How to Negotiate Your Salary as a Woman in Tech?

As the gender gap in tech becomes increasingly visible and well-documented, it's evident that this is a worldwide concern. It has been an issue for years now; however, with more awareness being brought to the problem – it can no longer be swept under the rug.

What is holding women back from negotiation?

Research conducted by Glassdoor exposed an alarming discrepancy between genders: while only 52% of men decided to negotiate their salary, a staggering 68% of women did not.

Women's lack of clarity and assurance about their ability to negotiate appears to be the primary barrier preventing them from negotiating. Studies have revealed that men are more likely to negotiate their salary and possess a better comprehension of the appropriate ways to bargain.

Women are disproportionately penalized for negotiating, leading to an increased reluctance among them to make their voices heard. This unfortunate disparity in treatment further entrenches gender inequality and perpetuates the notion that women do not deserve equal pay or respect in the workplace.

Underestimating their success is one reason why women can be hesitant to negotiate. More than half of the female tech employees revealed that they frequently experience imposter syndrome, and 34% admitted to sometimes feeling this way as well. High-achieving women are often skeptical about their own capabilities - with such an attitude, it's unsurprising that they receive unfair treatment in the technology sector.

6 Tips for negotiating compensation as a woman in tech

Research the Job and the Employer

If you want to know how high you can go in negotiations for your job offer, the best way of learning is by researching the employer and position. Utilizing resources like Payscale can help guide you through this process and give insight into what salary range may be offered.

When you have a personal connection with a prospective employer, inquire about the company's payment methods. This knowledge will grant you an edge during salary negotiation talks and serve as leverage in your favor.

Maintain a spreadsheet recording salaries of various roles

When you're seeking a new opportunity, make sure to document your applications in an organized spreadsheet. Be certain to list the job ad URL as well as record any salary information included within it - that way, even if this critical detail is altered or removed later on, you will still have access to it.

Understand Your Value, Embrace Your Worth

Before engaging in salary negotiations, you should do more research first. Speak to recruiters and other male professionals regarding the average salaries of those already established within your field. Utilize online calculators and surveyors such as Check-a-Salary, Indeed Salary Search, or contact a professional organization for more specific salary surveys that may be conducted in relation to your particular specialization.?

?“What is your current salary?”: Brace yourself

Though it may appear a harmless question, “What is your current salary?” can be leveraged by recruiters to offer a lower wage than what the company could provide. To safeguard yourself in this situation, you should prepare for negotiations and respond with: “What salary has been allocated for the role?” This would refocus the attention back onto the recruiter, which gives you more room for negotiations. Alternatively, in response to their inquiry about salary expectations can simply say: "It's too soon to discuss this; let me first tell you a bit about my skillset." By verbalizing that statement, it answers their question while giving you an opportunity to talk up your strengths beforehand.

Speak up

Negotiations aren't just about the salary you'll receive. You should also be discussing your entire compensation package - from additional paid vacation days, to higher quality health insurance, and even greater flexibility. If you're worried that asking for more might make you seem overbearing or conceited, don't fret: negotiating can in fact help strengthen the initial impression that your employer has of you! By taking control and acknowledging what value your skills bring to their organization, it shows how confident and knowledgeable of yourself that you are.

Leverage the Power of a Relational Account

Research has demonstrated that females can modify their negotiation outcomes by utilizing specific tactics. The strategy of relational accounts is one such approach, which involves requesting what you need while simultaneously indicating to your bargaining counterpart that you are considering them as well. With this technique, women can unlock greater social and negotiation success.

To initiate a successful negotiation, start by demonstrating your validity and stressing the mutual benefit to you both. For example, "I'm confident that my capability as a negotiator is an important asset for this job opportunity." Studies have proven that using phrases like these can not only improve one's social perception but also negotiation results - especially when used by women.

What's the worst that could happen?

This a good question to ask ourselves every once in a while. At the end of the day, even if your terms are not accepted by an employer, you still have a chance to negotiate and reach a mutually beneficial agreement that is better than their first offer. The worst-case scenario is simply being rejected.

Don't let anxiety about a job offer being withdrawn keep you from negotiating - it's highly unlikely to happen.

If you have been hesitant to negotiate due to fear of reprisal or lack of confidence in your worth, then it is all the more essential that you equip yourself for negotiations regardless. Preparing properly will put your mind into a state where ambiguity and uncertainties are no longer obstacles standing between you and success.

Even if you've heard the offer is firm, don't be afraid to ask for a six-month review with the potential for higher compensation based on your performance.

At the end of the day, it boils down to recognizing your worth, setting out a clear vision before making demands and finally executing an effective strategy.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to hear from successful tech professionals on salary negotiation and strategies to address the pay gap:

Activate Your Salary by Madelyn Mackie, CCMC, NCOPE, Career Activator

4 Mindsets Women of Color Need to Negotiate Anything by Nadia De Ala, CPCC

Skills You Need to Succeed in the Age of Ideas and Action by Mahe Zehra Husain

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