The Work Gym

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Salary and offer conversation

Clarify written terms and practice a request without invented pay benchmarks.

15 scenarios
15 minutes each
Speak or type your answers
A report at your level

A computer voice asks the questions.

Your interview level

JuniorBuild a clear answer and explain the fundamentals.MidWork independently and explain the trade-offs.SeniorHandle ambiguity, failure modes, and wider consequences.

Practice scenarios

Choose a scenario. Each interview ends with a report for the level you selected.

15 min4 stagesMid level

The complete offer

We have reached the offer discussion, but the full package hasn't yet been explained. We'll clarify the offer components, discuss a reasoned request, respond to a counter and agree how the decision will be made. No compensation amount has been set in this conversation.

Start interview

Rubric and preparationWhat a mid answer covers · 2 lessons to prepare

Mid standard

Prioritize a request using personal requirements and the actual scope.
Prioritizes a decision-critical term and separates guaranteed from contingent compensation.
Explain whether the counter resolves the requirement and agree a usable decision timetable.

Lessons to prepare

15 min4 stagesMid level

A compensation range

We are discussing compensation expectations alongside the offered scope. We'll clarify the offer components, discuss a reasoned request, respond to a counter and agree how the decision will be made. No compensation amount has been set in this conversation.

Start interview

Rubric and preparationWhat a mid answer covers · 2 lessons to prepare

Mid standard

Prioritize a request using personal requirements and the actual scope.
Distinguishes opening request, minimum condition and contingent components.
Explain whether the counter resolves the requirement and agree a usable decision timetable.

Lessons to prepare

15 min4 stagesMid level

A counterproposal

We have discussed the package, and you want to request one change. We'll clarify the offer components, discuss a reasoned request, respond to a counter and agree how the decision will be made. No compensation amount has been set in this conversation.

Start interview

Rubric and preparationWhat a mid answer covers · 2 lessons to prepare

Mid standard

Prioritize a request using personal requirements and the actual scope.
Separates a condition of acceptance from a preference and considers the full package.
Explain whether the counter resolves the requirement and agree a usable decision timetable.

Lessons to prepare

15 min4 stagesMid level

A fixed base offer

The base compensation is fixed, and we are reviewing whether other terms could make the offer workable. We'll clarify the offer components, discuss a reasoned request, respond to a counter and agree how the decision will be made. No compensation amount has been set in this conversation.

Start interview

Rubric and preparationWhat a mid answer covers · 2 lessons to prepare

Mid standard

Prioritize a request using personal requirements and the actual scope.
Assesses the current package independently of a future review.
Explain whether the counter resolves the requirement and agree a usable decision timetable.

Lessons to prepare

15 min4 stagesMid level

An offer deadline

The offer has an acceptance deadline while another interview process remains incomplete. We'll clarify the offer components, discuss a reasoned request, respond to a counter and agree how the decision will be made. No compensation amount has been set in this conversation.

Start interview

Rubric and preparationWhat a mid answer covers · 2 lessons to prepare

Mid standard

Prioritize a request using personal requirements and the actual scope.
Makes a specific response commitment while acknowledging the other process is uncertain.
Explain whether the counter resolves the requirement and agree a usable decision timetable.

Lessons to prepare

15 min4 stagesMid level

A changed scope

The written responsibilities are broader than the scope discussed during the interviews. We'll clarify the offer components, discuss a reasoned request, respond to a counter and agree how the decision will be made. No compensation amount has been set in this conversation.

Start interview

Rubric and preparationWhat a mid answer covers · 2 lessons to prepare

Mid standard

Prioritize a request using personal requirements and the actual scope.
Connects responsibilities to authority and support rather than relying on the title.
Explain whether the counter resolves the requirement and agree a usable decision timetable.

Lessons to prepare

15 min4 stagesMid level

Variable compensation

The offer includes a variable-pay target whose terms haven't been explained. We'll clarify the offer components, discuss a reasoned request, respond to a counter and agree how the decision will be made. No compensation amount has been set in this conversation.

Start interview

Rubric and preparationWhat a mid answer covers · 2 lessons to prepare

Mid standard

Prioritize a request using personal requirements and the actual scope.
Checks eligibility, measurement and discretion before valuing the component.
Explain whether the counter resolves the requirement and agree a usable decision timetable.

