Negotiate Salary Like a Boss 💰

Part One: When Should You Negotiate?

After you’ve received a formal offer.

It’s tempting to bring up salary earlier, but negotiation happens after they’ve made the offer. That’s when you have leverage—because they’ve already decided they want you.

Why wait?
Before the offer, you’re one of many candidates.
After the offer, they’ve mentally chosen you—and now it’s about coming to an agreement.

When Should You Mention Your Salary Range?

Only if they ask you directly. And even then, tread carefully.

There are two good ways to approach this:

1. Try to avoid giving a range at all.
Instead, say something like:

“I’m really focused on finding the right fit, and I’d love to learn more about the role and expectations before discussing numbers. But I’m confident we can find something fair.”

This keeps things open without locking yourself into a number too early.

2. If you do share a range, be strategic.
Choose a range where the bottom is something you'd truly be happy with, and the top stretches slightly but stays reasonable.

Example: “Based on my experience and research, I’d expect something in the range of $110K to $120K.”

One Quick Warning:
If you offer a range and they come in at the top of it, it’s hard to ask for more without seeming like you’re changing the rules. So only give a range you’d genuinely feel good about accepting.

I’d love to hear from you—have you ever negotiated a salary before? What felt tricky or surprising about it?

Email hello@financesforfeminists.com and let me know.