Negotiation Basics
Behavioral: lesson 7 of 12
Know your number before the call starts.
Lesson 7 of 12 · 5 min
Negotiation Basics
Step 1 of 12
Decide two numbers before anyone asks. Deciding mid-call is how people accept too little.
The Idea
Decide two numbers before anyone asks: the one you would accept happily, and the one below which you walk away. Then get data — levelling guides, published bands, people doing the job. Ask for the range, and never invent an offer you do not have.
Real-World Example
Asked for expectations in the first screening call, a candidate said 130, and the offer came in at exactly 130. The alternative is one calm sentence: "I'd rather not fix a number before we've agreed the level." Recruiters ask early because whoever speaks first usually sets the ceiling.
The Tradeoff
Negotiating almost always improves the offer and almost always costs time — a week, sometimes a re-approval. Pushing far past the published band burns goodwill with the manager you are about to work for.
Your turn
Fill in the blank.
Recruiter: "What number are you looking for?"
You: "I'd rather agree the level first.
___"
Recruiter: "It's a mid-level role, band is 140-165."
You: "That works as a starting point."Mini quiz
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