Correct answer: Your real target (based on your own market research for the position) +15%.
Why? Because they’re going to target your acceptable range at -10%, and make the offer right around there.
Then, you can come back and say “I might be able to make that work, as long as X, Y and / or Z are part of the package” where XYZ is anything from remote work to reimbursement for commute mileage.
If they say no to the added XYZ and you’re desperate, well go ahead and accept, because you’ve just earned yourself +5% of what you were targeting. If they say yes, well, even better.
Don’t go higher than 15% - this could kill the offer entirely if you misjudge the interview. 15% seems to be the sweet spot in my experience, based on a 30 year career.
LPT:
“What are you expecting to make?”
Correct answer: Your real target (based on your own market research for the position) +15%.
Why? Because they’re going to target your acceptable range at -10%, and make the offer right around there.
Then, you can come back and say “I might be able to make that work, as long as X, Y and / or Z are part of the package” where XYZ is anything from remote work to reimbursement for commute mileage.
If they say no to the added XYZ and you’re desperate, well go ahead and accept, because you’ve just earned yourself +5% of what you were targeting. If they say yes, well, even better.
Don’t go higher than 15% - this could kill the offer entirely if you misjudge the interview. 15% seems to be the sweet spot in my experience, based on a 30 year career.