icon
Home icon

Home

Jobs icon

Jobs

Reviews icon

Reviews

Network icon

Network

Resources icon

Resources

|For Employers icon

For Employers

logo
about
careers
FAQs
privacy policyterms & conditionsfor employers
112k
20k
icon
© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.
My ProfileMy MessagesMy NetworkMy SettingsGroupsEventsMy PostsLog Out
Mystery Woman
Tell us more for better jobs, advice
and connections
YOUR GROUPS
Discover and join groups with like-minded women who share your interests, profession, and lifestyle.
COMPANIES YOU FOLLOW
Get alerted when there are new employee reviews.
YOUR JOB ALERTS
Get notified when new jobs are posted.
Your post is published!
Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume Writer
star-svg
2.98k
THE career expert for high achievers
10/19/20 at 6:18PM UTC
in
Career

The 3 Numbers You MUST Know for Salary Negotiations

There are 3 critical numbers you want to decide on before you enter into salary negotiations. The First Number The first number you want to bring into salary negotiations is your ideal salary number. The number you WANT to end up with. This number should be based on salary research in the geographic region of the job. Your ideal number within that salary range should be based on the following: -Unique skillset -Added abilities/skills that will save or earn money for the company -The value of your education/certification/license -Introduction through a strong referral -Individual learning curve -Supply vs. demand of the skillset you bring to the table This number can also be impacted by such things as excellent medical insurance or other benefits that will minimize your out-of-pocket, IF that is something that is important to you. The Second Number The second number is where you want to start salary negotiations, if you are asked to throw out the first number. Depending on the job market, your marketability, and the supply/demand ration of your specific job, that number might be 10%-25% higher than your first number. The Third Number This is the number many people DON’T go into salary negotiations with – at their own peril. The third number is your walkaway number – the number at which you know you will be looking for a new job from day one. You will regret accepting the job. This number can factor in your specific financial situation, although you won’t share that with the employer. The primary reason for knowing your third number is to avoid what I call the “shiny object syndrome” – agreeing to work for sub-par wages because of nice facilities or other perks that you don’t actually need and may not even use.

