We know the gender pay gap exists. In 2016, women made 76 cents for every dollar men made. There are a lot of factors that cause this gap. This blog post focuses on what you can negotiate in your next offer letter.
Do Your Research
You just interviewed for a job that fits you perfectly. What now? Do you homework, research which items you may be able to negotiate.
Here are a list of suggested steps in your research.
- Average salary for that job title in your area.
- Salary range is comparing large cities to more rural locations.
- Sites to checkout payscale, glassdoor and indeed.
- Talk to mentors, colleagues or others in your field about how best to negotiate.
Plan Your Discussion
- Review the job description and requirements:
- What skills will you need to develop?
- What additional skills do you bring?
- What is your range?
- Do you have a lower limit, know it and stick to it!
- Is there an option for a bonus?
- If you prove yourself in a year, can you get a 2% bonus?
Other Things To Be Negotiated
Usually the conversation about negotiation is focused only on salary, however there are other parts of the job offer to be discussed.
- Vacation days, personal days, sick days
- Health insurance – if you have it through someone else or another program, you dont need to pay into to it.
- 401k matching, how much do they match?
- Career development support – will they pay for you to go to conference or take a class
Tips For Negotiation
- Be reasonable, ask for what fits the job responsibilities and you.
- Anything can be negotiated. The worst outcome is they say no.
- Know your worth, dont settle for less than you deserve.
- Do you have a lower salary limit, know it and stick to it!
- Keep your salary amount to yourself. You can deal in percentages, “I asked for 5% more.”
- Practice the conversation with a friend or family member to get comfortable. Talking about money can be uncomfortable, work past that feeling.
- Some companies do not negotiate salary. They calculate based on degrees, years of experience and title.
Links:
Society of Women Engineers - Graduate Community 