May 11 / Richa Bansal

Early In My Career, I Made A Six-Figure Negotiation Mistake

Early in my career, I made a six-figure negotiation mistake.

1. For my first ever job offer, I never negotiated the salary.
2. When my scope doubled in size, I asked for a salary raise but didn’t ask for a specific number, which got me a measly 3% salary raise.

What I learned from my mistakes early on, helped me negotiate a multi-six figure offer with Amazon.

Here are 5 things that helped me hold my ground for 6 weeks, run through 3 rounds of offer negotiation, and land a $20k increase in compensation, all the while being out of a job and not having another one lined up!

1. I anchored my recruiter high

When the recruiter asked me, “what are your salary expectations?”, I anchored her high, “I would like a total comp between $220k - $240k”.

2. I understood the game

Recruiters make their commission/quota on hiring happy candidates, who wouldn’t want to leave the company within 3 months simply because they didn’t get the $10k-$20k compensation increase they requested. Once I remembered that, it made it easier to not give in to the urge to accept the first offer on the table.

3. I reminded myself that I am worth it

I deeply believed in the skills, experience and expertise I bring to the table and was confident of my ability to replicate the results in the new role. This helped me continue being in the game without the fear that the offer would be rescinded if I negotiated.

4. I prepared for a data-driven conversation

When Amazon presented an offer that still didn’t meet my expectations, I proposed a restructured compensation based on data, not my feelings, needs or opinion. I leveraged levels (dot)fyi to show why their proposal decreased my YoY compensation and how it should be structured instead.

5. I sought the support of a mentor

The temptation to take the first offer on the table when you don’t have a backup is real. I worked with two mentors who not only helped me understand how comp in the Tech industry works, but helped me lead the conversation so I always had the upper hand in the negotiations conversation.

Result?

A $200k+ dream offer at my dream company.

Next time you are at the negotiation table, do not give in to the urge to accept the first offer. Know your worth, negotiate strategically, and command the compensation you deserve!

If you are ready to quit playing safe and level up in your career, it’s time for us to chat.

Whenever you are ready, here are 3 ways I can help:

1. THE FEARLESS HIRE: The only job search accelerator for mid-senior women in male-dominated industries. Get the proven playbook, personalized coaching, and accountability you need to land your next $200k+ offer on your own timeline, and become recession-proof. 

2. WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP ACCELERATOR: The only women's leadership accelerator for mid-senior women across the Government of Canada. This 6-month leadership program will give you the confidence, skills and network you need to fast-track your growth to executive roles.

3. CORPORATE TRAINING AND PROGRAMS: Bring our award-winning keynotes, training and women's leadership programs to your organization to solidify your DEIB efforts. 

Your dream career begins here.

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