Share

Join the conversation...
Elena Nebreda
star-svg
11
Account Executive and business owner.
10/30/20 at 5:12AM UTC
Thank you, very useful!
Kelsey Magilton
star-svg
199
Marketing Manager in Pittsburgh
10/26/20 at 3:29PM UTC
Great advice, I could've used this when I was negotiating my first salary outside of school. Definitely keeping this advice in my back pocket.
Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume Writer
star-svg
2.98k
THE career expert for high achievers
10/26/20 at 3:39PM UTC
You're most welcome, Kelsey!
Tiffany Pittman
star-svg
211
Content Specialist/Event Manager
10/24/20 at 1:01AM UTC
I do the three numbers when I negotiate and decide on an opportunity. The 1st number is the "Dream Rate" which I haven't attained yet. The 2nd number is the "Sweet Spot" which I would be more than happy with. It covers all of my expenses and more. The 3rd number is the "Bare Essentials" which only covers expenses. I've gotten to the point where I won't accept #3 opportunities. No more settling!
Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume Writer
star-svg
2.98k
THE career expert for high achievers
10/25/20 at 7:33PM UTC
Sounds like we're on the same page, Tiffany! Good for you for not settling for #3s anymore!
Tiffany Pittman
star-svg
211
Content Specialist/Event Manager
10/26/20 at 2:47PM UTC
Thank you Lesa! I applaud you too. It took a lot of inner work for me to get here. I think it has to do with a lack and unworthiness mindset which correlates to pay inequality too.
Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume Writer
star-svg
2.98k
THE career expert for high achievers
10/26/20 at 2:56PM UTC
Tiffany - I hear you! This has so much to do with the "glass ceiling," as men are so much more cultured to have high self-esteem that women. Hear me roar, women: You Are Worth It!
Nora Sist
star-svg
87
10/23/20 at 7:35PM UTC
Thanks Lesa! My rule of thumb is not leaving my current job for anything lesser than 15% of what I’m making. However, 4 years ago, I took on a new role within the same organization, made a horizontal move, with the same pay, with the intention to explore and gain exposure and experience in a new field... and I‘m still in that position now. I’ve never regretted this move. I’m much happier. I feel valued and supported by my director, but more importantly, the work culture/ethics align to my values.
Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume Writer
star-svg
2.98k
THE career expert for high achievers
10/23/20 at 7:37PM UTC
Yes Nora - sometimes a lateral move at the same salary (especially within the same organization) makes more long-term sense for you.
Anonymous for a day
star-svg
449
10/23/20 at 7:23PM UTC
I always ask what’s the salary range for the position when I’m asked my requirements. Most of the time they’ll tell you. If it’s below what I’m aiming for I’ll say that too and mention my experience and what I made at my last job. I’m always nice and the recruiter usually is too. They’re human and just doing their job so if you’re nice, chances are you won’ t offend them.
Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume Writer
star-svg
2.98k
THE career expert for high achievers
10/23/20 at 7:36PM UTC
Perfect! Sometimes the company wants you to throw out the first number :(
Anonymous for a day
star-svg
449
10/23/20 at 9:31PM UTC
That’s happened before and I make sure I pad whatever number I give them because you can always negotiate down but rarely up.
Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume Writer
star-svg
2.98k
THE career expert for high achievers
10/23/20 at 6:54PM UTC
Surfnwrite, I've been a career coach for 30 years, and I have come to the conclusion that this comes with the ovaries :). The dudes don't tend to sabotage themselves around compensation like we ovary-carrying ones do. Time to rise up and ask for what we're worth!
surfnwrite
star-svg
509
10/23/20 at 5:26PM UTC
Very good advice. Years ago the number the hiring person threw out to me was my third number, and I took it. So dumb!
Suzanna Louisa
star-svg
71
10/23/20 at 4:32PM UTC
What if a person has been looking and something is better than nothing? Something to put on your resume to show you are flexible?
Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume Writer
star-svg
2.98k
THE career expert for high achievers
10/23/20 at 6:52PM UTC
Suzanne and Dani - now we are talking about a bridge job. There needs to be a mindset shift here: "I choose to take this position to cover my bills and I will continue to look for my next career role." So important that you don't see yourself as a victim in this scenario, but that you are choosing to take this bridge job as a way to take the pressure off yourself as you look for your next ideal career role. No settling involved!
Dani Noyes
star-svg
60
10/23/20 at 4:55PM UTC
Wondering this too. What does a job seeker do when they have reached their financial breaking point and NEED to settle for less than their worth to stay afloat?
Michelle Pauley
star-svg
55
Entertainment Executive & Personal Assistant
10/23/20 at 4:21PM UTC
Don't know why I never thought of this.
Corri Lewis
star-svg
33
People Matter
10/23/20 at 3:38PM UTC
The last position I negotiated salary for-well, I should have just walked away. He asked what my requirements were, so I started with a number that I thought was fair. Turns out that the job was budgeted for MUCH higher but was not yet published), and as a municipality, he left out that little tidbit. He even told me he "got a good deal on [me]"!! I knew from the moment I found out that I would be looking for another job because he was SO shady.
Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume Writer
star-svg
2.98k
THE career expert for high achievers
10/23/20 at 6:57PM UTC
Yuck! Invaluable lesson for you, though.

You're invited.

See what women are sharing on Fairygodboss.
What's new today
wand-button
Personalize your jobs
Get recommendations for recent and relevant jobs.
Employer Reviews
Weir ESCO
5.0
Weir ESCO is supportive, collaborative, and flexible work...
Twitter
3.7
The people at Twitter are great, super supportive and...
Recent Content
What is Re-Onboarding and is It Necessary in the Return to Work?
Here’s Your Daily Dose of Career Inspiration! 2 Women Share How They Grew Into Global Leaders
4 Phrases Confident Women Tell Themselves When They Don’t Get The Job They Dreamed Of
icon
© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.
  • about
  • careers
  • FAQs
  • privacy policy
  • terms & conditions
112k
20k