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Discussion on: Salary Negotiation for People That Hate To Negotiate with Josh Puetz

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Dave Ford

What are some good strategies to avoid giving the first number? Is there a good strategy to submit an online form where it will not accept a blank value for desired salary?

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Chase Nickels

Great question, what are some strategies to respond to this question? And how to avoid online form application responses?

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Rachael (she/her)

That said, personally, I've gotten better offers when I have said the first number. However, it is more risky. You need to be sure of what comparable salaries are and shoot for the high end of what your skills and experience can get on the market. Your personal mileage may vary, but it's something to consider if you feel like you are being lowballed in general in your job search

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Ed Henderson

"I'm sorry, my current contract with my employer prohibits me from disclosing that information."

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Josh Puetz

Some great replies here, I also love the technique of entering $0 or $1 in the form. Another trick I've used is to try to edit the form by editing it in Chrome so I CAN submit it without giving a number 😈

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Hugo • Edited

I have a strategy to avoid giving an expected salary but I don't know how to avoid the question of "How much do you currently make?" Does anyone has a strategy for this?

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rakaloo profile image
Rachael (she/her)

I've had success by just being direct and saying "I don't see how my current salary is relevant to the job I am interviewing for" or "I don't feel comfortable answering that question".

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Sarah

I'm in the same boat, especially since here anyone can look up anyone else's salary online. So it feels like it's also a bit pointless to give a vague number, avoid the question or lie. What I've previously done is saying something along the lines of "I make , but given my skills and the kind of work I'll be doing here I am expecting more." and also vaguely mention there's the chance I'll get a counter offer that's higher. Has worked for me so far.

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rakaloo profile image
Rachael (she/her)

For a form, enter $0. It's usually a valid answer and no one will think that's what you actually make.

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rakaloo profile image
Rachael (she/her)

For responding to direct questions, I've had a fair amount of success turning the question back on the asker, e.g. "I'm negotiable as long as the salary is in line with my skills and experience, but do you have a range that you are working with?"