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In the competitive world of tech hiring, negotiation is often seen as a necessary skill to secure the best compensation. However, a recent incident shared by a prominent Indian tech founder has sparked a debate on when and how candidates should negotiate—and when it might cost them the job altogether.
The founder, who prefers to remain anonymous but heads a well-known SaaS startup in Bengaluru, revealed how a highly qualified candidate lost a lucrative job offer after making a last-minute salary demand. The incident, shared on LinkedIn, has gone viral, with professionals divided on whether the candidate’s move was justified or a career misstep.
The Offer That Was Almost Sealed
According to the founder, the candidate—a senior software engineer with an impressive resume—aced all interview rounds. The company was eager to onboard them and extended an offer matching industry standards, with additional equity and performance bonuses. The candidate initially seemed satisfied and verbally accepted the terms.
However, just before signing the official offer letter, the candidate abruptly asked for a 30% hike over the initial offer, citing “competitive counteroffers.” The founder, taken aback, clarified that the salary band was non-negotiable at that stage and the offer was already at the higher end of their budget.
“Bargaining Skills Don’t Build Careers”
The founder’s post emphasized that while negotiation is acceptable, timing and transparency matter. “Bargaining skills don’t build careers—excellence does,” they wrote. “Had the candidate discussed expectations earlier, we could have adjusted. But springing a demand after acceptance felt like bad faith.”
The company ultimately rescinded the offer, choosing another candidate who aligned better with their culture of transparency. The founder added, “We value trust as much as talent. If someone reneges at the last moment, it raises red flags about long-term reliability.”
Mixed Reactions from the Industry
The post triggered fierce discussions. Some professionals supported the founder, arguing that last-minute negotiations reflect poor professionalism. “If you have competing offers, mention them upfront. Don’t use them as leverage after accepting,” commented a hiring manager at a unicorn startup.
Others, however, sympathized with the candidate, stating that salary discussions should always be open until the final signature. “Companies expect loyalty but often underpay. The candidate was right to push for their worth,” argued a tech recruiter.
Key Lessons for Job Seekers
This incident highlights critical takeaways for job seekers:
- Negotiate Early – Discuss salary expectations in the initial rounds to avoid surprises.
- Be Transparent – If you have competing offers, communicate them politely but promptly.
- Respect the Process – Last-minute demands can backfire, especially after verbal acceptance.
A Shift in Hiring Dynamics?
With startups and tech giants becoming more cautious about attrition and cultural fit, the incident underscores a broader trend: employers now prioritize reliability alongside skill. Blind bargaining without relationship-building may no longer work in today’s job market.
As for the candidate in question? The founder hinted they eventually joined another firm—but at a lower package than what was initially offered. A hard lesson in the delicate balance between ambition and professionalism.
What’s your take? Was the founder justified, or did the candidate deserve a second chance? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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