After clearing the first and second rounds successfully, I moved on to the final HR salary negotiation round. I requested a 50% hike compared to my current CTC, explaining that based on market trends and industry standards, this expectation should fall within the company’s budget slab. However, the HR representative responded, “The market isn’t going to pay your salary—the company is. So the maximum we can offer is a 30% hike.” That reply caught me off guard. It didn’t align with the tone or openness I had expected. After considering the exchange, I ultimately decided it wasn’t the kind of environment I’d feel comfortable working in. Looking back, I’m wondering what approach could have helped me handle that situation more effectively.