The Negotiation Card Game: How to Play Your Hand Right

5 minute read

Hey Girlies! I hope you had an amazing week! I’m super excited to kick off a new series I’m calling “So I just Graduated” Over the next few weeks, I’ll be diving into different topics to help you navigate the world of foundational finance to kickstart your richHer life. 💁‍♀️✨For the first post of this series, we’re going to tackle a super important topic that every woman should master: salary negotiation. I know it sounds intimidating, but it’s so crucial, especially when it comes to closing the gender wage gap. Check out these stats according to Forbes¹:

Women earn just 84 cents for every dollar a man makes.
Black women earn only 64% of what non-Hispanic white men make.

While we’ve made progress since 1963 (when women earned only 59 cents for every dollar a man earned), we’re still not where we need to be. So, let’s get into why and how we should be negotiating our salaries!

Why Do We Struggle with Negotiation? 🤔

As women, we can sometimes hesitate to negotiate our salaries. Maybe we think we shouldn’t ask for more, or maybe we feel like the offer on the table is already “good enough.” But guess what? Statistically, you’re underpaid. It’s not fair, and we have every right to advocate for the pay we deserve. So, how do you negotiate? Well, think of it like a classic card game🃏. Let’s call this the Negotiating Card Game. Ready to play? Let’s go!

Before the Offer

1. Do Your Research: Know the Rules Before You Play 🔍

Just like a card game, you’ve got to come prepared! Before you even start negotiating, research the market rate for the job you’re considering. Websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, Vivian and Levels.fyi will give you insights into how much people are getting paid for the same role at other companies. This is your strategy—know your worth!

2. Ask for the Salary Range: Don’t Play Your First Card! 🎲

When the recruiter asks you for your salary expectations, DO NOT give them a number right away. Instead, ask them for the salary range. This is their turn to make the first move—let them do it!

Here’s a respectful way to ask for the range:

“I’m flexible and open to discussing the compensation based on the full scope of the role and responsibilities. Could you share the salary range for this position?”

Remember, in some states, it’s illegal for recruiters not to give you the salary range, and it’s also illegal for them to ask about your previous salary. So, know your rights!² 💼

3. Don’t Commit Too Early: Keep Your Cards Close 🤐

Negotiation is a game, and you don’t want to show your best hand right away. When the recruiter shares the salary range, check if it aligns with the market rate. If it does, you can say something like:

“The salary range is in line with my expectations, and I’m happy to move forward.”

But if the range is lower than what you expected, don’t be afraid to speak up:

“Thank you for sharing the salary range. Based on my experience and the responsibilities of the role, I was expecting something in the range of [insert your range]. Is there flexibility to discuss that?”

4. Decide If You Want to Play On 🎮

Once you’ve got the salary range, it’s decision time. If the salary is way off from your expectations, it’s okay to walk away. No hard feelings, girl! ✌️

Here’s how to politely decline (but keep the door open for the future):

“I appreciate the offer, but the salary range doesn’t quite meet my expectations for this role. That said, I’m still very interested in your company and would love to connect again if any other opportunities open up in the future.”

But if you think there’s still potential and you’re interested, keep going. You’ve got this!

After the Offer

5. The Verbal Offer: Your Second to Last Card 🗣️

Congratulations—you got the verbal offer! 🎊 But hold up, before you say “yes,” don’t rush into anything. Show your excitement but ask for the written offer to review. Here’s how you can handle it:

“Thank you so much for the verbal offer! I’m excited about the opportunity and look forward to receiving the formal written offer to review and discuss with my family.”

6. The Written Offer: Last Card 📄

When you finally get that written offer, don’t settle for the first number they throw at you. Always negotiate for at least $10-15k more than the lowest amount you’re willing to accept. And if it’s an hourly position, aim for an extra $4.81 to $7.21 per hour. I recommend negotiating over email so you can take your time to craft your response. Remember to justify why you deserve more by highlighting your qualifications, experience, and other offers you may have.

Also, don’t forget: You can negotiate more than just salary. Work environment – remote or hybrid options, stock, sign-on bonus, equity, paid time off, and even your job title are all things you can work into your offer.

Pro tip: Limit your negotiations to two rounds. If the company insists, they can’t go any higher, you’ll need to decide whether to accept or walk away. And if they pull the offer because you advocated for yourself? Trust me, that’s not the company you want to work for.

7. Sign the Offer: You Won! 🏆

Once you’ve negotiated and reached a deal that reflects your worth, get the offer in writing and sign it. Game over—you’ve won! 🎉

Thanks for reading, girlies! Let’s keep the conversation going. What’s the best salary negotiation tip you’ve ever heard? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

Until next time,

Your fave finance girlie. 💖✨

Resources and Links

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