The 9th of November marked Equal Pay Day which symbolises the final day in a year where women are paid to work because of the gender pay gap and this date varies according to the pay gap each year. In the UK there is a national median pay gap of around 18.4%, (as of June). Edwina Dunn, Founder of The Female Lead, took to the stage at Stylist Live to present her top five tips on negotiating a Pay Rise stating “It may take nearly 100 years before there is equal pay between men and women. Perhaps it’s time for women to be a little bolder in chasing the pay they deserve.”
Edwina's tips will help "you stay authentic and create your own statement of your value."
1) Earn it first. Ask second.
Exceed all expectations. Do whatever you can do to prove you’re dedicated and valuable to the company. Then when you ask for the raise, you come from a place of confidence in the abilities and knowledge you bring to the table. “You need to earn your keep and work hard because success is rarely earned overnight,” said Dunn.
2) Know your worth
No one will ever pay you what you’re worth: they will only pay you what they think you’re worth. You can control their thinking by clearly defining and communicating your value. First, know that you’re really good at what you do, then work out your commercial worth, based on your experience and strengths. Remind your manager of the unique qualities that you possess. Believe in yourself because you’re a valuable asset.
3) Be a savvy negotiator
Learning to ask for what you want in low-pressure situations will allow you to breeze through negotiations when they count - practice is crucial. Learning how to engage with your body language and tone is key. Come from a place of contribution, not need. You’re on the same team as your boss before you walk into the meeting and you will be on the same team when you leave. It's a negotiation - not a plea or a battle, and you must focus on the mutual win.
4) Don’t make it personal
It's not personal, it’s business. Instead of focusing on why you need the money, keep the focus on your value. Write down all the ways in which you add value to the company and provide your boss with a one-sheet to keep the focus on your contributions.
5) Try the “Oprah” rule
So, what if, after all that, it goes terribly? Don’t allow the rejection to sour your attitude. When people take parting shots or have to have the last word, it seeds the next conversation with negativity. Find strength in the setback and learn how to redirect the conversation at the right time. For great long-term relationships, as Oprah says, end positively.
We’ve got to put aside our awkwardness and not undercut what we are really worth, based on what we think someone will accept. Men never do this. The truth is no one is ever going to care as much about your career as you will, so advocating for yourself is non-negotiable.
Be bold, take the lead and know your worth.
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