My contract is ending very soon. The company I was working for likes my work as a developer and is trying to convert me to perm employee. Management asked me what my expected salary is. I gave a high number, above average, b/c the work I am doing for the company is considerably above average.
They countered it to an unreasonably low price (less than 40% of my asking salary).
In the next few days, we are going to have a follow up negotiation. What is the best way to approach future negotiation and why?
Their main argument are:
1) Our budget does not allow your asking salary <-- 100% not true
2) There are others on the market just as qualified with lower salary expectation <-- Not true b/c they expressed the need for another developer months ago, have been rigorously searching, still haven't hired anyone.