Shoutout to the HR lady in Columbus who told me only 2% of people who ask for a raise without a number get one
I sat in a free resume workshop in Columbus last week and the HR person running it dropped this stat and I can't stop chewing on it. She claimed about 2 out of every 100 people who walk into a raise conversation with no number in mind actually walk out with more money. So now I'm torn on which side is right. One side says never name your number first, let them anchor, keep your cool. Other side says go in with a clear figure because vague asks get vague answers. I keep going back and forth because my last review was just me saying I've been working really hard and my boss nodding at me. Has anyone actually tested the no-number approach and gotten a real bump, or did it just buy you a nicer conversation?
My one attempt at the no-number thing went about as well as walking into a car dealer and saying "I'd like a car, please" and hoping they'd offer me the good one. I mean, maybe it works if you already have offers in your pocket, but vague asks really do get vague answers. Go in with a number and you at least give them something to say yes to.