Skip to content
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

I'm getting callbacks but the compensation isn't high enough to justify going through a full four-week interview process. What should I do?

A few things to consider. First, remember that job description comp is almost always just base, and the full package includes bonus, equity, sign-on, and other buckets that can significantly change the total number. Don't rule out a process based on base alone without understanding the full picture. Second, for smaller companies, it's generally true that their ability to negotiate is limited — if the base is far below your minimum and they're pre-revenue or early stage, the equity may not compensate enough to be worth it. Third, if a company has roles at multiple levels or is a big enough brand that you can use it as practice, consider staying in the process for those reasons even if the comp isn't perfect. At large tech companies specifically, the comp ceiling is much higher than what's posted, and negotiation can move numbers substantially.