Easy. If you have an advanced degree from a good school and/ or technical skills (data analytics) then the company works hard to get you. I did have to negotiate my salary. Got $10K more than the initial offer. HR wants talent but at below market price. Therefore, you as a candidate have to make an argument for your asking salary.

recently interviewed for a Product Owner position at Discover Financial Services, and my experience was a mix of positives and challenges. The process was structured and professional, with clear communication from the recruiter about the interview steps. The questions covered a balanced mix of behavioral, technical, and strategic product management topics, giving me a good sense of what the role entailed. I particularly appreciated how the interviewers focused on Agile methodologies, backlog prioritization, and stakeholder communication, which made the conversations engaging and relevant. However, the process felt longer than necessary, with multiple interview rounds that sometimes overlapped in content. Some interviews focused on high-level product vision, while others seemed more execution-driven, leading to some inconsistencies in role expectations. Additionally, post-interview feedback was slow, leaving me uncertain about where I stood in the hiring process. This lack of timely communication was frustrating, especially after investing significant time in the interviews. Overall, while Discover Financial Services has a structured hiring process and knowledgeable interviewers, the lengthy process and delayed feedback could be improved. If you're considering interviewing for this role, I’d recommend preparing for deep Agile and product management discussions, but also asking clarifying questions about the role’s strategic vs. tactical responsibilities. It’s a solid opportunity, but patience is needed when navigating the process.