Four Classy Clapbacks for the Worst Salary Negotiation Question

It's a deer in the headlights moment for even the most confident woman.

It's when a recruiter stops the bright chit-chat and says "Before we go any further, out of respect for both of our time, can you just tell me your desired salary?"

How do you handle this? Like any Petite Powerhouse woman, you handle it one way and one way only: by being super prepared.

Four Classy Clapbacks for the "naming the first number" dilemma:

1).Tell the truth. This is highly controversial, but I personally don't object to naming the first number. It really comes down to your personal communication style and core values. I had a client once who was a highly authentic woman and she wasn't really interested in anything that felt to her like playing games. We agreed she would say "My desired salary is X number. This isn't one of those game things where I am expecting you to come back lower and then we meet in the middle. I literally just want X number and that is the only number that will work." I say, go off Queen!

2. Practice the poised postpone. You could put them off by saying "I'm happy to talk comp but right now it's too early to say. I am happy to name a number when I know more about job and can give you a better answer."

3. Do the delicate diversion. You can put it right back on them. If they say "what were you thinking comp-wise?" You can say "Well, what were you thinking?" or "Is there a salary range you can share?" 

4. Flow with flexibility. Flexibility is a highly feminine trait. Why not employ it in your response by naming a range? Remember; most offers will end up being in the middle, so make the absolute lowest number you would ever want the bottom of the range. You're welcome! 

Last but not least; hold strong. No matter how much they try to needle you back and get you to divulge, don't. I often encourage my clients who are new to negotiation to bite their tongue until it bleeds to keep that depraved People Pleaser from jumping out of their stomach Alien style and screaming "I'm sorrryyy! I'll take any number!" 

As women, we are conditioned to accommodate. It takes a lot of reconditioning to fight for ourselves and stand firm. A mouth full of blood is a small price to pay for your career. 


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