Landing that first job after graduation is a thrilling milestone—an exciting start to your professional journey. But as the congratulations settle, a new challenge emerges: negotiating your salary. For many, this step can feel daunting, tinged with uncertainty and hesitation. Historically, conversations about money have been considered taboo at work, leaving many employees in the dark and reluctant to advocate for themselves. Fortunately, this culture is evolving, encouraging more open dialogue around compensation and empowering workers to ask for what they’re worth.
Christen Nino De Guzman, founder of Clara—a community dedicated to transparency among creators—shares her own revelation: “I used to avoid talking about money with colleagues because it felt off-limits. But when I finally discussed salary with a co-worker, I realized I was being underpaid and ultimately left the company. Without open conversations, pay disparities will continue.”
This shift toward transparency is gaining momentum. Take New York City’s recent legislation mandating employers to publicly disclose salary ranges by November as a notable example—a small but impactful victory for fairness in hiring.
If you’re preparing for your first salary negotiation, the process doesn’t have to be nerve-wracking. With the right preparation and mindset, you can enter the conversation confidently and increase your chances of success. Here are three key strategies to guide you through.
1. Do Your Homework: Research Market Salaries
Knowledge is power—especially when it comes to negotiating your pay. Before you step into negotiations, gather as much information as you can about the going rates for your role. Websites like LinkedIn Salary offer valuable insights by aggregating data from thousands of professionals. You can filter by job title, industry, location, and company size to get a realistic picture of salary expectations.
The trend toward salary transparency is growing. LinkedIn reports a 44% increase in job listings that include salary details compared to last year, making it easier to benchmark your ask.
Jeffrey Zhang, founder of Boba Chats, credits thorough research for his success landing a six-figure project management position at Oracle. He urges job seekers: “Never accept the first offer. Find out what others are making and then ask for 50% more than the highest number you see. If you don’t believe you’re worth it, no one else will.”
2. Highlight Your Skills and Potential
Even if you’re just starting your career and don’t have decades of experience, don’t undervalue your unique strengths. Your education, internships, projects, and any relevant achievements all contribute to your value. When negotiating, clearly articulate what you bring to the table and how you’ll contribute to the company’s success.
Jerry Lee, co-founder of Wonsulting, reminds job seekers, “You may have been through multiple interviews to land an offer, but remember the company went through dozens more candidates to find you. That means they see potential in you—and you should confidently ask for what you deserve.”
Financial consultant Kirsten Garnados suggests reflecting on your growth: “Consider how long it took you to become proficient at your role. What new skills or knowledge have you acquired in the past year that add value? If you rated yourself from 1 to 10 when you started versus now, how much have you improved?”
Using this self-assessment helps you build a strong case to justify your salary expectations.
3. Consider the Entire Compensation Package
Sometimes, companies can’t meet your salary ask immediately. While that can be frustrating, don’t see it as the end of the negotiation. Instead, explore other elements of your total compensation.
Jerry Lee advises asking about alternative benefits that can bridge the gap, such as signing bonuses, performance bonuses, equity options, additional vacation days, or professional development opportunities. These perks can significantly enhance the overall value of your package.
Approaching negotiations with flexibility demonstrates your understanding of business constraints while still advocating for your worth.
Confidence Is Key
The landscape of salary negotiation is changing—from taboo silence to open conversations. By doing your research, confidently presenting your skills, and negotiating beyond just the base salary, you empower yourself to achieve a fair and satisfying compensation package.
Remember, negotiating your salary is not just about money—it’s about recognizing your value and starting your career on the right footing. With preparation and poise, you’ve got what it takes to secure a deal that reflects your potential and sets you up for future success. Go get ‘em!
