SALARY NEGOTIATION IN SOCIAL WORK PROFESSIONS Gssw career services

Agenda Overview of the negotiation process What you can negotiate How to prepare for a salary negotiation FAQs & verbiage

Gender Pay gap A white woman working full time is making 80% of a white man’s dollar This gap gets more problematic with intersectionality and race (Hispanic = 54%, African American = 63%) Based on today’s national wage gap, women lose $430,480 over the course of a 40 year career As social workers, we are taught to advocate and negotiate for everyone, yet we are hesitant to do it for ourselves What makes you feel anxious about salary negotiation? (Don’t want to ask for too much, afraid they will rescind the offer, start questioning self-worth.. )

Behind the scenes Employer is generally given a salary range by a HR representative Small nonprofits generally struggle with equity

Pro tips: You are EXPECTED to negotiate salary (so be prepared)- even if the organization cannot meet your request It’s OKAY to ask for what you want 74% of employers have flexibility or room to increase their hiring packages Know (and internalize) your professional worth and market value- and consider it before making a decision about taking the job. Consider the whole package (some benefits really add up!) Do not discuss salary until the end of the interview process when they have made you an offer- but it’s fine to ask for a range If you are asked for an expected salary in the application process, do your research and enter a range You should not be paid based on your last job’s salary, you should be paid based on unbiased job comparisons Generally, the moment you have received an offer but not yet accepted is the only time you have to negotiate pay. The next time may be your yearly reviews. If you pass up this opportunity, you may be leaving money on the table

The negotiation process Do your research on market value, worth, and additional benefits important to you Employer offers you a salary and benefits Ask for the offer in writing and time to review and consider the materials You make your counter-offer (backed up with proof and data!) Then you stop talking. Sit in the silence.

“What are your salary expectations?” Deflection Strategies: “I am excited about the position and open to discussing salary; however, I would like to know a little bit more about what the position entails before I give you a number” Since I am still learning about this role, I haven’t set my salary expectations yet. As we move forward in the interview process, I would expect my salary to line up with market rates for my education and experience:

THINK TWICE BEFORE accepting on the spot! Here’s what you can say: ““Thank you so much for the offer! I am excited by the possibility of joining your team. I’d like to think it over for a few days and wondered if I can get back to you [insert date – i.e. after the weekend]?”

Preparing for a salary negotiation Develop a personal financial plan & do some self-assessment Do your research on market value Know your worth Consider the full package

What benefits you can negotiate Salary Bonus Title & Advancement Vacation leave Relocation expenses Start Date Supervision Budget Technology Spouse/partner benefits Professional development Benefits

1. Financial plan & Self assessment Identify your bottom line by doing a financial audit: What are your monthly expenditures? Rent/mortgage Car - insurance, payment, gas Loans Public transportation Food Social Pets Take into account savings, tax, and benefits when thinking about take home Take a moment to do some self-assessment Organizational culture Training and professional development Opportunity for growth Work-life balance Skills you would like to use/develop Commute

2. Do your research Glassdoor.com Salary.com Payscale.com Informational interviews

3. Build your argument & know your worth Step 1: Look at the job descriptions and highlight key points Step 2: Examine your resume and work history – how much overlap in there? (example: the job description requires 1 year of experience, but you have 4 years) Step 3: Based on this comparison, come up with 3 research (backed up with data) that make you worth more than the offer

4. Consider the full package Growth opportunities Monetary (base salary, bonuses, etc) Near monetary (401K, pensions, tuition, trainings and certifications, licensure supervision) Non-monetary (vacation, childcare, healthcare, flexibility with schedule, working remotely, etc)