> DON'T TELL THEM HOW MUCH YOU ARE CURRENTLY BEING PAID OR GIVE THEM A RANGE. [...] No matter what, don't give them a number. Make them give you a number first and negotiate from there.
What tactic do you use for this?
What tactic do you use for this?
This lets them know two things: 1. You're not going to divulge your current pay no matter what, and 2. Gives them a face-saving 'out' by complimenting them that their company is "different" and special (and makes it sound as if your compensation is totally their decision; the negotiation over a number has not begun yet).
So the way to use that to your advantage is to say a number first, but make sure it is far more than what you think you can get, but not absurdly high. That way if they accept you'll be pleasantly surprised, but if they negotiate down it will be around that figure.
Of course if you're not confident in that, just let them put out the first number and go from there. But NEVER tell them what you are currently getting, that will anchor your salary to what it is now plus a small increase.