I'm trying to get a new job and my skills are very much in demand.

Anonymous

March 28,2022 at 5:24PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

I'm trying to get a new job and my skills are very much in demand. I've made it through several rounds of interviews with two companies and got good feedback. Even if neither of these work out, I think another will soon, and the company will be very glad to have me. I want to ask for three weeks of vacation when I go through my next salary negotiation. My skills are so much in demand that I think I have the upper hand in the situation. Typically, I've been given 2 weeks of vacation per year and you can only get 3 weeks if you've been at the company for 5 or 10 years. It's being pushy to ask for this. How do I ask for 3 weeks and be smooth?

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

10 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

10 Comments

Join the conversation

AnonymousMarch 28,2022 at 6:08PM UTC
I don't think it's at all pushy to ask for an extra week, especially if you have experience in the workforce. It really depends on the company culture and/or the presence of unions. My advice is to simply state 'I would like 3 weeks of vacation rather than 2; is this something you can accommodate?'
Antonia CalzettiMarch 28,2022 at 7:13PM UTC
No, it's not pushy. It's part of your negotiation. Don't settle.
AnonymousMarch 28,2022 at 9:07PM UTC
That is a drop in the bucket. This is a crazy market and the top end of most job compensation is through the roof so an extra week of pto is nothing compared to what is being offered.
AnonymousMarch 28,2022 at 10:47PM UTC
Current trend is 3 or 4 weeks pto plus floating holidays and sick days so don't sell yourself short and leave anything on the table. Make sure to get top dollar for your expertise. It should be a breeze. With in demand skills a signing bonus is typical.
Tamara ThompsonMarch 29,2022 at 1:20AM UTC
As a Talent Acquisition professional, it is common for candidates to negotiate additional vacation and/or salary prior to starting. I think you do yourself a disservice if you don't ask- all they can do is say no. Best of luck!
Kimberly JohnsonMarch 29,2022 at 10:12AM UTC
Your skills are in demand so why would they offer the bare minimum? 2 weeks is actually very very low. I mean that was the norm in the 70s. They must be low balling knowing the top candidates with in demand skills will know that the market for them is extremely high and the company will need to be be competitive to win their employment.
Get everything that you can. Now is the time where you have the most leverage. The competition is fierce out there for top talent.
An extra week of pto is nothing.
AnonymousMarch 29,2022 at 11:36PM UTC
How many years have you been in the workforce and how much vacation do you have now?
If you have many years in the industry and/or you have more than 2 weeks of vacation now, use this as leverage for obtaining 3 weeks of vacation. Do research on how companies are awarding vacation these days. If there is a move toward more vacation for high-demand skills, cite this trend.
If the company says no, negotiate for more salary, a more flexible schedule, more remote work or other perks.
Rt WlMarch 30,2022 at 12:22AM UTC
I've been at my trade for about 15 years (engineering).
AnonymousApril 20,2022 at 4:40PM UTC
After 15 years in your field, I’d say that you have good reason to ask for added vacation.
Michele Weber McCallMarch 30,2022 at 12:02AM UTC
Wait until after the offer and come back with your list.