[joezydeco]

but either way when they make the final offer just ask them a simple question: "Is there any way you can come up a little bit from that?"

I use a similar phrase and it works really well on recruiter psychology.

"If you can get me to ${SLIGHTLY_HIGHER_NUMBER}, I will sign today."

They want the deal closed, and you've just given them a super easy path to do it in their minds.

[duxup]

> I will sign today.

My first “real job” offer I got when I did an interview just for the experience. They offered me a job and I did not expect it. I would have to move many hours away to a big city.

I told them I needed time to think about it. That was my honest answer because I hadn’t even thought about the possibility that I would get an offer outright.

I drove home and they called and upped the offer. I didn’t even know I was playing the game…