A 2015 study revealed that only 38% of millennials negotiate their first salary offer, with women negotiating even less at 34% compared to 44% of men. Yet, 74% of employers report leaving room for negotiation. Why leave money on the table?
Factors like aversion to confrontation play a role, but the pervasive 'entitled millennial' stereotype often holds people back. The solution: Arm yourself with data and expert strategies. We consulted personal finance expert and bestselling author Sindhu Chen, and Tamara Mellon, co-founder of Jimmy Choo and founder of her eponymous shoe and handbag line.
With the right preparation, that raise is yours. Here's how.
Preparation is everything.
- Gather salary data tailored to your demographics.
'When asking for more, prove why you deserve it,' says Chen. Use sites like Glassdoor, Payscale, Indeed, and Salary.com to benchmark your role, title, location, company type, seniority, and skills. Urban areas command higher pay. Even if you're at the top end, justify it. Mellon adds: 'Use data as a starting point—don't let it limit you. Specify your ask, including non-monetary perks like extra vacation (worth ~$4,000 on a $100K salary) or flexible hours.' - Anticipate obstacles and schedule wisely.
'Plan the meeting clearly,' advises Mellon. Avoid surprises; align with your manager's schedule. Highlight what they value in you—leadership, reliability—beyond deliverables. Practice your pitch: Maintain confident body language, avoid fidgeting or uptalking.
When the moment arrives...
- Back your ask with hard evidence.
'Numbers don't lie, but people do,' Chen notes. Quantify impact: team growth from X to Y, sales increases, top customer scores. No metrics? Cite awards, praise, training, or representation roles. Mellon: 'Tie it to future contributions—your raise sets your trajectory.' - Show loyalty and positivity.
Express commitment to the team and company. Avoid ultimatums; project confidence in shared success. - Make the direct ask.
'After groundwork, say it: "I earn $A now and propose $B,"' says Mellon. Embrace silence—let it land. - Secure next steps, win or compromise.
Aim for progress: Discuss value openly, agree on perks or timeline, plant seeds for future reviews. 'It's evolution,' Mellon explains.
Go claim your worth.
— Deena Drewis
Originally published on Girlboss.com.
