Practice: early salary expectations
The recruiter asks for expected CTC before the technical interviews. You know the role is in Bengaluru but have not received the applicable level or fixed/variable breakdown.
Prepare your response
The recruiter asks for expected CTC before the technical interviews. You know the role is in Bengaluru but have not received the applicable level or fixed/variable breakdown.
Original teaching material. All numerical examples are hypothetical, not live market benchmarks. Adapt scripts to your actual situation; no messages are sent from this course.
Scenario constraints
- You have no competing offer and must not invent one.
- You need to clarify the role band and compensation definition.
- If a range is required, state it as your researched expectation with conditions.
Self-review rubric
Draft your answer in the practice editor below before revealing the guidance. This is a self-guided exercise; no automatic scoring is implied.
- Definition: Names annual base versus CTC/total and currency.
- Honesty: States the real situation without fictional leverage.
- Alignment: Asks for applicable location/level band.
- Next step: Confirms whether the process can proceed.
Reveal a worked response approach
Ask for scope and the applicable base/total range. If pressed, provide a supported range with units and say it depends on the complete package; ask whether it aligns with the budget.
A clear answer separates current salary, expectations and the employer’s band. It does not claim a legal right or obligation without checking jurisdiction.
Sources and scope
Harvard MCS: Evaluating and negotiating offers ↗ · Reference checked 2026-10-18
Career-services reference for offer evaluation, preparation and negotiation conversations; original lesson scripts and examples are authored for this course.
This course teaches preparation and communication. It provides no live pay ranges, employer guarantees, tax calculations or personalized legal/investment advice. Governing documents and local rules determine actual award and employment terms.
The recruiter asks for expected CTC before the technical interviews. You know the role is in Bengaluru but have not received the applicable level or fixed/variable breakdown.
Your negotiation draft
Separate offer facts from assumptions, state a truthful prioritized ask, and define your next step. Save your draft before comparing it with the worked guidance.
Self-review checklist
Self-guided practice. Automated AI feedback and code execution are not connected.