Salary Negotiations - 9 Tips to Help Women Ask for the Money (2024)

Many women feel uncomfortable when asking for a raise at work. It seems that reason and basic common sense are often two of the greatest factors holding ladies back from getting what they really deserve.

Here is a look at how women can overcome their better nature to get themselves on level pegging with their male counterparts.

The Scenario

Picture the scene, a hard-working, already pretty high-powered woman is going for a highly substantial promotion. She is up against male colleagues with similar experience but less impressive results at the company. She knows that she is the best candidate for the role, and she probably will get the job, but it is also likely that she is going to sell herself short when it comes to getting paid.

Often simple reasoning as to things, such as the current state of the economy, and the basic truth that she really doesn’t need any more, are the main reasons why women don’t get what they deserve when it comes to negotiating their new salary. Now is the time to throw that thought process out of the window and get with the program — just like the men have always done.

Try Out These Salary Negotiation Tips:

1. You Are Unique

One of the biggest hurdles facing women entering into negotiations is the feeling that they are simply an interchangeable part of a much bigger business process.

If you enter into any exchange with this mindset, you are going to get exactly what you deserve in terms of pay, which is a lot less than somebody who presents themselves as a unique, irreplaceable person that the company would be much worse off without.

2. Understand Your Own Ambition

There is no point asking for a pay raise in a negotiation simply because you think you should. Businesses don’t work like that. You need to understand exactly what it is you bring to the company and present that clearly when it comes to negotiations. A driven, focused person almost always gets what she wants.

3. You Are Worth It

Women often feel uncomfortable extolling their own virtues to others. This kind of apprehension is something that must be overcome in order to get paid. If you don’t talk about how good you are, nobody else is going to do it for you. Just remember to keep this in check; people don’t like show-offs.

4. Reach For The Sky

A lot of women encounter problems in being aggressive in negotiations. This is another factor that must be overcome. You start high and then you bargain things out until you arrive at something that is fair to both sides. Trying to add things on once deals have been made just doesn’t work.

5. Be a Little Cheeky

Nobody will begrudge you a little cheekiness when it comes to negotiating your raise. If you feel you’re worth it, and you know your bosses feel the same way, why not try asking for something close to unrealistic. It’ll shock them and you probably won’t get it, but don’t ask, don’t get.

6. Mask Those Emotions

Negotiating a pay raise can be stressful, but never let the people in the room sense your weakness or apprehension. If you seem nervous and uneasy, there is little chance of you getting what you deserve. Be strong and appear detached from it all, even though you may not feel that way. As they say, fake it, until you make it.

7. Don’t Be Intimidated

Chances are that a salary negotiation meeting will see you going face to face with some pretty senior people. Don’t let this get the better of you. Now is not the time to wilt. Now is the time to show them exactly what you are worth to their company.

8. Strictly Business

Don’t let your guard slip during a salary negotiation because even the most innocuous remark could somehow be used against you later. You can all be friendly later on, but this is serious and you need to keep on message.

9. Demand Respect

It’s possible that you will encounter some underhand tactics when it comes to negotiating a salary. You may well see the nasty side of your superiors. Never let this turn into bullying and if it does, you stand your corner and demand respect. If it doesn’t come, it’s probably time to seek pastures new.

Conclusion

The bottom line here is that women need to realize that nobody is doing them a favor in the workplace. You work and you deserve the rewards that go along with that. Now is the time to take the initiative and negotiate the salary you’re worthy of.

What tips do you have for salary negotiations? Drop us a note; we’d love to hear from you!

Alisha Webb is a content writer for The Gap Partnership AU – Negotiation Specialists offering training in Business Negotiations.