Negotiation Anchoring Strategy Planner

Recommended Anchor: Open at $105,000 base salary, which is $10,000 above your target of $95,000 and $21,000 above the current offer. This range gives you room to move while keeping the final number within reach. Justification Script: 'Based on my research using Levels.fyi and Glassdoor, senior engineers in this city with my specialization and experience level are earning between $98,000 and $112,000. I’m anchoring my ask at $105,000 as a fair reflection of where the market is sitting and the immediate value I’d be bringing to the team.' Expected Counter-Anchor: The hiring manager will likely come back in the $88,000–$92,000 range. Do not respond immediately — pause, acknowledge the counter, and then reframe: 'I appreciate you sharing that — it sounds like we’re not that far apart. Can we explore what it would take to get closer to $98,000, even if we need to look at the full package?' Concession Move 1 (deploy if they move at all): Accept $97,000 in exchange for a guaranteed 6-month performance review with a structured raise target. Concession Move 2 (deploy only if absolutely necessary to close): Accept $95,000 if paired with a $5,000 signing bonus and remote work two days per week.