I found my favorite strategy for responding to salary questions on r/negotiation several months back: “Right now I’m focused on trying to figure out if this job is a good fit for the direction I want to take my career. If we both decide it is, I’m sure we can come to an understanding on salary.”
Then, if they press: “Well I don’t think it’s fair to consider just salary in comparing job offers. I’d have to look at a total holistic benefits package to fairly compare two offers.”
Then if they insist: “Look, you and I both know that my naming a desired salary puts me at a negotiating disadvantage. Please don’t ask again.” At this point, you probably don’t want to work at this company anyway.
I found my favorite strategy for responding to salary questions on r/negotiation several months back: “Right now I’m focused on trying to figure out if this job is a good fit for the direction I want to take my career. If we both decide it is, I’m sure we can come to an understanding on salary.”
Then, if they press: “Well I don’t think it’s fair to consider just salary in comparing job offers. I’d have to look at a total holistic benefits package to fairly compare two offers.”
Then if they insist: “Look, you and I both know that my naming a desired salary puts me at a negotiating disadvantage. Please don’t ask again.” At this point, you probably don’t want to work at this company anyway.