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My salary negotiation script went from awkward to effective in three tries
I used to freeze up when a job offer came and just accept the first number. Last year, I practiced a simple script with a friend who works in HR. The first time I tried it, I stumbled and got a flat 'no' on a $5,000 increase. The second time, I was smoother and got an extra week of vacation. The third time, for a project manager role, I stated my case clearly, cited the local market rate in Tampa, and waited quietly. They came back with a $12,000 higher base salary. The difference was just having a plan and practicing it out loud. What's one line that has worked for you in a salary talk?
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milacraig1mo ago
Hold on, you got a flat 'no' on just five thousand? That seems really harsh for a company that wants to hire you. In my experience, most places expect some back and forth and have a little room to move. A straight up refusal on that amount makes me wonder about their budget or how they value the role. Getting that first no must have been tough, but it's wild they wouldn't even try to meet you partway.
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nancy8171mo ago
The first time I tried negotiating I opened with "so... I was hoping for more money" and they looked at me like I'd asked to borrow their car. Took a few rounds to figure out that "I have market data" sounds way better than "I have anxiety.
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Wait, did you try asking to borrow their car just to see if they'd say yes to the money next? Honestly, "I have market data" is basically the adult version of "because I said so" but with way better results.
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