When to use it
Use it when you have good market information and can make the first credible offer.
How to apply it
- Research market rates for the role, level and location.
- Set an ambitious but defensible opening figure above your target.
- Prepare a short justification based on market data and your track record.
- State your number confidently and then stop talking.
- If they anchor first with a low figure, reset clearly with your own evidence-based number.
Tip: An anchor so extreme that it seems unreasonable can damage credibility; keep it defensible.