It's Not Just You Ep 8: Insider tips from a veteran recruiter

Hey baddies! Welcome back to It's Not Just You where we break it down bold, unapologetic and direct. In this episode, we’ve got Yuri Kagan , a veteran recruiter with over a decade of experience, now living his best life in the South of France, sharing his no-nonsense wisdom on navigating today’s mindf*** of job market.

Check out the episode 8 highlights, stream the full episode or keep reading for everything you need to know about surviving in the 2024 job market:

Salary Negotiations Start at 'Hello'

Yuri kicked things off by dropping the bomb that job negotiations don’t start at the offer—they start the moment you open your mouth. Here’s how to set the tone like a pro:

1. Negotiate from the Jump: If you wait for the offer to start negotiating, you'll be at a extreme disadvantage. Begin setting expectations and anchoring your value from the first screening.
2. Know Your Worth: Do your homework, know the market, and be ready to back up your ask. Use Glassdoor and Blind to get qualitative and quantitative data.
3. Be Bold, But Smart: When asked about salary expectations, first ask for their range. Then be clear that you're just talking table stakes -- "I'm targeting around X base, but let’s talk about the full package." Ask questions and do not feel a need to people please and answer on the spot.

The Gender Gap in Negotiation

Yuri laid it out straight: too many of us are still playing small at the negotiation table. Time to break that habit:

1. Demand More: You’re likely undervaluing yourself. Push harder and ask for what you deserve. Use my workbook on navigating high stakes interactions like a boss so you show up at your baddie best.
2. Crowdsource Your Value: Compare notes with your peers to get the real picture on compensation. Be ready to make trade-offs (Yuri gives some great examples in the full video.)

Creative Comp Packages: Always Think Beyond the Base

With a job market that’s all over the place, Yuri says there are still ways to get creative, though markedly less so. Beyond the base salary, there’s a are perks to play with and trade-off to get to a total package you feel good about:

1. Negotiate Those Bonuses and RSUs: If the base isn’t budging, go after performance bonuses or options/Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). Yuri said most women ask for 30-40% of the base that their male peers do.
2. Other Perks: More vacay, flexible hours, remote work days—make them sweeten the deal. Keep in mind senior execs have more wiggle room here than those early in their careers.

Busting the Lost-in-the-ATS Myth

Worried your resume is getting ghosted by those soulless Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)? Yuri’s got news for you:

1. Keep It Simple: Keep your resume clean and readable. Most people have too much detail.
2. Follow Up Hard: Don’t just hit “submit” and pray. All resumes are legally required to be reviewed by a human, so connect with recruiters directly and make yourself known.

Networking: A Surprising Option You Likely Haven't Tried

Networking fatigue is real, but you can’t afford to stop. Yuri advises going in with laser focus:

1. Hit Up Recruiters: After applying, reach out to a handful of recruiters in the company. Don’t be shy. Many won't reply, but you just need one.
2. Leverage Your Allies: Use your network to get those warm intros to the hiring team. Don't make up stories about whether someone can or will help you, just ask far and wide and be ok if they don't reply.

Surviving Multiple Interview Gauntlets

Brace yourself for the endless interview rounds. It’s frustrating, but it’s part of the game now:

1. Stay Cool, Stay Patient: Extra rounds are often about internal chaos. Hang tight; it could pay off.
2. Trust Your Gut: If it feels like a red flag, it probably is. Listen to your instincts and don't let fear keep you from walking away.

Navigating Separation Agreements

Got a separation agreement or a less-than-stellar relationship with your last gig? No biggie. Yuri’s advice:

1. Keep It Positive: No need to spill all the tea about why you left. Keep it forward-focused.
2. General References Only: Most companies just want to know you were employed, not why you parted ways. Legally your former employer cannot trash talk you. Larger companies use third-party firms who really don't care why you left your last gig.

Final Thoughts

To dominate the chaotic 2024 job market, you’ve got to blend strategy, inner strength and a sprinkle of creativity. From negotiating like a boss b*tch to networking like a pro, Yuri’s insights are candid and insightful. Whether you’re actively hunting or just keeping tabs on the scene, these power moves will keep you ahead of the curve.

Need more? Hit up Yuri Kagan on LinkedIn for help with optimizing your resume, repackaging your career, interview prep and negotiating like a badass. Now, go out there and own it like the baddie that you are!

Check out the episode 8 highlights or stream the full episode.

Join us for the next one! On Wed 9/18 @ 10a PT, we'll be covering:

• ????♀? I was previously denied for a raise/promotion due to budget issues. How do I know when to ask again??
• ?? Why can’t I speak up unless I’m 100% sure I have the right answer?

Catch the livestream here on LinkedIn, or register and join us for networking with other badass women here.

Upcoming Masterclass Announcement

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It’s Not Just You is my bi-weekly series, where I tackle all the real-talk issues women face on the job — think perfectionism, burnout, boundary-setting, and finding your fierce voice!

I spill the tea on my own 25 year journey in tech and drop some nuggets of wisdom on asking for that raise, ditching the guilt after saying no, and redefining your self-worth.

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