8 Tips for Women Negotiating Salary

8 Tips for Women Negotiating Salary8 Tips for Women Negotiating Salary8 Negotiation Tips for WomenFight for the salary you deserve.A new employment law in Massachusetts made it illegal for employers to ask a candidate about past salary history.This is great news for making strides in gender pay equality, which was one of the goals of the legislation it marked a significant step in the right direction. However, the law is only one piece of the puzzle. The negotiation-skills gap between men and women continues to be a part of the wage gap problem.So what causes this gap? Is it lack of confidence or lack of negotiation training? Why do women routinely leave money on the table? Is there anything they can do to negotiate mora effectively?Yes When it comes to negotiation, women can be highly effective, and they dont have to copy a male approach to accomplish that. Many negotiating tools actually come easier to women than to men. For example, women tend to smile more, and a smile during ne gotiations can convey the message that you are in control, relaxed, and confident. Women are also good at keeping the conversation from becoming adversarial, moving it forward effectively.Unfortunately, what holds women back is the social cost of negotiating or the negative social impact that negotiation is perceived to have on women. In other words, women read the environment and get a sense that self-advocating can create relationship penalties for them. The good news is that women can overcome this obstacle. By re-framing negotiating and learning a few key skills, you can be on your way to better pay and job opportunities Here are salary negotiations tips you need to get the most out of your conversation.1. Understand the cost of women NOT negotiatingNot negotiating can cost you as much as half a million dollars over your professional life, says Linda Babcock, a Carnegie Mellon University economics professor. According to her research on women and negotiation, only 12 percent of women negotiate salary compared to 52 percent of men.By not negotiating, women are essentially making less than they deserve because they didnt ask for more. Why get paid less than your worth?2. Focus on the benefit to the companyWomen are often better at negotiating for others than they are at representing their own interests. Instead of lamenting this trend, why not put it to work for you?Reframe the conversation as you representing the interests of the company. If you are unable to negotiate now, how can the employer expect you to advocate for the company, employees who will report up to you, and better solutions for the customers? If you enter the conversation with a mindset of working to find a mutual win, you have a better chance of emerging with better compensation and intact relationships. 3. Come in preparedThe research you do before you enter a salary negotiation can make a huge difference on the outcome. Use salary data from Salary.com, Payscale.com, and Glassdoor to set an accurate baseline when the time comes.In addition to researching industry norms online, you may consider talking to others in the field to better understand value drivers, challenges, and precedent. By doing this basic investigative work up front, you ground your argument in solid facts, not just a vague sense that you deserve or need better pay.4. Have reasonable expectationsNo, I do not mean that you should lower your expectations. Instead, combine your industry research with performance expectations and document your past achievements. When targets are clear and accomplishments are tracked, it is much easier to make the argument for a raise even if the company policy is cost of living adjustments only across the board.RelatedBuilding Your Case 7 Steps to Asking for That Raise5. Watch your toneHave you ever looked at a recording of yourself negotiating? Probably not. Invest an hour of your time into staging and taping a salary negotiation with a friend. All you need is a quie t space, a tripod, and your smartphone or camera The recording can teach you a lot about certain habits that may be costing you significant money.Here are a few specific things to watch for Many women end sentences in an upturned tone which makes them sound more like questions than affirmative statements. Another common mistake is overusing I think and maybe, which can make you come across as unsure. The good news is that simple changes in language can set you up for a win. If you observe yourself falling into ending your sentences like questions, work on turning them back into confident statements. Instead of using maybe, consider a more assertive lets try this going forward.6. Use silence as a strategic toolWhat is the longest amount of time you have ever been silent in a negotiation after asking a question or making a statement? If your answer is a minute or longer, you have a rare gift. Silence is uncomfortable for many of us. We dont like it when the other party goes quiet, and we tend to rush to fill the silence with our own voice. As a result, most people will talk themselves into a corner and say things that weaken their position. If you want to be a powerful negotiator, the best salary negotiation tip is that silence is your friend. If your employer goes silent, they are processing what you have just said. Allow that to happen and dont feel the need to fill the silence.7. ListenStereotypically, a good negotiator is someone who is loud and boisterous. In reality, you dont have to dominate the conversation to be an effective negotiator. Listening allows you to really hear what the other party wants, which puts you in a position to find a resolution that works for both sides.8. PracticeWhat holds many women back from negotiating important things like salary and promotions is the perception that they are not good at negotiating. The reality is that you dont have to be great at it you just have to start somewhere and get better. Like riding a bike and swim ming, negotiating is a learned skill, and it can get better with practice.Give yourself permission to start small. Try returning a purchase to the store despite a gelbkreuzgas receipt or an expired 30-day return window. Call your cable company for a reduction in your monthly bill. Ask for an upgrade on your next flight or rental car. If your basic skills need a tune-up, consider digging into additional resources There are dozens of books and podcasts on the subject, with many tailored specifically to women.Just remember Women can be great negotiators. Be sure to come in prepared, play to your strengths, and do your best to keep the conversation focused on finding the optimal solution. It is rare that negotiations result in both sides getting exactly what they want, but through a thoughtful conversation, you can certainly move closer to that marker.Click on the following link for more salary negotiation advice.Does your resume reflect why you deserve the higher salary? Find out with a free expert resume critique.Recommended Reading7 Powerful Ways You Can Improve Your Negotiation SkillsHow to Negotiate a Raise at Work Like Amy SchumerHow to Close the Wage Gap and Earn the Salary You DeserveRelated Articles