Lessons to prepare

15 min4 stagesMid level

An equity component

The package includes equity, but the instrument and conditions haven't been described. We'll clarify the offer components, discuss a reasoned request, respond to a counter and agree how the decision will be made. No compensation amount has been set in this conversation.

Start interview

Rubric and preparationWhat a mid answer covers · 2 lessons to prepare

Mid standard

Prioritize a request using personal requirements and the actual scope.
Distinguishes ownership terms, exercise costs and liquidity from cash compensation.
Explain whether the counter resolves the requirement and agree a usable decision timetable.

Lessons to prepare

15 min4 stagesMid level

A workable start date

The proposed start date is earlier than your existing commitments allow. We'll clarify the offer components, discuss a reasoned request, respond to a counter and agree how the decision will be made. No compensation amount has been set in this conversation.

Start interview

Rubric and preparationWhat a mid answer covers · 2 lessons to prepare

Mid standard

Prioritize a request using personal requirements and the actual scope.
Explains notice and handover without making unauthorized promises.
Explain whether the counter resolves the requirement and agree a usable decision timetable.

Lessons to prepare

15 min4 stagesMid level

Work location in the offer

We discussed remote work, but the written offer names an office location without explaining the arrangement. We'll clarify the offer components, discuss a reasoned request, respond to a counter and agree how the decision will be made. No compensation amount has been set in this conversation.

Start interview

Rubric and preparationWhat a mid answer covers · 2 lessons to prepare

Mid standard

Prioritize a request using personal requirements and the actual scope.
Separates an essential schedule condition from a preference.
Explain whether the counter resolves the requirement and agree a usable decision timetable.

Lessons to prepare

15 min4 stagesMid level

Level and title

The offer uses a different level from the one discussed during the interviews. We'll clarify the offer components, discuss a reasoned request, respond to a counter and agree how the decision will be made. No compensation amount has been set in this conversation.

Start interview

Rubric and preparationWhat a mid answer covers · 2 lessons to prepare

Mid standard

Prioritize a request using personal requirements and the actual scope.
Connects the request to responsibilities and evidence from the process.
Explain whether the counter resolves the requirement and agree a usable decision timetable.

Lessons to prepare

15 min4 stagesMid level

Two written offers

You have two written offers with different work and package terms. We'll clarify the offer components, discuss a reasoned request, respond to a counter and agree how the decision will be made. No compensation amount has been set in this conversation.

Start interview

Rubric and preparationWhat a mid answer covers · 2 lessons to prepare

Mid standard

Prioritize a request using personal requirements and the actual scope.
Separates guaranteed terms and role fit from contingent upside.
Explain whether the counter resolves the requirement and agree a usable decision timetable.

Lessons to prepare

15 min4 stagesMid level

A verbal promise

A manager described a future responsibility and review that don't appear in the offer. We'll clarify the offer components, discuss a reasoned request, respond to a counter and agree how the decision will be made. No compensation amount has been set in this conversation.

Start interview

Rubric and preparationWhat a mid answer covers · 2 lessons to prepare

Mid standard

Prioritize a request using personal requirements and the actual scope.
Asks for review ownership, timing and criteria without treating the outcome as certain.
Explain whether the counter resolves the requirement and agree a usable decision timetable.

Lessons to prepare

15 min4 stagesMid level

Declining an offer

You have reviewed the package and believe it doesn't meet an essential requirement. We'll clarify the offer components, discuss a reasoned request, respond to a counter and agree how the decision will be made. No compensation amount has been set in this conversation.

Start interview

Rubric and preparationWhat a mid answer covers · 2 lessons to prepare

Mid standard

Prioritize a request using personal requirements and the actual scope.
Distinguishes a final decline from a request that could lead to acceptance.
Explain whether the counter resolves the requirement and agree a usable decision timetable.

Lessons to prepare

15 min4 stagesMid level

An acceptance check

You intend to accept, subject to confirming the complete written terms. We'll clarify the offer components, discuss a reasoned request, respond to a counter and agree how the decision will be made. No compensation amount has been set in this conversation.

Start interview

Rubric and preparationWhat a mid answer covers · 2 lessons to prepare

Mid standard

Prioritize a request using personal requirements and the actual scope.
Resolves a missing material term before making a definite commitment.
Explain whether the counter resolves the requirement and agree a usable decision timetable.

Lessons to prepare