{"id":3735,"date":"2018-04-02T20:00:59","date_gmt":"2018-04-02T14:30:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ravi.rajiniravi.com\/blog\/?p=3735"},"modified":"2020-09-02T12:15:08","modified_gmt":"2020-09-02T06:45:08","slug":"salary-negotiations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ravi.rajiniravi.com\/blog\/2018\/04\/salary-negotiations\/","title":{"rendered":"Salary negotiations"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you are in the final stages of the process in a new job hunt or have got an offer or discussing a raise in the existing company, this <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/laurahelmuth\/status\/980579387945967621\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">tweet thread<\/a> by <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/laurahelmuth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Laura Helmuth<\/a> is just wonderful. I am unrolling it below for easy reference.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>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.<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">A few general principles: It is VERY hard to advocate for yourself or talk about money, especially if you don\u2019t come from money.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">Please, please: Do it anyway.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">You are valuable to your employer. Anybody can be replaced, but doing so is expensive and disruptive. They want to keep you.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">If they\u2019re 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">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\u2019s hard to think clearly about dental plans during a high-stakes conversation), and say you will get back to them soon.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">Do not accept any offer immediately, no matter how great it sounds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">Talk to people about the offer. It\u2019s 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\u2019re in science writing, ask me.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">It doesn\u2019t have to be a close friend, just someone you respect. It\u2019s flattering and interesting to be asked for career advice, and most people are happy to give it.<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Asymmetrical information depresses wages and keeps people stuck in unhappy jobs.<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">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<\/span>.<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">Then it\u2019s up to them. There is more money, and they will find it for you. If it doesn\u2019t seem like enough more money, say that you\u2019re very grateful for the new offer but would like to know if it\u2019s possible to go higher. Remind them of your dedication and enthusiasm for the job<\/span>.<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">You don\u2019t need to have a reason why you need a higher salary (you don\u2019t have to say you\u2019re 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">In some cases a salary cut is the right thing to do \u2013 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.)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">If your potential new employer says they don\u2019t have more money and explains WHY \u2013 maybe they\u2019re small or have a narrow pay band or whatever \u2013 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">You may be able to negotiate other things rather than pay \u2013 working remotely, more vacation, career development, etc. It\u2019s not all about the money.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">But it IS ALSO ABOUT THE MONEY. And it is right and good and proper for you to ask for more money.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">Okay, so, if you\u2019re in a job and want a raise or promotion, keep a Brag Book. Write down everything you\u2019ve 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&#8217;s reach or prestige.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">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\u2019re asking for a raise, list specific examples of your contributions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">If you\u2019re asking for a promotion \u2013 and really, isn\u2019t it time you got a promotion? \u2013 highlight how what you\u2019ve been doing goes beyond your current job description and is work that is often done by people in X other (higher-paid) positions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">These are difficult discussions. Print out your Brag Book list to help you remember things. If you get flustered, it\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">Even if you don&#8217;t get a raise or promotion this time, it tells your boss that you expect to be recognized for your work. It&#8217;s a process. Asking for more doesn&#8217;t make you look greedy, it makes you look ambitious and eager for new opportunities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">Anyway, that&#8217;s a lot of unsolicited advice. I&#8217;d love to hear other people&#8217;s tips for negotiations and advancement. Work is a lot of work. It helps if we help each other.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A second <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/laurahelmuth\/status\/1084475162781777921\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">thread<\/a> from performance appraisal is summarised here as well.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">It\u2019s performance evaluation season for a lot of people. My condolences \u2013 it\u2019s an awkward, dehumanizing, stressful process. Here are some tips to make it slightly less dreadful and maybe even useful, a thread.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">The review is an opportunity to get your managers\u2019 attention and to get on record what you accomplished in the past year. This is the time to take the credit. Ahem, let me try that again: TAKE. THE. CREDIT.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">If your review includes a self-evaluation, carve out some time to write it. Reflect on the year and identify broad patterns of what you\u2019ve improved on or accomplished. Find some specific examples to illustrate those messages.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">Assume that your manager and whoever else is involved in your review has no idea what you did in the past year \u2013 they might not have noticed at the time, or they have forgotten, or it\u2019s all mixed up with the other people whose reviews they\u2019re reading or writing now.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">If you had a problem over the year, it\u2019s a good idea strategically to acknowledge it in your self-review and frame it as something you\u2019re improving on or learned from.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">Unless your employer uses a 360-degree review (where everybody reviews everybody else, whether they\u2019re below or above or sideways on the org chart), this is not the time to complain about your managers. It may be satisfying, but it\u2019s self-defeating for a decent and fair review.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">During the discussion phase, be prepared to list your accomplishments and the things you\u2019re working on for the coming year. And be ready to listen to feedback. If there are problems, ask for a follow-up meeting so you have time to get your thoughts in order.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">But probably the review discussion will be fine! You do good work. It\u2019s easy to get stuck on any \u201croom for improvement\u201d feedback, but please also listen to the praise and acknowledgement. It\u2019s easy to brush those off, especially if you&#8217;ve ever had impostor syndrome.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">Is this a good time to ask for a raise or promotion? Yes! Absolutely. DO IT. If you\u2019re asking for a promotion, emphasize the things you\u2019ve done this year that show you are already taking on the duties of someone at a higher position or are capable of doing so.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">Good luck! That&#8217;s all from me. Please share any tips you have for performance appraisals. Work is a lot of work and it helps when we help each other.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">One more thing &#8212; if your performance review system does not include a self-appraisal, you can still send your manager a list of your accomplishments from the year. That makes their job a lot easier as they&#8217;re writing your review.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0\">And, of course, that lets you remind them of all the great work you did that they have forgotten or didn&#8217;t notice at the time &#8212; because people tend to notice problems more than solutions. A lot of things you do that benefit your organization are invisible, so brag on them now.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you are in the final stages of the process in a new job hunt or have got an offer or discussing a raise in the existing company, this tweet thread by Laura Helmuth is just wonderful. I am unrolling it below for easy reference. If you would ever like advice on negotiating a raise, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3979,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"book_review_cover_url":"","book_review_title":"","book_review_series":"","book_review_author":"","book_review_genre":"","book_review_isbn":"","book_review_publisher":"","book_review_release_date":"","book_review_format":"","book_review_pages":"","book_review_source":"","book_review_rating":"","book_review_summary":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[117,6,111],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3735","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-linkedin","category-rambling","category-people"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/ravi.rajiniravi.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/photo-1547139559-c89c59d117611.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ravi.rajiniravi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3735","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ravi.rajiniravi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ravi.rajiniravi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ravi.rajiniravi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ravi.rajiniravi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3735"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/ravi.rajiniravi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3735\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3738,"href":"https:\/\/ravi.rajiniravi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3735\/revisions\/3738"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ravi.rajiniravi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3979"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ravi.rajiniravi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3735"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ravi.rajiniravi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3735"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ravi.rajiniravi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3735"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}