We’ve all been in a place of opportunity where we are asked to prove our worth. Being in a negotiation is never easy, especially with someone you met five minutes ago. There is no way to tell if they’re being deceitful or taking undue advantage of the situation. However, knowing certain negotiation curveballs can help you articulate and choose wisely. Especially during salary negotiations.

That It Is A ‘Get-Or-Forget’ Offer

Whenever someone tells you during salary negotiations that you’ll have to take the offer or leave it, you probably don’t have to. You should spend ‘enough’ time to discuss the offer and then decide if it’s fair and justified. Ultimately, if you want the job, come around to a middle ground that suits both of you.

Two Means Trouble

For example, a producer might bring in a senior producer to have ‘the conversation’ with you. The ‘I will be reasonable but the other person may not’ tactic has been done to death but surprisingly still works if you can’t tell that you are being played. In such a negotiation, it’s a good idea to keep calm and focus on what is a reasonable offer and play into the idea of hearing them out but ultimately standing your ground. If there’s a good cop in the room, you want him to be on your side.

The “I Wish I Could Help You” Stance

Every time your interviewer says that he wishes he could do more for you, know that he can especially in the area of salary negotiations. The good news is that you are aware of the tactic and can steer the conversation into why it is beneficial for them to consider your offer and have you on board.

A Disguised Threat

Warnings can come in many forms. If the other person is authoritative and in a position of power, he/she may try to convince you with threats. The best way to respond is either by ignoring it or acknowledging it. Not losing your calm in a heated or intense argument will allow you to be objective and stay on track.

A Never-Ending List Of Demands

Ever been in a negotiation where the other person refused to concede even though you said all the right things? Dragging out a deal is an old page from the negotiation playbook. The way to come around to this is to have a clear understanding of your ultimate goal. If your original plan has a chance of not making it through, an alternative should be in place to make the process of closing the deal easier. After all, every aggressive opponent can be tackled with some good defence.

Every Offer Should Have A Counter Offer

If the person at the other end of the table forces you into a concession before he has an offer for you, you have been warned. Lowering your offer is a no-go; you aren’t there to bid against yourself. Expect a counteroffer from the other person in response to your original offer. If you have an idea beforehand that they may not match your offer, pick a number that you will not go below. But don’t tell them. Let them show you their cards. Then you decide.

Conclusion

Having a couple of negotiation tactics up your sleeves can help you come out as a winner from any scenario, let alone a job interview. Maintain a firm hold over your emotions and be rational. If they leave you feeling flustered, take a break, and come back stronger. Hard-bargaining strategies are designed to be successful, as long as the other person isn’t aware of them. Now that you do, you can come up with some of your own, too!