Stop Being 'Grateful': How to Talk About Salary in an Interview
Let’s talk about this weaponized gratitude thing.
How many times have you heard:
"Be grateful you have this offer."
"Be thankful for this opportunity."
Sis, why the hell should we be “grateful” for being compensated for our work?
Gratitude is the tool white supremacy and patriarchy use to keep Latinas quiet, small, and underpaid.
Because if you’re too busy being grateful, you’re not:
Asking for more.
Pushing back on low offers.
Taking up the space you damn well deserve.
Queen, you don’t owe them gratitude for an offer. They owe you a paycheck that reflects your worth.
And when you walk into that interview? You better talk about salary like you belong there.
How to Talk About Salary in an Interview Without Playing Small
Our labor has always been devalued on purpose to make oppressive systems run smoother and cheaper. So when you ask for more, you’re not asking for charity; you’re taking back what the system was designed to keep from you.
So next time you walk into that negotiation, remind yourself:
"I’m not here to be grateful. I’m here to be paid."
"I’m not lucky to be here. They’re lucky to have me."
"I will not shrink myself to make them comfortable."
And when they try to shut you down with a weak offer? Say this: "I appreciate the offer. I’m looking for a compensation package that reflects both my skill set and the value I bring, and I’m ready to have that conversation."
This isn’t about being nice. It’s about being real about the systems we’re fighting.
1. Never Give a Number First
Recruiters will try to pin you down by asking:
"What are your salary expectations?"
Flip it back on them:
"I’d love to get a sense of the salary range for this role before I share my expectations. Can you tell me what the budget is?"
They might push. Stay firm:
"I want to make sure we're aligned. What’s the compensation range you’ve set for this position?"
They have a number. They just don’t want to tell you first.
2. If They Give a Lowball Offer, Challenge It
Them: "The range for this role is $80K-$90K."
You: "That’s helpful. Based on my research and the value I bring, I was expecting something in the $100K-$115K range. How flexible is the budget?"
Boom. You just anchored the negotiation higher.
They expect you to push back. The only people getting underpaid are the ones who don’t ask.
3. Use the “Value Over Gratitude” Script
If they try to pull the “You should be grateful” card? Shut that down immediately.
"I appreciate the offer. I’m looking for a compensation package that reflects both my skill set and the value I bring, and I’m ready to have that conversation."
No apologies. No hesitation.
If they don’t want to pay you fairly? Walk away. They’re the ones who should be grateful you’re even considering them.
Want to make sure you don’t leave money on the table? Let’s build your salary negotiation strategy in a free coaching call.
FAQs: What You Need to Know About Salary Negotiation in Interviews
-
If they don’t bring it up by the second interview, YOU bring it up.
Try this:
"Can we discuss the salary range for this role to ensure we’re aligned?"
If they refuse? Red flag. A company that doesn’t want to talk about pay upfront is probably hiding something.
-
They don’t need that information. And in some places, it’s illegal to ask.
Here’s what to say:
"I prefer to focus on the value I bring to this role rather than my past compensation. Let’s talk about what’s competitive for this position."
Past salary shouldn’t dictate future pay. Ever.
-
Then practice.
Say your salary number out loud every day.
Roleplay your negotiation with a friend.
Record yourself making the ask.
The more you do it, the easier it gets.
Confidence isn’t about never feeling fear. It’s about saying the number anyway.
Rewrite the Narrative. Secure the Bag.
Latinas are not lucky to be in tech.
Tech is lucky to have our brilliance, our innovation, and our leadership.
But our labor has always been devalued on purpose because keeping us underpaid keeps the system running smoother and cheaper.
So next time you walk into that negotiation, remind yourself:
"I’m not here to be grateful. I’m here to be paid."
"I’m not lucky to be here. They’re lucky to have me."
"I will not shrink myself to make them comfortable."
The moment you stop negotiating like you owe them something and start negotiating like you run the damn room, everything changes.
Need help flipping the script? Let’s make sure you negotiate from power, book a free coaching call.