5 Salary Negotiation Tips for Women

It is a known fact that men are often paid more in the workplace than their female counterparts, even when they have similar qualifications and experience. However, women have been making efforts with some success to close the salary gap. One way to do so is to negotiate for salaries and benefits, where possible, rather than just accepting offers from employers. In order to help this endeavor, here are 5 salary negotiation tips for women.

Be Prepared

Before going in to negotiate, make sure you are prepared. Keep a record of your achievements to date. You can make your portfolio more attractive by going above and beyond in the opportunities offered to you. For example, taking on projects and completing them ahead of schedule. Show how you have benefited the company so far. You can also state what you can do to help the company grow and be more productive in the future. Make them see that you are worth what you are negotiating for. Do your homework and research salaries of employees in similar positions in your region so that you do not undervalue yourself. Don’t just look at statistics provided. You can talk to others who actually work in similar fields to get an understanding of average base salaries. Going into negotiations prepared will boost your confidence level and may result in better outcomes.

Be Confident

Some women are doubtful about their negotiating skills. Another salary negotiation tips for women is to practice beforehand, to help increase your confidence. Try negotiating with your cable company for a better deal, or to get an upgrade on a purchase you have made. Read books on the subject, listen to podcasts which may help you to hone your skills. Ask advice from others who, have done this before. Practise in front of a mirror. Record a video of you negotiating with a friend to see your weaknesses and try to eliminate them. Smile warmly and try not to look like a deer caught in the headlights. Don’t let your face give away your thoughts.

Negotiate Smartly

At the negotiating table, ask for a higher salary than you expect to give yourself some wiggle room. Some employers may not be willing to give an immediate increase. In a case like this, you could negotiate on an increase based on meeting future performance goals. You could also ask for a portion of the profits you will make for the company. You do not only have to concentrate on salary. You could also ask for perks like more flexible working hours. However, you would need to show how giving you these perks will benefit the company so be prepared for that.

Don’t Shoot Yourself in the Foot

When you go in to negotiate, even if you don’t feel confident, fake it. You have done your homework and research. You know your worth. There is no need to be nervous. Remember you don’t have to be the world’s best negotiator. You may not get everything you want but neither will your employer. Negotiation is all about compromise. Just try to get the best deal you can. Don’t rush to fill awkward silences. Your employer may just be processing what you said. Your rush into speech may back you into a corner or weaken your position. Silence is your friend and may just be a better way to help deal with your employer. Many people don’t realise that this is a salary negotiation tips for women as well.

Disarm Your Opponent

Try to seem selfless. Show that the negotiations are not so much for you, as for the good of the company. Do not feel bad doing so as this is really true. Satisfied employees are more likely to increase productivity than disgruntled ones. Valued employees tend to add value to their companies. It’s a win-win situation. Knowing that better performance can enhance salary negotiations down the road, can motivate employees to maximize their efforts.

Women in the workplace do not often get a fair deal, although conditions have improved over the years. This, however, has mainly been the result of their own advocacy. Since, this is the case, women today need to realize that their negotiations now, will have an impact on the plight of women in the future. Remember that you are not just negotiating for yourselves but also for women of the future. Share your thoughts in the comment section and please feel free to book a call now for us to discuss it. Thank you for reading.