4 answers
Evan
Student
Des Moines, Iowa
1
Question
Updated
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What are effective techniques for negotiating salary and benefits when accepting new positions? #Spring 25
Hi! I am new to the professional world and was just wondering how to gauge my value to a company and how to obtain proper wages and benefits.
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3 answers
Ali Wallace, MBA
Payroll Accounting Manager
5
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Ali’s Answer
Hi Evan! My advice is to always keep an updated resume and an updated list of all your skills, projects, or anything relevant to the jobs you applying for. This can be used to leverage wages and benefits that match what you have to offer. You can also look into the data side of things - websites like Glassdoor are excellent for this as they share salaries and requirements for specific jobs, in specific areas and with specific experiences. Using Bureau of Labor Statistics data can also be helpful. If you have a list of your skills and what you can bring to the role in addition to solid data to prove that you have earned a specific wage & benefits - recruiters and companies will be more likely to agree with you.
Michele Engelbert
Manager, ESG, Climate, and CSR
2
Answers
Doylestown, Pennsylvania
Updated
Michele’s Answer
When negotiating salary, do your research. Look up comparable roles in similar industries to benchmark and understand a realistic salary range—LinkedIn can be a helpful resource. Be aware that some states require salary ranges to be posted, while others do not, which can affect the information available.
When making your case, frame your request around the value and impact you bring to the organization, rather than simply wanting higher pay. Grounding the conversation in your skills, experience, and results makes for a far more compelling and effective pitch. Good Luck!
When making your case, frame your request around the value and impact you bring to the organization, rather than simply wanting higher pay. Grounding the conversation in your skills, experience, and results makes for a far more compelling and effective pitch. Good Luck!
Pranav Vijay
Health Benefits Consultant
2
Answers
Arlington, Virginia
Updated
Pranav’s Answer
Keep your resume updated constantly, not just when you're job hunting. And when you update it, think about it from the lens of value delivered, not just tasks completed. Instead of "managed social media accounts," say "grew social media engagement by 40%." That shift in thinking helps you recognize your own worth, which makes it much easier to advocate for yourself.
On the salary side, do your homework. Sites like Glassdoor and Levels.fyi are a good starting point, but honestly the best intel comes from talking to real people in similar roles. Don't be afraid to have those conversations as most people are more open about compensation than you'd expect, especially if you approach it genuinely.
Mentality-wise, walk in knowing that negotiation is expected. Companies rarely lead with their best offer, and asking for more doesn't make you difficult, it makes you professional. When you're having those conversations with leadership, frame everything around the value you bring rather than personal need. "Based on my contributions and market research, I'd like to discuss my compensation" lands very differently than "I feel like I deserve more."
And lastly, find a mentor inside or outside your company. Having someone who can tell you candidly where you stand and coach you on how to navigate those leadership conversations is genuinely invaluable early in your career.
On the salary side, do your homework. Sites like Glassdoor and Levels.fyi are a good starting point, but honestly the best intel comes from talking to real people in similar roles. Don't be afraid to have those conversations as most people are more open about compensation than you'd expect, especially if you approach it genuinely.
Mentality-wise, walk in knowing that negotiation is expected. Companies rarely lead with their best offer, and asking for more doesn't make you difficult, it makes you professional. When you're having those conversations with leadership, frame everything around the value you bring rather than personal need. "Based on my contributions and market research, I'd like to discuss my compensation" lands very differently than "I feel like I deserve more."
And lastly, find a mentor inside or outside your company. Having someone who can tell you candidly where you stand and coach you on how to navigate those leadership conversations is genuinely invaluable early in your career.