Core Strategies
- Scarcity framing: Limit availability (e.g., “I can commit 1 day/week”). Creates perception of value and prioritization
- Objective prioritization: Position unpaid/side work as naturally lower priority than paid/primary commitments
- Future scaling: Frame formalization (title, package) as necessary to scale your contributions.
- Value anchoring: Reference past impact and outcomes to establish a baseline.
- Soft → firm escalation: Start with availability → suggest formalization → only then raise compensation explicitly.
Package Negotiation
| Situation | What to Say | Why |
|---|---|---|
| When asked about expectations | “I’d love to hear your thoughts on what range you had in mind for this role first.” | Avoids anchoring first, they reveal their budget instead of you limiting yourself. |
| If pressed for a number | “From what I’ve seen, roles like this are moving towards five digits a month, but I’d really like to understand how you value this position.” | Provides a broad but credible anchor without boxing yourself in. |
| Framing your value | “I’ve really enjoyed my time here, especially working on TechOps projects and exploring low-level systems since JC. With the contributions I can bring, I believe a stronger package would better reflect that value.” | Builds goodwill and shows genuine interest, not just money. |
| Using future estimation | “Given market trends, this role could be valued at 18k by 2027. That’s why I think it’s reasonable to adjust today’s offer upward to reflect that trajectory.” | Uses market logic to justify a higher present offer. |
| If past TC is referenced | “Yes, that was my package at [Company A], but this role is a step up in scope and responsibility. I’d prefer we look forward rather than anchoring to the past.” | Neutralizes the anchor and recenters on future value. |
| Closing the conversation | “I’m excited about the opportunity, and I believe we can find a package that reflects both the market and the value I bring.” | Ends on a cooperative, forward-looking note while keeping leverage. |
Follow-up After Rejection
1. Gratitude upfront
“thanks again for the support during my internship”
- Signals maturity
- Closes the loop politely
- Sets a positive tone
2. Anchor in positives
“enjoyed the projects,” “working with someone,” “learned from PR review comments”
- Shows you valued the experience and people
- Not just outcome-driven but relationship-driven
3. Acknowledge feedback directly
“main feedback was around maturity/asking appropriate questions”
- You didn’t dodge or sugarcoat it
- Owning it makes you look self-aware
4. Show concrete improvement
“working on that since (also joined another join another firm)”
- Not just promising growth
- Already acting on it
5. Future-looking framing
“with another year before next summer I can improve a lot”
- Signals patience and long-term thinking
- Not desperate for a role right now
6. Open-ended ask for guidance
“Do you think it makes sense to try London… or better to wait…”
- Invites advice instead of forcing a yes/no
- Lowers pressure and builds goodwill