What to say when recruiters ask you to name the first number
<i>So, basically, telling them something will only hurt you and never help you. So don’t do it. Now, here’s exactly what to say when asked to name the first number:<p>At this point, I don’t feel equipped to throw out a number because I’d like to find out more about the opportunity first – right now, I simply don’t have the data to be able to say something concrete. If you end up making me an offer, I would be more than happy to iterate on it if needed and figure out something that works. I also promise not to accept other offers until I have a chance to discuss them with you.</i><p>And they answer, &quot;Sorry, I cannot move forward without a number.&quot;<p>Stalemate.<p>I&#x27;ve been there and maybe I just don&#x27;t enjoy awkward silences enough but my strategy is to have two numbers ready:<p>1. My Public Number: the inflated number I give out when pressed. It&#x27;s grounded in reality but vigorously optimistic. I&#x27;ll often offer this up front just to anchor the discussion. I make sure it&#x27;s a number I will be more than happy with, even it turns out that maybe it wasn&#x27;t as much as they were prepared to offer. If the other side finds it out of the question, I&#x27;ve saved myself time and stress.<p>2. My Walkaway Number: in the event the offer is lower, which it often is, the number below which the offer gets rejected. I don&#x27;t share this publicly.<p>These vary based on other factors of the offer. But I have them ready. And I stick to the second number.