Negotiation Basics

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.

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."