Negotiation and conflict

I thought I did horrible in the negotiation exercise. I was the recruiter and my partner was the candidate. We were the only team that didn’t come to an agreement so we both didn’t get any points. It was a fun exercise because we both elaborate on our parts. For instance, when I told him the annual salary, he didn’t agree to it and was saying he was making more than what I was offering him. Then I was telling him what an attractive benefit package that our company offers and how he can have potential to grow within the company. The money that he would save in benefits is way more than the difference in salary between his current company and what we offer. Not only that, we have performance reviews semi-annual and he has the potential for salary increase during reviews. In addition, we invest in our employees and promote within. I started low then tried negotiating to the middle range. But in every category, my partner claimed that his current package is at the top range. It seemed to me he was not willing to negotiate. If he had the highest range in all categories then there is no need for him to move to a different company.
A
s a recruiter, I know I had a few other good potential candidates that I was interviewing. Therefore, realizing that this candidate only wanted the highest range in all categories and not willing to negotiate, I had to think about our other options. If I had other equally qualified candidates who are willing to accept the package that we offer them, then I should just let this candidate go and consider other candidates for the position.

In real life, in any situations, I’m willing to listen to the other person’s point of view and willing to negotiate a deal where we both can have mutual benefits. I have to admit that I was not satisfied with my performance in this negotiation exercise. I work well with people but I don’t have good selling skills. I can’t sell, period. Good thing I’m in human resources but not in sales.