Do not "lowball" people you want to hire for your team.
I have heard numerous people over the years say things such as:-
"X is looking for £60k?, but lets offer £56k and see what they say, we will be able to put it up to £60k if they say no"
“No, do not do that, that is an absolutely terrible idea and a huge risk” - Is usually my advice in those conversations.
If you are recruiting for your team it is important to make the right impression throughout the whole process.
This is equally as crucial at the offer stage as any other stage in the recruitment process.
If you get this wrong this can end up derailing the whole process or at the very least end up setting the wrong tone or impression before someone starts.
I have seen firms lose candidates to competitor firms as they insist on trying a lowball offer and then cant get things back on track
If you know a candidate is looking for a certain salary and you know that ultimately you can and will offer this or more as it is in line with your budget and salary structures - Just offer that figure in the first place and put your best foot forward.
You should not play games with people that you really want just to try and save a few quid or get one over on people in terms of negotiations.
You want people to be happy about joining you and excited about joining your team- Not have feelings of slight disappointment or resentment.
Talented people are hard to come by, do not try and knock them down at the last hurdle.