How Bill Gates’ approach to salary negotiation can help you get that hike you have been waiting for

What sets Gates apart isn’t just his technical genius or bold decisions, but his instinct to always think beyond the immediate and play for the long game. That ability to stay grounded in the present while keeping an eye on the horizon has defined both his career and his legacy.

In 2020, that same mindset surfaced in an unlikely setting—NBA star Stephen Curry’s YouTube series State of Inspiration.During the episode, Gates agreed to a mock interview, slipping into the role of a junior software engineer applying for a job at Microsoft. At first glance, it may have seemed like a lighthearted exercise, but what followed was revealing. In his calm, methodical responses, Gates exposed the very framework that guided his own rise: the importance of preparation, the balance of confidence and humility, and the subtle art of communicating value under pressure.For viewers, it was more than role-play. It was a rare window into how one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs thinks when the stakes are high. And nestled within his answers were lessons that extend far beyond the interview room—principles of negotiation, self-worth, and long-term career growth that remain strikingly relevant for anyone navigating the modern workplace.

Buy into tomorrow

When Gates was asked about salary expectations during a mock interview, he didn’t tie his worth to a short-term figure.

Instead, he responded, “I hope the option package is good. I’m able to take a risk, and I think the company has a great future, so I prefer to get stock options even more than cash compensation.”This wasn’t just clever negotiation—it was forward-thinking. Rather than locking himself into a number, Gates framed his value in terms of shared growth. He wasn’t simply negotiating pay; he was offering his talent, energy, and belief in the company as part of a long-term investment.

Signal worth gracefully

To further increase his standing and establish himself as a worthy and sought after candidate, Gates subtly lets the interviewer know that he is aware of the competition. “I hear some other companies are paying a lot.”

It wasn’t a demand, nor was it a threat. It was a quiet way of saying he knew his market value, while still keeping the tone respectful. Instead of creating tension, he used gentle acknowledgment to remind his audience of his worth.

In negotiation, that balance between self-assurance and humility often opens more doors than hard pushback.

Present growth and teamwork—not just competence

When asked why he should be hired, Gates could have easily leaned on raw technical brilliance. Instead, he took a more thoughtful route. He invited them to look at his code—proof of his drive—and then added, “I think I’ve gotten better over time. I do think I can work well with people.”This balance of ambition, growth, and humility made him more than just a skilled coder.

It positioned him as someone evolving, adaptable, and collaborative. In salary conversations, showing you can grow with the role and bring others along often counts more than pure skill alone.

Anchor motivation in shared vision

As mentioned above, when talking about the salary, Gates chose stock options over a bigger paycheck. It is not just an investment into the future, but it is also a way to show the company that he is invested in the growth of the company as well.

In a negotiation, that shift changes the entire conversation. You’re no longer just another hire bargaining over numbers—you’re a partner in growth, someone looking to build the bigger picture alongside the employer.

Stay grounded

Gates had once admitted, “Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can’t lose.” That perspective grounds everything else. Even when negotiating from a position of strength, he reminds us that confidence without humility can backfire. The best negotiations aren’t about arrogance, but about balance—knowing your value, but staying curious, open, and ready to learn.