Good Question! Before I dropped the exact number, I'd let them know that I appreciate their offer. Although competitive, it is less compensation than what I am currently making today. You would like to negotiate an increase on that number and throw out your counter on the high side anticipating them to counter back at you. As a last resort if you have to give the number so they they can better lock in on your requirement, include what percentage above your current salary you want to be. If they can't meet your salary requirement to include base pay and bonus, then try and negotiate a future additional increase after a 6-12 months of good performance to get you where you need to be. Get creative with negotiations to get where you want to be. Additional compensation can be base pay, bonus (annual or quarterly), and even certification training. Imagine negotiating a PMP boot camp and cert. Now you are worth $10k-$20 more per year for the rest of your life!
If they offer you below your current salary, would it be beneficial to let them know what your current salary is?
Good Question! Before I dropped the exact number, I'd let them know that I appreciate their offer. Although competitive, it is less compensation than what I am currently making today. You would like to negotiate an increase on that number and throw out your counter on the high side anticipating them to counter back at you. As a last resort if you have to give the number so they they can better lock in on your requirement, include what percentage above your current salary you want to be. If they can't meet your salary requirement to include base pay and bonus, then try and negotiate a future additional increase after a 6-12 months of good performance to get you where you need to be. Get creative with negotiations to get where you want to be. Additional compensation can be base pay, bonus (annual or quarterly), and even certification training. Imagine negotiating a PMP boot camp and cert. Now you are worth $10k-$20 more per year for the rest of your life!