Discover how to effectively negotiate for the salary you deserve!

“I’ve always wanted to encourage women to go after the money they deserve.” - Whitney Wolfe Herd, Founder and former CEO of Bumble

​
Hey Reader,

Too often, women waste valuable time going through the interview process only to find that the final offer falls short of their expectations.

Many women feel pressured to accept a lower offer because they think they don’t have any other options. But here’s the thing – accepting a lower salary can negatively impact your career satisfaction and financial well-being in the long run. It can leave you feeling undervalued and even resentful, which can impact your performance and growth opportunities down the line.

I always say that validation begins long before the offer stage. It starts with your first conversation with a recruiter, where every word counts, especially when it comes to discussing compensation.

Did you know that women in tech earn up to 28% less than their male colleagues in the same roles? This is why I’m so passionate about empowering women like you to bridge the gap and get the salary you deserve!

This brings us to the 'V' in my THRIVE method - Validate.

V - Validate

Why Validate Matters

For years, we’ve heard that women don’t negotiate their salaries. However, recent research shows we are negotiating, but even then, we’re still not getting paid as much as our male counterparts. This highlights how important it is to validate your worth and learn how to speak up for fair compensation right from the start.

My Tips For Success

1. Do Your Research. Use salary platforms to figure out the average salary for the role at the company you’re applying to. Talk to the network you’ve built, former colleagues, and current employees to get a sense of what you should be earning.

2. Start Early. Begin discussing salary expectations from your very first conversation with a recruiter. It sets a clear tone and avoids surprises later.

3. Highlight Your Value. When you get an offer, be ready with notes on why the company wants you and where you can add the most value. Use this information to negotiate from a position of strength. Remember, it’s not bragging, it’s stating facts.

4. Think Collaboration, Not Confrontation. Think of negotiation as a partnership, not a battle. Show how your skills match the company’s needs and work together with the recruiter or hiring manager to create the best package. They want you onboard—that’s why they made an offer!

5. Practice Effective Communication. Negotiating is a skill you can develop. Role-play with a friend, mentor, or coach so you can practice your responses and exercise your active listening, assertiveness, and confidence.
   ​

Remember, it's not just about the salary; it's about aligning your career goals with what the company can offer beyond monetary compensation. Think about your must-haves and nice-to-haves. Salary might not be the only or most important factor for you – maybe remote work options or extra vacation days matter more. Know what’s important to you, and prepare to ask for it with confidence!

Ready to Shine?

Navigating salary negotiations can be daunting, but with preparation and the right tools, it becomes an opportunity to showcase your immense value and be fairly compensated for it. It’s about crafting a package that supports your career goals and personal values.

In our next issue, we’ll explore the final stage of my THRIVE method - Excellence – you landed the job, and now you’ll learn what you can do to hit the ground running.

In the meantime, take some time to reflect on your compensation goals and practice how to effectively communicate your worth.
Talk to you soon,

Jenn

P.S. Tech companies are gearing up to hire again soon. If you're looking for your next role and need help with salary negotiations and landing a fulfilling position, just reply to this email, and let’s get started!