04-28-2018, 06:22 PM
TLDR:
Ideally, let them go first.
If they push for a number, you can choose to go first or not, but the most important thing is not to think of this as an opportunity to negotiate.
Sell yourself. Know what you want. Know the minimum you're willing to accept. Be willing to walk away.
####
It depends on how much you want the job (or not).
It depends on if you are making a move strictly to move up in your career/compennsation, or if you are more interested in making a change, even if it's lateral.
It depends on if they are pursuing you or if you are pursuing them.
You can tell them that it's about more than the money for you, so you'll listen to any offer even though you may be making more now.
Or you can just casually brush off the question about what you make now.
Instead you can choose to answer with what you're looking for in order to consider a move (also worth mentioning that "what you're looking for" may include more than just money).
Maybe this depends on the industry, but you should NOT be looking for an opportunity to negotiate. You should go in knowing what you want and know the minimum you can accept.
You should go in prepared to sell yourself and convince them of the value you'll bring, not looking to bat around numbers – not looking to hear their offer and then ask for more.
You should be willing to get up and walk away if their offer just won't work.
You should be willing to walk out telling them you need to consider the offer if it is reasonable but less than you were looking for.
Use silence to your benefit. If they make a low offer, don't say anything right away. Most importantly, don't counter it.
Be silent for an instant while you decide to –
a. Sit there and tell them that their offer can't work for you and wait for them to either try again or say that's it.
b. Tell them you were looking for more, you're not sure if you can make their offer work, and ask them if you can have a few days to think about it. Ideally, they'll make a better offer. Or, at least they'll give you a few days and you'll be able to think about your next move without the pressure of sitting across from them.
c. Thank them for their time, let them know that their offer is too low (politely), and walk away. Maybe they'll chase you and make another offer. Or maybe they'll contact you in a couple days with another offer. Or not.
Ideally, let them go first.
If they push for a number, you can choose to go first or not, but the most important thing is not to think of this as an opportunity to negotiate.
Sell yourself. Know what you want. Know the minimum you're willing to accept. Be willing to walk away.
####
It depends on how much you want the job (or not).
It depends on if you are making a move strictly to move up in your career/compennsation, or if you are more interested in making a change, even if it's lateral.
It depends on if they are pursuing you or if you are pursuing them.
You can tell them that it's about more than the money for you, so you'll listen to any offer even though you may be making more now.
Or you can just casually brush off the question about what you make now.
Instead you can choose to answer with what you're looking for in order to consider a move (also worth mentioning that "what you're looking for" may include more than just money).
Maybe this depends on the industry, but you should NOT be looking for an opportunity to negotiate. You should go in knowing what you want and know the minimum you can accept.
You should go in prepared to sell yourself and convince them of the value you'll bring, not looking to bat around numbers – not looking to hear their offer and then ask for more.
You should be willing to get up and walk away if their offer just won't work.
You should be willing to walk out telling them you need to consider the offer if it is reasonable but less than you were looking for.
Use silence to your benefit. If they make a low offer, don't say anything right away. Most importantly, don't counter it.
Be silent for an instant while you decide to –
a. Sit there and tell them that their offer can't work for you and wait for them to either try again or say that's it.
b. Tell them you were looking for more, you're not sure if you can make their offer work, and ask them if you can have a few days to think about it. Ideally, they'll make a better offer. Or, at least they'll give you a few days and you'll be able to think about your next move without the pressure of sitting across from them.
c. Thank them for their time, let them know that their offer is too low (politely), and walk away. Maybe they'll chase you and make another offer. Or maybe they'll contact you in a couple days with another offer. Or not.