There are countless unique hurdles in the workplace that allow the gender pay gap to persist in the U.S. – from unconscious bias to a lack of female role models in leadership positions. But it might surprise you to learn that even in the year 2020, as many as 60% of women say they have never negotiated their pay, according to a new report.
Women are still more likely than men to receive negative feedback when they do negotiate; unfortunately, women defy gender norms and act assertively are not as well-liked as men who exhibit the same behaviors. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t negotiate. Women who ask for a raise are more than twice as likely to get one as women who don’t. The next time you need to negotiate with your employer, here are five steps you can take to get better results as a woman:
1. Don’t be afraid to ask
It should go without saying, but if you want a raise at work, your first step needs to be asking your employer for one. Both men and women workers who ask for an increase are more likely to report receiving one than those who don’t ask.
2. Ask for a specific amount
Did you know that, on average, workers who ask for a particular amount for their raise get a greater increase in compensation than those who don’t? More surprisingly, the actual amount of money you ask for doesn’t seem to be as important as merely proposing a number, according to research. Women were 25% less likely than men to ask for a specific amount the last time they negotiated their pay.
3. Practice and do research
It’s always a good idea to take time to do some research before negotiating with your employer. Still, you can go one step further by rehearsing the conversation and preparing your list of accomplishments. Evidence suggests people who take these additional preparation steps are more likely to get a raise.
4. Give your best pitch
Workers who successfully land a raise or promotion through negotiation usually do so by:
- Demonstrating they are an excellent worker
- Taking on a more significant workload
- Taking on responsibilities of a higher position or level
5. Ask your manager for support
Seeking support from your boss or manager can go a long way towards the success of your career. People who ask their managers for advice on how to advance or get more involved in demanding projects are also more likely to get raises.
Asking for a raise isn’t easy as a woman in the workplace, but it’s essential that you do so when you deserve it. Negotiating is a critical skill for women that will help close the gender pay gap.
