Salary negotiation tips
For a while now I’ve wanted to focus a newsletter on salary negotiations. I often get questions from candidates about how and when to negotiate.
Overall, negotiating is a skill and a powerful tool that can significantly impact your financial and career growth over the years. If you are someone who shies away from negotiation, then this Get Hired is for you. Negotiation may seem intimidating, but with the right approach, it can be a game-changer in your career.
HERE ARE my top TIPS to
Demystify salary negotiation:
always negotiate.
This is the most important tip, and it doesn’t just apply when you’re in the job acceptance process. Does your organization offer annual performance-based raises? That’s an opportunity to negotiate. Are you being considered for a title change or increase in responsibility? That's another negotiation opportunity. However, negotiation doesn’t always lead to dream results. Don’t expect that just by negotiating you will always get what you want. But you will show that you can articulate what you want and why. Your negotiation skills can also be used in other situations and are especially useful for managers.
Make Your Case.
Ground your persuasive argument for why you deserve more in what you bring: your accomplishments, skills, and experience. Be specific! It can also reflect market research on what others pay for the same or similar roles. Stay away from personal needs-based arguments about the cost of living or inflation that aren’t as persuasive to an employer.
Utilize Leverage.
Do you have a higher offer on the table? An organization may be able to match and exceed that. “I’ve been offered $X by another organization for the X role. This organization and role are my first choice, and a salary of $X would help me make my decision.”
Ask Questions & Be Willing to Talk About Money.
Do you see a wide salary range? Ask what distinguishes a candidate at the low end of the range from the high end, then make your case based on their criteria. Ask about their compensation philosophy and if they can share the internal range for the role. Ask questions about the benefits so you can fully understand them as a part of your decision-making and to identify areas for negotiation. Which brings up my next tip…
Negotiate Bonuses and Benefits.
Some organizations have a specific salary outlined, follow an equitable compensation philosophy, or just aren’t willing to budge on the salary. Don’t give up! You can negotiate on a one-time hiring bonus, additional vacation time, or other benefits. Be creative, and you’re likely to get something.
Own Your Success and Your Value.
Many of us struggle with imposter syndrome and socialization to ‘stay humble.’ Not now! This is the time to confidently own all you’ve done. Write it down and practice with a friend. Demote your inner critic and promote your inner cheerleader.
Stay positive and flexible.
Negotiation is normal, and we don’t have to fear burning bridges or being rejected just for asking. The key to negotiating gracefully is to stay positive about the opportunity and be flexible. Follow up your ask with reassurance that you’re excited about the role/promotion and confident that you’ll come to an agreement that works for everyone.
Finally, remember #1: Always negotiate. Even if you can’t follow each tip perfectly in the moment, or if you feel awkward or underconfident, you’re better off to have tried than not. Now get out there and give it a go!
On to the jobs! Check out all of NRG’s searches here. Sixteen of those positions are remote.
Opportunities NRG is hiring for:
Director of Development at Atmos; $135,000 - $150,000; Remote
VP, People and Culture at National Domestic Workers Alliance; $150,000-$170,000; Remote (preference for NY/DC areas)
VP, Administration at Freedom Forum; $190,000-$195,000; Washington, DC. At least 80% of time onsite in Washington, DC or Laurel, MD
Executive Director at Trans Lifeline; $127,000-$150,000; Remote
National Groups Manager at Women Count & Electing Women Alliance; $75,000 to $90,000; Remote
Organizing Director at Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance; $75,000-$85,000; Hybrid role in the Philadelphia, PA metro area, (30% in office/70% remote)
Voter Registration Director at Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance; $60,000-$80,000; Remote position within the Philadelphia, PA metro area
Policy Director at National Black Worker Center; $75,000-$90,000; Remote
President & CEO at States’ 4-H International Exchange Programs; $125,000-$170,000; Remote
Senior Grant Writer at UTEC; $75,000; Lowell, MA
Senior Director of Learning at UTEC; $90,000-$110,000; Lowell, MA
Senior Organizer, Colorado at Mothers Out Front; $70,000-$75,000; Remote in Denver, CO
Senior Organizer, Northern California at Mothers Out Front; $70,000-$75,000; Remote in northern CA
Senior Manager of Major Giving at Mothers Out Front; $78,000-$88,000; Remote
Grassroots Giving and Events Manager at Mothers Out Front; $78,000-$88,000; Remote
Canvass Director, Multiple Locations at Action for the Climate Emergency (ACE); $60,000-$72,000; Milwaukee County (WI), Mecklenburg County (NC)
Texas State Organizing Director at Action for the Climate Emergency (ACE); $80,000-$90,000; Remote, Houston metro area
Opportunities NRG is hiring for in education:
Dean of Student Supports at Jasper & Beaufort; $90,000+; Ridgeland, SC
Assistant Principal of Operations at Jasper & Beaufort; $90,000-$110,000; Ridgeland, SC
Academic Dean–Lower Elementary (K-2) at Jasper & Beaufort; $90,000+; Ridgeland, SC
Founding Elementary Teacher at at Jasper & Beaufort; $60,000+; Ridgeland, SC
Teaching Roles for 2024-2025 School Year at Shore Educational Collaborative; $$56,965-$114,700; Chelsea, MA
Multilingual Learner Specialist at Shore Educational Collaborative; $$56,965-$114,700; Chelsea, MA
Alternative High School Teacher at Shore Educational Collaborative; $$56,965-$114,700; Chelsea, MA
Middle School Teacher at Shore Educational Collaborative; $$56,965-$114,700; Chelsea, MA
Principal at Collegiate Charter High School of Los Angeles; $115,000-$140,000; Los Angeles, CA
Academic Educator at UTEC; $55,000-$61,000; Lowell, MA
join the nrg talent network
If you aren’t currently a member of the NRG Talent Network, consider joining. The survey takes 3 minutes to complete and then we’ll send you job announcements when your criteria (salary, location, etc.) matches the position.
Follow NRG on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on all of the roles we are hiring for.
Let’s move,
Naomi
P.S. If you’d like a thought partner to think through your salary negotiation strategy or just want some external feedback on your resume and interview chops, sign up right now for 15 minutes with Kristin Saybe to learn how NRG’s coaching programs can help you.
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