How to answer compensation expectation for boutique?

How did you guys answer the compensation expectation question for a boutique IB position? I got that question and asked what previous interns were paid, he told me it was unpaid last year so I just said I'm fine with either option and it's up to them. Should I have tried bargaining for at least some sort of payment?

9 Comments
 

Start the negotiation by asking how much they make, then throw a number that's roughly 15% less than that to be conservative.

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Being able to have a position and gain experience in a firm like this is more important to me than the salary. But I think a level that is commensurate with the rest of the street would be fair.

or "if you're making X I should be making at least 2X because your a fckin idiot."

I used to be indecisive, now I'm just not sure.
 

hah everyone is just messing with you. Please dont use any of these responses as they will cost you a job.

Just say, "For the right opportunity I would be willing to consider a variety of compensation levels" or some BS like that, that completely avoids the question. I thought they taught this answer to everyone in your basic Business/Econ/Finance 101 courses.

 

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