YOU DON’T GET WHAT YOU DESERVE. YOU GET WHAT YOU ASK FOR.

 Let me start with something uncomfortable. 

For your salary, you don’t get what you deserve. You get what you ask for. 

And most high performers I work with? They are excellent at delivering value… But deeply uncomfortable talking about money.

Here’s the reframe.

Salary is not just about the money you take home, it is about the value the company attaches to your role.

Different pay levels come with different expectations, ownership, visibility, and influence. If you under-negotiate, you are not just leaving money on the table. You are positioning yourself at a lower level of perceived value.

That matters. 

So how do you handle the inevitable salary question without sabotaging yourself?

1. Stop assuming you must reveal your current salary.

In many markets, you are not legally required to disclose it. And even when companies ask, you can redirect the conversation professionally. 

Refocus early conversations on scope, not salary. You can say something along the lines of:

“At this stage, I’m keen to understand the responsibilities and expectations of the role. I am confident the company will compensate fairly for the level of impact required.”

2. If they insist on alignment to avoid “wasting time,” flip the question.

Ask: “May I understand the budget range for this role?” 

Most recruiters know the range. And now you are negotiating with information instead of fear.

3. Use the market to your advantage 

If pushed for a number, give a market-informed range based on roles you are interviewing for. Not your current pay. 

This is where preparation separates professionals from hopefuls. 

Saying something along the lines of, "I am currently interviewing for roles between X&Y range", shows that the market is willing to pay for that range. 

And this is why I always say: Be the CEO of your Career. Negotiation is not arrogance. It is part of Always Be Careering.

You don’t rise to what you deserve. You rise to what you position yourself for.

With intention, 

Shub (Your Career Growth Partner)