Work Out Your Number Before the Call
Decide three figures before anyone asks. Doing this in the moment is how people undersell themselves.
- Walk-away: the lowest offer you would accept. Start from your rent, EMIs, and savings goal, then consider commute or relocation costs. Never say this number out loud.
- Target: what the role is fairly worth. Check current listings that show pay, ask people in similar roles, and compare your skills with the job description.
- Opening range: what you say to HR. The bottom should be close to your target, so that even the low end works for you.
Always convert CTC to monthly in-hand. CTC can include employer PF, gratuity, insurance, and variable pay. Say you earn ₹12 LPA, roughly ₹93,800 a month in-hand on a standard structure, and you're switching jobs:
| Your figure | CTC | Approx. monthly in-hand |
|---|---|---|
| Walk-away | ₹14 LPA | ₹1,04,110 |
| Target | ₹16 LPA | ₹1,18,176 |
| Opening range top | ₹17 LPA | ₹1,25,210 |
Figures assume 50% basic, PF capped at the ₹25,000 ceiling, the new regime, and no variable pay. Use the Salary Hike Calculator to test your own figures.
Sample Salary Expectation Answers
Experienced, switching jobs:
“Based on the scope of this role and my experience with [skill], I'm looking at ₹16 to ₹17 lakh CTC. I'm open to discussing the split between fixed and variable.”
Fresher:
“As a fresher, I'd like to be in line with what you offer new joiners for this role. From what I've researched, that's around ₹[X] to ₹[Y] lakh. Could you share the range you've budgeted?”
Too early in the process:
“I'd like to understand the responsibilities first so I can give you a fair number. Could you share the budgeted range for this role?”
HR says your number is too high:
“Thanks for being upfront. What range is approved for this role? If the fixed pay has limits, I'm happy to look at the overall package, including a joining bonus or an early salary review.”
Changing careers:
“I know I'm moving into a new area, so I've looked at the market rate rather than only my current pay. [Skill or result] carries over directly, so I'm looking at ₹[X] to ₹[Y] lakh.”
What to Write on a Job Application
- Text field: “Negotiable, based on role and total package”.
- Required number: enter your target CTC in the format requested. Check whether it wants rupees or lakhs.
- Field that accepts only 0: avoid entering a fake value if it could be read as your real expectation. Add a note wherever the form allows.
- Portals such as Naukri: recruiters may filter by this figure, so don't set it far above what the role could pay.
When HR Asks for Your Current CTC
Try redirecting first: “I'd rather focus on what this role is worth. My expectation is ₹16 to ₹17 lakh.” If they insist, state your figure accurately and explain any gaps, such as pending hikes, unvested stock, or a bonus you would forfeit by leaving.
Never inflate it. Many employers verify pay through payslips, Form 16, or background checks, and a false figure can cost you the offer. If you have to buy out your notice period, raise that separately and work out the cost first.
Mistakes That Cost You Money
- Naming your lowest acceptable pay. It tends to become the offer.
- Using a wide range. “₹12 to ₹20 lakh” tells HR you'd take ₹12 lakh.
- Talking only in percentages. A big hike on low pay can still be below the role's budget.
- Justifying with personal expenses. Base your case on the role and your results, not your EMI.
- Accepting on the call. Ask for the written breakup, then check it with the Offer Letter Analyser.