At Ryan, Miller & Associates, our job is to align everyone early—and keep the process transparent from start to finish. Here’s how we handle it:
- Clarity up front: We ask candidates for their number, not a range. And we document it.
- Expectation-setting: We explain that we’re going to bat for them—and that changing the number later can damage credibility.
- Counsel during the offer: If a candidate expresses hesitancy after the offer, we dig into the real concern. Often it’s not about the money.
- Client prep: We advise clients on how to present the offer with confidence, but flexibility if needed—not as an opening bid.
How to Avoid the Surprise Ask
If you’re a candidate:
Be honest with yourself (and your recruiter) about what it will take to say yes before the offer comes in. A last-minute change might seem small, but it can carry big consequences.
If you’re a client:
Work with a recruiter who knows how to dig deeper on candidate motivation—not just compensation. And remember, the way you respond to a late-stage ask can set the tone for the hire’s first day.
Bottom Line
We don’t mind negotiating—we do it every day. But we believe in negotiating with integrity, not surprises. Let’s agree to be upfront, respectful, and aligned. That way, when the offer comes, it’s a yes—not a maybe with a $5K catch.