Job Seekers' Guide

All job seekers should negotiate the salary they are offered initially by employers. Keep in mind that initial offers are likely lower than what you can get because (in part) employers expect you to ask for more. While offers are based on employee quality and experience, they are also based on gender. As unfair as this is, it is a reality. Women may need to be more aggressive in their negotiation in order to get at least equal pay. Below are tools and trainings for all job seekers to prep for negotiation. 

According to Pew Research Center, "The gender gap in pay has remained relatively stable in the United States over the past 15 years or so. In 2020, women earned 84% of what men earned, according to a PRC analysis of median hourly earnings of both full- and part-time workers. Based on this estimate, it would take an extra 42 days of work for women to earn what men did in 2020."

Visit the American Association of University Women for fast facts on the pay gap by gender and race.

According to Harvard Business Review there are 15 rules for negotiating a job offer:

One is “don’t underestimate the importance of likeability,” which means managing inevitable tensions in negotiation, being persistent without being a nuisance, and understanding how other people perceive your approach. Another rule is “make it clear they can get you.” Indicate that you’re serious about working for a potential employer, and don’t discourage them from trying to win you by suggesting you have too many better options. You should also “be prepared for tough questions,” like Are we your top choice? Don’t lie or try too hard to please, lest you lose your leverage. And “consider the whole deal,” including the job’s perks, location, opportunities for growth, and flexibility in work hours—not just the salary.

These and other guidelines can help you attain the terms and conditions of employment you want. For example, check out this HBR article on emotions and how they impact negotiation.

Negotiation Training