As women, we’re often taught to be quiet and friendly, but when negotiating your salary, you need to stand up for yourself if you want to get paid what you deserve.
It can be scary to ask for more money, especially when you’re worried about how it will affect your relationship with your boss or coworkers, but that’s precisely why it’s so essential that you do it right.
Here are the 9 best Strategies for women to negotiate a higher salary in the workplace without losing their job or burning any bridges.
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9 Best Strategies for Women to Negotiate a Higher Salary
Below are the nine (9) best strategies for women to negotiate a higher salary.
Have an Idea of What You Want
If you want to negotiate a higher salary, you need to know what that number is.
Do your research and determine the average salary for your position and experience level.
Then, aim high. It’s better to start high and negotiate down than the other way around.
Learn to Be Assertive
Being assertive is one of the most important skills you can learn when negotiating your salary.
After all, if you don’t ask, you won’t get it. But it’s not always easy to be assertive, especially if you’re not used to it.
Here are some tips on how to work on being more assertive:
1) Recognize that being assertive is a skill, and like any other skill, it takes practice for it to feel natural.
2) Practice in front of the mirror or with friends before trying this out with potential employers.
3) When practicing asserting yourself in front of the mirror or with friends, remember these two key points: speak up so that people can hear you and use I statements (i.e., I want more time off, instead of you need to give me more time off).
4) Watch your tone – use confident body language, maintain eye contact, and speak clearly and distinctly so that others understand what you are saying.
Show Confidence, Even if You Don’t Feel It.
Being confident is one of the most important things you can do when negotiating your salary.
If you don’t feel confident, fake it until you make it. Smile, make eye contact, and sit up straight.
Exude confidence, and your employer will more likely give you what you want.
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Keep It Positive
The best way to get what you want is to keep things positive. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, focus on what you do have.
For example, say, I’m so excited to be here and contribute to the team.
I know my value, and I’m confident I can provide a lot of value to the company. I would love to discuss my salary with you.
Talk About Your Salary
One of the best things you can do when negotiating your salary is to talk about your current earnings.
This gives you a starting point for negotiation and shows your potential employer that you’re comfortable discussing your salary.
Be sure to emphasize what you bring to the table and why you deserve a raise.
Think About Why You Deserve It
Whether you’re asking for a raise from your current employer or negotiating your salary during the job interview process, it’s essential to be prepared.
Do your research, know your worth, and be confident in what you’re asking for.
Negotiate in Service to Your Organization
When negotiating your salary, it’s important to remember that you’re not just fighting for a bigger paycheck for yourself—you’re also fighting for the advancement of women in general. By taking a stand and asking for what you deserve, you’re helping to set the precedent that women are worth just as much as men.
Negotiate Cooperatively
Many women avoid negotiating altogether because they don’t want to be perceived as pushy or demanding.
But the truth is, if you don’t negotiate, you’re likely leaving money on the table.
The key is negotiating cooperatively, which means finding a solution that works for both parties.
Here are some tips to help you do just that:
1. Research the market value for your position. This will give you a good starting point for negotiations.
2. Come prepared with examples of your accomplishments and how they’ve benefited the company. This will help build your case for a higher salary.
Be Careful What You Say
When you’re negotiating your salary, it’s essential to be careful about the language you use. For example, avoid phrases like I deserve or I need.
Instead, focus on what you bring to the table and how that makes you an asset to the company.
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Conclusion
As a woman, negotiating higher pay shouldn’t be a big deal. It is just like every regular negotiation you’ve done before.
Nevertheless, coming out victorious with your desired salary requires you to do your due diligence.
If you follow the above steps as directed, then you can be sure that you’d get a positive result from that meeting.
Good luck on your negotiation.
