Hi everyone! I'm navigating the job market for the first time since landing my initial role as a DevOps Engineer. Recently, I interviewed with a small startup (about 15-20 people), but they have a demanding 6-day work week and inflexible hours, which makes me hesitant to join. I had a couple of interviews, and they asked me two significant questions where I struggled. One was about my biggest professional achievement, and the other was how to justify my salary expectation of a 50% raise given my 1.5 years of experience, including 5 months of training. I'd appreciate any tips on how to effectively answer these questions.
4 Answers
You should definitely link your salary expectation to the market rate for your role. If you aren't feeling supported, push back. Just remember, don’t disclose your current salary; focus on what the role’s market value should be.
Exactly! Plus, if they’re asking for a lot of work, they should compensate fairly for that burden.
Honestly, a 6-day work week is pretty extreme in any tech role unless you're at the top of the chain. Unless the pay is sky-high or there's a significant equity stake involved, I’d personally pass on such offers. It's crucial to recognize your worth and not settle for something unreasonable!
Right? I can't believe that's even acceptable. I’d need an outrageous salary just to consider the burnout that comes with that!
For sure, in India, it's not uncommon, but I still think it's a red flag!
Don't let them pressure you into disclosing your last salary. Always flip the question back to them. Ask them why the workload is so high and if that pay matches your input. If they're not willing to pay for quality, maybe it's not the right fit.
That's a bold move! I like the idea of turning the tables. It shows you're serious about work-life balance.
It really is a red flag. If they can’t justify their expectations, then why should you?
In the remote job market, senior positions are typically valued between $160k to $200k. Adjust your request accordingly based on what similar roles pay. If they can't meet that, maybe it's best to look elsewhere where your skills are respected!
Absolutely! It's all about knowing your worth. Just make sure to back it up with some solid examples in your interview.
Definitely! Don’t forget to highlight the skills that make you stand out as a candidate!
Totally agree! Your skills should dictate your worth, not your previous salary. It’s a different market out there.