If you would ever like advice on negotiating a raise, promotion, or compensation for a new job, I am happy to help. Optional consulting fee: Buy me a drink sometime. Real consulting fee: Pay it forward when you can. Ahem, a thread.
A few general principles: It is VERY hard to advocate for yourself or talk about money, especially if you don’t come from money.
Please, please: Do it anyway.
You are valuable to your employer. Anybody can be replaced, but doing so is expensive and disruptive. They want to keep you.
If they’re offering to hire you, they probably had a long job search process and really want it to come to a satisfactory conclusion for all of you, YOU included.
There is ALWAYS more money. If you get a job offer, thank them (profusely is fine), ask to get details of the offer in writing (it’s hard to think clearly about dental plans during a high-stakes conversation), and say you will get back to them soon.
Do not accept any offer immediately, no matter how great it sounds.
Talk to people about the offer. It’s awkward to talk about money, but ask people with experience in your industry if they would be willing to help you evaluate the offer. If you’re in science writing, ask me.
It doesn’t have to be a close friend, just someone you respect. It’s flattering and interesting to be asked for career advice, and most people are happy to give it.
Asymmetrical information depresses wages and keeps people stuck in unhappy jobs.
To negotiate an offer, say you admire the work and mission of your potential employer and would love to work there, but your only hesitation is the compensation package.
(Back in a sec)
Then it’s up to them. There is more money, and they will find it for you. If it doesn’t seem like enough more money, say that you’re very grateful for the new offer but would like to know if it’s possible to go higher. Remind them of your dedication and enthusiasm for the job.
You don’t need to have a reason why you need a higher salary (you don’t have to say you’re paying off student loans, for instance). BUT, if you are changing jobs and this would be a salary cut, you can let them know that.
In some cases a salary cut is the right thing to do – if you would have more autonomy or potential for career advancement or just plain more FUN at the new position, take the salary cut if you can afford it. (I did so once and it was the absolute right decision.)
If your potential new employer says they don’t have more money and explains WHY – maybe they’re small or have a narrow pay band or whatever – that establishes that they are being honest and open with you, which is itself a job benefit. You want to work with people you trust.
You may be able to negotiate other things rather than pay – working remotely, more vacation, career development, etc. It’s not all about the money.
But it IS ALSO ABOUT THE MONEY. And it is right and good and proper for you to ask for more money.
Okay, so, if you’re in a job and want a raise or promotion, keep a Brag Book. Write down everything you’ve done, even minor stuff, that was a success or helped your employer or other employees or showed initiative or made money or added to your employer's reach or prestige.
Do NOT assume your boss knows about your achievements. Bosses are idiots much of the time. (I am a boss, I am often an idiot.) During performance reviews and especially when you’re asking for a raise, list specific examples of your contributions.
If you’re asking for a promotion – and really, isn’t it time you got a promotion? – highlight how what you’ve been doing goes beyond your current job description and is work that is often done by people in X other (higher-paid) positions.
These are difficult discussions. Print out your Brag Book list to help you remember things. If you get flustered, it’s fine to ask to continue the conversation later, or ask for a moment to collect your thoughts. Or offer to send your request in writing.
Even if you don't get a raise or promotion this time, it tells your boss that you expect to be recognized for your work. It's a process. Asking for more doesn't make you look greedy, it makes you look ambitious and eager for new opportunities.
Anyway, that's a lot of unsolicited advice. I'd love to hear other people's tips for negotiations and advancement. Work is a lot of work. It helps if we help each other.
