How To Negotiate
I’m not a career or job search coach. In fact most of my clients work with me to stay in their jobs rather than leave. That said, there are times when I’ve worked with folks who had to negotiate job offers or raises.
Negotiating is scary!
And it’s totally something you can learn to do. And do with confidence.
Here is what I learned about negotiating from some of the most accomplished, kick-ass women I have had the pleasure to work with over the years:
Always negotiate. The worst answer you can get is NO.
Mindset, mindset, mindset. You aren’t working against one another—you’re working together to come to a resolution for how you will work together. This is not a fight. It’s a collaboration.
Start high. You can always go down, but it's much harder (though not impossible) to go up.
Let the other party give the first price or range. It might be higher than you expected!
Always ask for 20% in your counter-offer.
Have your numbers ready:
Minimum - What's the minimum you will accept in order to a) live and b) retain your dignity?
Mid - What number are you happy to get?
High - woohoo!
Fuck you price - You don't want this work, but you'll do it for lots of money.What if an employer asks about salary history? In some states that is not legal, so do your homework first. If it's legal, remember that salary is part of the story - compensation also includes benefits, etc., etc.
Know what you're worth - do your research! Ask, ask, ask peers, colleagues, friends. Ask 5 men because they're probably making more than their women counterparts. Use salary surveys as a guide, but don't stop there. Talk to humans.
Negotiate non-salary benefits. Vacation, professional development, work from home days, etc. For example, I got 4 weeks vacation at every job I ever had. In the US of A! Because I asked for it.
Know that you can always walk away from a negotiation if you're not getting what you want. It's OK. It happens. But you might also get what you ask for. 🚀
