4 ms·

I like a lot of the information in this article. But after going through a gauntlet of 20+ interview pipelines with 3 offers coming in at the same time and an a

by Denzel 8y ago

I like a lot of the information in this article. But after going through a gauntlet of 20+ interview pipelines with 3 offers coming in at the same time and an additional 2 on the way, here's my advice... don't give the first number, give the first range. Say the market is showing you between $X-$Y. Consider it a form of late-binding. You want to be dynamic. So make that range both realistic and wide. This is beneficial to you for a number of reasons. It will eliminate companies that can't get there. Win. It doesn't commit you to a specific number. Win. You don't have to ruin the rapport with an unnecessary game of chicken over who says the first number. Win. And most importantly, you have a wide open range to negotiate in when your offers come in. You can say... hey, I was upfront about my range, and I really feel like I'm <here> in that range for <these reasons>. Using this strategy has worked beautifully for me.

infinite8s 8y ago
The issue with a range is that you are by definition anchoring the minimum that you will accept, so a savvy employer won't go much higher than that (without mitigating circumstances like competing offers).
- Denzel 8y ago
  You're exactly right, a range anchors the minimum. However, there's far more bargaining chips on the table than just competing offers. As a savvy negotiator you have to understand that every little piece of the offer is a bargaining chip that causes movement within your range: bonuses, equity, PTO, benefits, gym reimbursement, commute time, cost of living, hours, etc. Everything is fungible. The salary range is just one lever in an entire control room. No one has to agree or use my negotiating method. It's simply something that worked really well for me and allowed me to maintain more productive discussions as I negotiated. Whereas a game of chicken leaves a sour taste in both your mouth and theirs.
gear54rus 8y ago
> You can say... hey, I was upfront about my range, and I really feel like I'm <here> in that range for <these reasons>. So why give range if it's actually a number after all? :)
- Denzel 8y ago
  You sound like you'd make a good project manager. ;)

by Denzel 8y ago

infinite8s 8y ago

The issue with a range is that you are by definition anchoring the minimum that you will accept, so a savvy employer won't go much higher than that (without mitigating circumstances like competing offers).

Denzel 8y ago
You're exactly right, a range anchors the minimum. However, there's far more bargaining chips on the table than just competing offers. As a savvy negotiator you have to understand that every little piece of the offer is a bargaining chip that causes movement within your range: bonuses, equity, PTO, benefits, gym reimbursement, commute time, cost of living, hours, etc. Everything is fungible. The salary range is just one lever in an entire control room. No one has to agree or use my negotiating method. It's simply something that worked really well for me and allowed me to maintain more productive discussions as I negotiated. Whereas a game of chicken leaves a sour taste in both your mouth and theirs.

gear54rus 8y ago

> You can say... hey, I was upfront about my range, and I really feel like I'm <here> in that range for <these reasons>. So why give range if it's actually a number after all? :)

Denzel 8y ago
You sound like you'd make a good project manager. ;)