Rant: I was stuck at 60k for years until I tried a specific salary negotiation tactic

Kept getting the same lowball offers in tech sales. A mentor in Phoenix told me to anchor high with a specific number, like 95k, before they gave a range. Tried it last month and got an offer for 88k, which was a huge jump. Has anyone else had luck with anchoring their salary ask first?

2 comments

2 Comments

mitchell.shane1mo ago

Anchoring first is solid advice, but the number itself is what matters. Throwing out 95k only works if you can back it up with real data for your role and city. A random high anchor can make you look out of touch. You got 88k because your anchor was probably in the ballpark for your experience.

avery3661mo ago

Yeah, and then you get to watch them try to keep a straight face. I once threw out a number that was way too high for a junior role, and the recruiter just got really quiet. @mitchell.shane is right, you gotta know the ballpark or you're just shooting yourself in the foot. It's like asking for a million dollars to flip burgers. The data is what keeps you from looking silly. My friend in marketing tried anchoring without checking and they just ended the call early.