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We know that negotiating one’s salary can be daunting – yet, it’s a vital skill that could significantly impact your career trajectory and financial wellbeing.
During a recent webinar, Jack Hammer CEO, Debbie Goodman chatted with industry experts Keri-Lynne Shaw (KL), Founder & CEO, The Salary Bump and Lorna Hagen, HR veteran and Chief People Officer about salary negotiation preparation strategies and common pitfalls to avoid.
If you missed this powerful event filled with smart, implementable tips, watch it here:
Understanding your market value is the foundation of effective negotiation. Here’s how you can prepare:
“Emphasize how your skill sets will drive growth, innovation, or transformation. Tie your value to their goals, and the compensation will follow.” – KL
A frustrating reality for many candidates is encountering roles with pre-set or non-negotiable salaries. Here’s how to navigate these situations:
“You’re already learning about the company’s DNA. If it’s the only job on earth, fine, but otherwise, move on.” – KL
Professionals returning from sabbaticals or transitioning after taking reduced pay to support a struggling company often feel uncertain about reclaiming their market value. The advice is clear:
“Just because you stepped out of the market doesn’t mean you’re valueless. Articulate your value confidently.” – KL
A common misconception about negotiation is that it’s adversarial. The experts emphasized reframing it as a win-win collaboration:
“Negotiation is not about winners and losers. It’s about creating an environment where both sides feel valued and excited.” – KL
Many professionals excel at preparing for interviews but neglect practicing salary discussions. This gap can lead to missed opportunities.
“Articulating your salary expectations isn’t something we do every day—practice it like you would for any other important conversation.” – Debbie
The job market is dynamic, with fluctuations influenced by economic trends, industry demands, and global events. Candidates need to adapt accordingly:
“What you earned in 2021 may never happen again. Adjust your expectations based on the market, but never accept a poor offer.” – Debbie
Online applications can only take you so far. Don’t under-estimate the power of personal connections in securing opportunities and advancing negotiations:
“The best way to find a job is through your network. Get clear on your value and share it in every conversation.” – KL
In many cultures, discussing money is considered taboo. However, transparency and open dialogue are becoming more common, especially with the rise of pay transparency laws in certain regions:
“Death, sex, and money are the things we avoid talking about—but we have to. The culture around salary discussions is changing, and that’s a good thing.” – Lorna
Negotiating your salary is about more than numbers—it’s about asserting your worth, aligning your goals with the company’s needs, and setting the stage for a strong professional partnership.
Whether you’re just entering the job market, re-entering after a break, or navigating a career transition, the strategies shared in this webinar provide a roadmap to confident and successful salary discussions.
Remember, preparation and mindset are everything. Walk into your next negotiation armed with research, clarity, and collaboration in mind. You’ve got this.
MORE RESOURCES:
Lorna’s website: https://lornahagencoaching.com/
KL’s Website: https://thesalarybump.com/
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