how your experience or skills can deliver "added value" beyond the standard expectations for the role.
  • Example response: "I understand the company's level positioning. However, my [key skill] and [project experience] can directly help the team address [specific issue], such as improving efficiency/reducing costs. This might exceed the typical requirements for this level but can create additional value for the company."
• Key Points:
  • Use concrete examples to prove your value (e.g., past achievements, specialized skills).
  • Avoid sounding arrogant; emphasize that this value is a "complement to the role, not a negation."

Step 4: Propose Flexible Solutions

• Alternative Approaches: If the salary cannot be adjusted, explore other forms of compensation:
  • Short-term Compromise: Accept the current level but agree to an early performance and promotion review (e.g., re-evaluating salary after 6 months).
  • Non-monetary Compensation: Negotiate for additional training resources, more flexible leave policies, equity, or bonus opportunities.
  • Expanded Responsibilities: Suggest slight adjustments to the job duties to better align with your qualifications, thereby justifying a higher salary.
• Example Response: "If the salary cannot be adjusted at the moment, would it be possible to reconsider based on my performance in 6 months? Or could responsibilities like [a specific advanced task] be added to better match my experience?"

Step 5: Express Long-term Commitment

• Ultimate Goal: Show that you value career development opportunities, not just salary.
  • Example response: "I am genuinely excited about the company's growth platform. If we can find a flexible way to address the salary aspect, I am committed to contributing long-term and growing with the team."
• Effect: Softens the negotiation atmosphere, allowing the company to see your sincerity and long-term value.

Summary

• Key Principles: Respect the system, highlight value, remain flexible, focus on the long term.
• Avoid Traps: Do not demand a salary increase outright. Instead, use collaborative language to find a middle ground.
• Ultimately, if the company cannot meet your minimum requirements, rationally evaluate whether to accept the offer or politely conclude the negotiation.