Comment by patatino | Hacker News Reader

Comment by patatino | Hacker News Reader

I usually did this in the past, and it has worked every time so far (four times). Not in the US, this from Switzerland.

I think of a number I want to earn in the new job. For example, if I would currently make 100k, I say I currently make 115k in my current role, and then they offer 120k. I accept, done.

I did this after a bad experience. Made-up numbers. They offer me 80k, I already make 90k, I say I already make more. They ask how much, I say 90k, they say we can match that and one more week of vacations. I give them a pass, they ask why, I say I got another offer for 110k, they say we could have given you 110k too.

If they are allowed to lie, I can too.

Lying about previous salary is not illegal in the U.S. but it will probably cause you to lose your offer if the employer finds out (and there are ways they can check it).

And there’s no reason to do it. Negotiation is about what you will bring to the new company, and how much that is worth to them. Your old salary is irrelevant.

If you want 110k just say that. If they ask what you made before, you can say something like “I was underpaid at 80k, which is why I’m talking to you now.”

They never found out or cared or followed up on it in any way possible.

I think it works so well because it is not a negotiation. Just stating my fake current number and they can make up their number.

> If they ask what you made before, you can say something like “I was underpaid at 80k, which is why I’m talking to you now.”

Agreed that it's best not to give false information but you can also respond with something like, "What is your budget for this position?"

It makes it obvious -- at least, it should -- that you know they're only asking, as patio11 puts it, as an attempt to get you to compromise your negotiating position.

Giving the number and calling it out as low isn't a bad idea, just offering another for those who would prefer not to give a number at all.

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