Negotiation and fair pay are both important issues for women, but they’re also some of the most complex when it comes to your career. Whether you’re just entering the workforce or are close to the top of the executive ladder, it’s up to you to know what you’re worth and to make a compelling case to receive it. Don’t let your employer be the one who determines your value- use the tips here to ensure that you stay competitive and are paid for the value you bring to the table.
The saying that you’ll never get what you don’t ask for is meaningful whether you’re interviewing for a new job and are preparing for the upcoming offer or whether you’ve been with a company a long time but want your value reconsidered for salary purposes.
Research Other Job Descriptions with Similar Duties
Increasingly, companies are posting salary ranges with their jobs. Scanning on Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and other job sites is easy if you sign up for regular emails with your current job title. Since these descriptions break down duties and level of experience required, you can get a sense of what others with similar backgrounds have the potential to earn. Remember that you’ll need to consider similar company size or standing.
Keep a folder of these as screenshots or copy/pasted information. If the ranges posted for jobs similar to your level of experience and the role you play are much higher than what you’re earning now, this helps you have some evidence to bolster your request for a raise.
Keep Track of All Your Accomplishments
Whether it’s certifications, extra work you’ve picked up, a project that was delivered ahead of schedule, or stellar feedback from your reports, start documenting what you’re doing. When bi-annual or annual reviews roll around, it’s easy to forget about all the incredible things you’ve done. Keep a running document of what you’ve achieved so that you’re ready to convert the most compelling achievements and proof of growth before your salary review.
This shows your boss that you have spent time thinking about what you’ve done and what you consider to be your greatest achievements since the last time you spoke for this purpose, you’re also respecting your boss by condensing this down to a manageable list.
It’s not enough to keep track of this data, either. Make sure that you have prepared responses mentioning these data points as you bring up the concept of a higher salary offer or a raise.
Don’t let the conversation be as much about you as it is about what you’ve been able to accomplish on the company’s behalf. Your employer is more likely to get behind your request when they already thought you were a value add to begin with but have also been reminded directly about some of things you’ve been able to do.
Hire a Career Coach
Did you know that at big institutions, there is often a person working in the HR department whose job it is to evaluate all job offers and salary ranges? Sometimes these consultants are available for freelance work, too, and can guide you to help you find a reasonable earning range. A career coach is very valuable for positioning a raise or promotion request the right way when words mean everything.
Another way to leverage the right career coach is to work with them to craft a strategy so you are on track to develop professionally and make a case for raises and promotions in the future, too. Take the pressure off of yourself and use the objective insight from a career coach to help give you suggestions or insight into these tricky topics.
Keep Alternatives to Salary in Your Mind
Your boss might honestly reply that they just can’t swing the additional pay for now. That might very well be true. So don’t enter the room with the goal of getting a simple “yes” or “no” to your request. You might be able to finagle getting your next salary review sooner, more support with professional development as you move towards a raise, or more vacation days. Know that you have options and be ready with a handful of alternative suggestions if it’s clear you won’t be able to move the needle on salary alone.
Ready to negotiate your new job salary or an upcoming raise? You’ve got this!