I recently completed all interview rounds for a company and am now waiting for the compensation discussions. During the final round, I had a brief chat with the CEO, who directly asked me what salary would make me happy. I proposed a figure that represented a 66% increase from my current base salary. He listened but countered with a 30% increase and no stock options, explaining that the company is not known for high pay. I didn’t respond at that moment. He mentioned he could offer a joining bonus to help bridge the gap and said he would see what he could do. However, I feel that a 30% increase is too low, and even if I accept this offer, I might still be tempted by better opportunities. I am actively interviewing elsewhere but don’t have any solid offers yet. In my initial recruiter call, I communicated the same 66% increase, so I feel like I’m being lowballed. I want to be prepared for when the final numbers come in. Currently, I am an immediate joiner, and I believe I have performed well in all my interviews, having completed four rounds in two days. The CEO even mentioned that the team is excited about my potential joining. I’ve also indicated that I don’t have any concrete offers yet, and since this company doesn’t provide stock options (just a retention bonus), I want to negotiate a better base salary since the joining bonus is only for the first year. I’m contemplating whether I should push back if the offer comes in lower than expected and whether I should mention that I have verbal offers from other organizations to strengthen my position. I really like the product this company offers and want to work there, but the compensation feels like a pay cut.