The Secret Guide to Getting More

Finance

When my old boss offered me a job at Dow Jones, I worried because he knew my salary history. I looked through old SEC filings to find out what others had been paid for the role. This is good for job-seekers to do when applying for senior roles at publicly-listed companies.

In my first sales job, I had to negotiate not just with my boss, but his boss, and his boss’s boss (all men). Knowing how much I could get paid elsewhere was key. It was intimidating, but also exhilarating.

Health Care

Doctors aren’t trained to handle the business end of their professions, so you have to remember you’ve trained hard and expensively. You have value; it’s okay to ask for that. At the same time, helping those in need is also part of the work, so find a balance you’re comfortable with.

I was recruited to an office that needed a PT with my speciality; it was a lateral move, so I said no. They kept asking, and my boss suggested I propose they pay me a monthly bonus to work there part-time until they found a replacement. To my surprise, they accepted!

Technology

Companies generally expect you to negotiate, which means they'll lowball you on the initial offer. When I was hired by an early-stage startup, they couldn't go up on salary, but they offered me a signing bonus and an agreement to reassess after our next fundraising round.

I was nervous asking for a raise the first time. I gathered emails praising my work. A coworker helped me role-play the negotiation, so the meeting wasn’t my first time saying the words out loud. It was less awkward than I imagined, and I walked away with a raise!

Management

When I was offered a job, my friend helped me draft an email asking if there was room to negotiate. My new boss explained how she had advocated to fund the new role, but she also went back to HR and managed to get me an additional $1,000 per year.

I accepted my first job out of college without question — I was 22, and it was money. After three years, I received another offer with more money and better benefits. When I put in my two weeks’ notice, my boss asked me about the job offer and why I was leaving. They offered to match the pay and benefits, and I got more responsibility. The whole process was terrifying, but it definitely paid off.

Legal

A suburban firm told me to "name my price." The career development office said to expect a smaller salary than I’d get at a city firm. My legal friends suggested a higher range. I made my case, and the firm accepted. The salary was 25% more than what the career development office said I should ask for.

After your initial conversations, send yourself an email outlining what was said. Then send an email to the employer confirming everything from salary and benefits to your vision for the role. This will help prevent any conflict that might arise later.

Media

At my first job, I had a fantastic mentor who pushed me to ask for more from my boss. I’d put in my request at least a month before the budget was finalized, which helped me get more than just the normal 1-2% raise. I also got a promotion every single year.

I (embarrassingly) went the sympathy route when asking for my first raise: student loan payments, rent in NYC, etc. My manager had to explain that I would have better luck if I could show my value to the company. I knew that, but I didn't know that I had to lay it all out for my boss.

Sales & Marketing

It was 6 months between salary discussions and getting an offer. The salary was lower than expected, but I was excited and accepted. Then I thought about how I always encourage people to negotiate. I fucked up. But I went back and negotiated a better salary!

At my first job, I knew quickly I wanted more responsibility and money. Initially, I was a bit of a brat: I made demands based on how much time I spent in the office. I soon learned the key is to speak to your value to the team. It isn't easy, but it’s a skill that I have used ever since.

Education

The school where I was subbing offered me a full-time job and asked me to name a salary. My dad, a retired principal, found the top amount they were willing to pay, and I asked for that. They accepted. It was easier to negotiate because I was focused on getting into grad school.

I work in a predominately female industry where we’re paid based on experience, so I assumed I was immune from negotiating. Then I realized the only man on my team received 2 extra prep periods a week. Negotiating isn’t just about salary; it’s about perks that make work better.

Hospitality

Make sure you deserve what you’re asking for. Take an honest look at your performance and push for what you think is fair. It’s often said to ask for more so you have some room to barter, but I’ve never felt comfortable doing this. I've always asked Joe Bastianich for what I think is fair, and he’s always said yes. You have to consider your employer’s position, too, and make it relatively easy for them to say yes. A good boss will appreciate this and be more likely to consider your future requests.

Construction

I think electrical is a phenomenal trade, and it’s very versatile. I love being part of the service industry, and I love helping people. It can be a physically draining, but it’s a challenging job. And you’re constantly creating new goals and building your skill level. I’m lucky, because the men I’ve worked with have been very supportive. Often times they’ll say, “You’re the first girl I’ve worked with. I was worried at first, but I’d work with you any day on any site.

What could you be making? Find out here.

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