I disagree. Recruiters will know how difficult it has been to fill the position. They generally work on a percentage - in which case the more you can get the b

I disagree. Recruiters will know how difficult it has been to fill the position. They generally work on a percentage - in which case the more you can get the better, or a flat fee, in which case they don't care. It's all about making them want you, and justification. Even if you initially say to the recruiter that you're looking for $100k, but when the manager asks you you reply with $130k, this isn't a problem provided you can justify it ("I'm looking at several other options at the moment/I've reconsidered/something else creative"). Often the justification doesn't need to be watertight - just something to say that sort of makes sense. Even just saying that you've reassess the market is sufficient. There's no wrong answer if you say something subjective. > they will NOT allow a recuiter to low ball you just to save $30k. Agreed. But the recruiter should do as they're told by the client. It isn't the recruiter you need to convince. > it all depends on how much they want you This is the key point. Make them want you and then negotiate. But make sure that your opening offer is so high that they can't do it - or if they do you'll be very happy anyway. Then come down a bit or change the package ("Oh, OK well if there was more holiday/working from home/whatever I'd consider it for that salary"). Most of the time managers aren't paying with their own money. The only place I've ever had to bargain hard was for a small company. Never again. It's just so much easier negotiating and working with people who spend someone else's money (i.e. bigger corporations). Also, if you let the other person open the negotiations, as another commenter has said you're then in an uphill struggle. People compare things - since there is no absolute value here - so start the comparison at the top end where you want it. Don't let the other party dictate where the negotation starts.