Know Your Worth: How to Negotiate a Higher Salary
THE QUICK & DIRTY
Get paid what you deserve. This guide is for ambitious 30-somethings ready to negotiate their way to higher earnings. Learn how to uncover your true market value, prepare for the conversation, and master the art of the ask. Unlock your earning potential and accelerate your career growth. Read on to take control of your compensation.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Uncovering Your Market Value: What are YOU really worth?
Prepping for Negotiation: Laying the groundwork for success
Negotiation Strategies: Proven tactics to get what you deserve
Mastering the Art of the Ask: Confidence, clarity, and closing the deal
You've worked hard to reach a six-figure salary, but you haven't come this far just to come this far. As an experienced professional in your 30s, you have the skills and leverage to negotiate even greater compensation. Think of it as a strategic investment in your future. Stronger negotiation skills can unlock higher earnings, faster career growth, and greater financial security.
Uncovering Your Market Value
Know your worth. You've worked hard to get where you are, so don't settle for less than you deserve. Before you even think about negotiating, do your research. Sites like Glassdoor, Salary.com, and LinkedIn can give you a good starting point. But don't forget to factor in your unique value – those specialized skills, the projects you crushed, the revenue you brought in. And don't be shy about those credentials! Degrees, certifications – they all add up.
Prepping for Negotiation
Successful negotiation requires preparation:
Define Your Goals: Target salary range? Other benefits (vacation time, flexibility)?
Gather Evidence: Compile data to support your request: market research, performance reviews, quantifiable achievements. Review your work history to identify accomplishments beyond your job description.
Demonstrate Value: Make your impact visible. Track your accomplishments, highlight successful projects, and quantify your results (e.g., "increased sales by 15%," "streamlined the process by 20%").
Timing & Location: Choose a time when your boss is receptive and a private setting for an open conversation.
Negotiation Strategies
Putting your preparation into action involves confidently stating your desired salary range right from the start.
Back up your request with concrete examples of your achievements and their impact on the company, quantifying your contributions whenever possible. Frame your request in terms of how a higher salary benefits the company, such as increased motivation, productivity, and retention. Be flexible and willing to compromise to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. Finally, express gratitude and confirm the details of your new compensation in writing.
Mastering the Art of the Ask
Successful negotiation requires more than just tactics; it requires the right mindset. Believe in your value and communicate it assertively, projecting confidence throughout the conversation. Actively listen to your boss's perspective and be open to feedback and counteroffers. Above all, maintain a professional and respectful demeanor, even if the negotiation becomes challenging.
Email Template for Salary Negotiation
The primary reason a salary negotiation is successful is because the information offered is logical and requires no emotional pleading. Let your work speak for itself.
The best-case scenario is to have this conversation face-to-face with your employer. Sometimes it’s just as hard to say no to someone’s face as it is to ask for a raise directly.
But in certain cases where you’d like to lay out your argument via email, try this flow:
Traditional greeting: (e.g., "Dear [Manager's Name]," or "Hi [Manager's Name],")
Personality connection point: (e.g., "I enjoyed our conversation last week about [shared interest]," or "I hope you had a relaxing weekend.")
Something kind and complimentary: (e.g., "I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work at [Company Name] and learn from you and the team." or "I've really appreciated your guidance and support on the recent [Project Name] project.")
Transition intro to ask: (e.g., "With that said, I'd like to discuss my current compensation." or "I'm writing to request a review of my current salary.")
The ask: (e.g., "Based on my recent performance and contributions, I'd like to request an increase in my salary to [desired salary range]." or "I believe my current compensation no longer reflects the value I bring to the team, and I'd like to propose a salary adjustment.")
The why: (This is where you provide specific details and evidence to support your request. See the "Gather Evidence" section for guidance. Quantify your achievements, highlight your impact on the company, and reference market data.)
Schedule a follow-up: (e.g., "I'd appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further in person. Would you be available for a brief meeting next week?" or "Please let me know if you're open to discussing this further. I'm available to chat at your convenience.")
Salutation: (e.g., "Sincerely," "Best regards," "Thank you,")
Here's an example incorporating these elements:
Subject: Salary Review Request
Dear [Manager's Name],
I hope you’re having a great week. I wanted to follow up on our conversation last week about [mention a shared interest or recent project you discussed].
I'm writing to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to work at [Company Name]. I've learned so much from you and the team, and I'm truly enjoying contributing to our success.
With that said, I'd like to request a review of my current salary. Since joining the team [time frame], I've consistently exceeded expectations in my role. For example, I [quantifiable achievement 1, e.g., increased sales by 15%], [quantifiable achievement 2, e.g., streamlined the onboarding process, reducing onboarding time by 20%], and [quantifiable achievement 3, e.g., successfully launched [new initiative] which resulted in [positive outcome]].
Additionally, based on my research of comparable positions in the [your location] area, the average salary for someone with my skills and experience is between [salary range].
Considering my performance, contributions, and current market value, I'd like to request a salary increase to [desired salary range].
I'd appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further in person at your convenience. Please let me know your availability for a brief meeting next week.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
The Bottom Line
Negotiating a higher salary isn't just about earning more; it's a strategic investment in your future. And it starts with knowing your worth. But it's not enough to just know it – you need to confidently articulate it. By preparing diligently and employing effective strategies, you can ensure your compensation reflects the true value you bring to the table. Remember, you haven't come this far just to come this far – invest in yourself and unlock your full earning potential.
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Written by Priya Malani
Founder & CEO
Priya is an industry thought leader and personal finance expert for HENRYs [High Earners, Not Rich Yet]. Her relatable, no-bullshit style has garnered attention from the largest media outlets in the country including Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, NerdWallet, and more.
