“Best and Final Offer?” Not Necessarily True
Ever heard “this is our best and final offer” before you’ve even countered? In this week’s Gentle Power episode (Youtube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts), we...
Hi there,
Ever heard “this is our best and final offer” before you’ve even countered? In this week’s Gentle Power episode (Youtube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts), we explain why that phrase is usually just another move. We also unpack the real limits on rounds of back-and-forth, show how one client added six figures onto a “non-negotiable” package, and outline tactics for fixed pay-band roles in government, academia, and teaching. And because every negotiation happens in real life, here’s what ours looked like recently:
Behind The Mic: Tirana Edition
A sudden loss in our family took us to Tirana, Albania. Despite the circumstances, we filled our hearts with non-stop cuddles with grandma and our baby twin cousins—all the while running late-night Zoom calls on west coast time from halfway across the world.
Huge thank you to our United Airlines pilot friend, Alan, who slipped us onto United’s standby list and saved us thousands on next-day flights. It’s great to have close friends in (sky)-high places.
Now back to our regularly scheduled negotiations programming:
How To Actually Get The Best And Final Offer
In our latest podcast episode, we debunk the usual “dead-end” myths, and walk through the real tactics that keep the conversation going until you’ve truly reached the end of the negotiation road. Negotiation isn’t over when they say it is - it’s over when the signs are unmistakable. Here’s how to know:
There’s no magic “round limit.” Keep asking until you hit unmistakable pushback, but always with tact and professionalism.
Spot the true stop sign. “Best & final” typically sticks when it lands with zero follow-ups - otherwise, there could be more wiggle room.
Treat the first offer as a suggestion. “Our first offer is final” is almost never true - one client still pulled in a six-figure bump.
Fixed bands don’t end the comp conversation. When salary is capped, pivot to perks: relocation, stipends, additional vacation days, or even a sign-on as a gesture of goodwill.
Decode recruiter moods. Counterintuitively, an aggressive recruiter does not necessarily mean you will NOT get a better offer. And a very sweet recruiter does not necessarily mean you WILL get a better offer.
Tune into our episode here (Youtube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts) when you’re ready for the full play-by-play, and don’t forget to download our printable cheatsheet at YourNegotiations.com to practice what to say before you begin your negotiations!
Warmly,
Gerta & Alex
Co-founders, YourNegotiations.com
P.S. If you refer a friend who becomes a client, we’ll send you $500 as a thank-you. Just reply to this email and cc them.