Salary negotiating

Hi there!

Great questions!

Let me take them one by one:

Is it common for applicants to be asked about their salary expectations?

Yes, but mostly when the candidate is applying for non-generalist roles or non-entry level roles.

Are salary negotiations possible? I've been hearing that the salaries are fixed and you can only negotiate the bonus, is that correct?

That's right. Salaries are fixed indeed in each geography / firm / office combination.

How and when should I negotiate my salary or the bonus? Before I get the offer or when the offer is made?

Always after the offer. That's when you have leverage. You can get more leverage by having competitive offers.

Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

1) Is it common for applicants to be asked about their salary expectations?

For most companies it is not common, at least for junior positions.

2) Are salary negotiations possible? I've been hearing that the salaries are fixed and you can only negotiate the bonus, is that correct?

Normally in consulting the base salary for a given position is fixed for everyone. What you can usually negotiate is:

• The signing bonus
• The relocation bonus
• The seniority you join 

The easiest way to negotiate is to have an “opportunity cost”, ideally due to another offer.

3) How and when should I negotiate my salary or the bonus? Before I get the offer or when the offer is made?

I would recommend to do that just after the offer.

Best,

Francesco

Hi there,

Is it common for applicants to be asked about their salary expectations?

Uncommon for be asked about salary expectations….unless you're coming in as an experienced hire.

Are salary negotiations possible?

Salary negotiations quite difficult (unless experienced hired), but you can negotiate in other areas.

I've been hearing that the salaries are fixed and you can only negotiate the bonus, is that correct?

Yes, you can negotiate signing bonus…amongst a few other things.

How and when should I negotiate my salary or the bonus? Before I get the offer or when the offer is made?

Invest $200-$300 in a coach to help you do this optimally.

I doubled my signing bonus from $20k to $40k and have earned others a cumulative $500k+ in my career through advising negotiations.

• You are unlikely to be asked about salary expectations.
• Salary negotiation is not possible. Regular Bonus also not negotiable. Both are fixed and apply to everyone, no exceptions.
• Some extras are negotiable on a case by case basis (sign in bonus, relocation, etc.).
• You don't negotiate without having an offer. Only after you receive the offer you may negotiate.
   

Hi,

I can agree with the previous comments.

• unlikely to be asked about salary expectations
• salary and annual bonus range is tied to the role/career level and uniform across all employees on that level within the same country usually
• some negotiations possible for one-time signing bonus (if offered) and potential relocation package
• do not make any such demands before you have a written offer!

Best of luck

Hi,

If you are referring to MBB, salaries are fixed. This includes both fixed and variable. Variable is a defined range per position/role and this is dependent on your performance. 

The one thing you could potentially negotiate is the sign on bonus - but this is also highly dependent on recruitings discretion.

All the best!

Hello,

To answer your questions:

Is it common for applicants to be asked about their salary expectations?

Not so much, unless you are coming in as an experienced hire or for a specialist role

Are salary negotiations possible? I've been hearing that the salaries are fixed and you can only negotiate the bonus, is that correct?

Salary negotiations are difficult because salaries tend to be fixed by firm-office-role. However, you can negotiate other things, such as signing bonus, as you mention.

How and when should I negotiate my salary or the bonus? Before I get the offer or when the offer is made?

It's best to negotiate right after the offer is made.