Career Gaps, Job Changes & Salary Negotiation

Reason (1 line) → what I did (projects, certifications, freelancing, caregiving) → proof (GitHub, certificate) → ready and committed now. Never lie; keep it under 30 seconds.

Profile (role, YOE, skills, city, company type) → 3+ data sources → range (low/median/high) → walk-away, target, anchor numbers.

CTC · fixed · variable · basic · HRA · special allowance · employer PF (12% of basic) · gratuity (after 5 years) · joining bonus (clawback) · ESOP/RSU vesting · in-hand = gross − PF − professional tax − TDS · old vs new tax regime.

Monthly salary × 12 + year-end bonus (not guaranteed) · labour + health insurance · employer pension ≥ 6% · probation · work permit / Gold Card · minimum wage 2026 NT$29,500/month (verify).

Thank → ask time → compare with data → one clear justified ask → negotiate the package (bonus, buyout, review, level, remote) → get it in writing → decide.

"Based on market data for this role…" · "I'm flexible on the structure of the package…" · "Is there flexibility on the fixed component?" · "Could a joining bonus or an earlier review bridge the gap?"

Written offer first · tell manager personally · short positive email · handover plan · relieving/experience letters · final settlement · PF transfer (UAN) · return assets · no burned bridges.