How to Negotiate the Salary You Deserve (Without Apologizing for It)
Let’s be real: if you’ve ever felt awkward asking for a raise, hesitated to counter a job offer, or thought “I don’t want to come off as difficult”—you’re not alone.
But here’s the truth: you deserve to get paid what you’re worth—and then some.
At VestNow, we’re on a mission to help women not just make money, but own their value. That includes learning to negotiate with clarity, courage, and confidence (and without an ounce of guilt).
Let’s break it down step-by-step.
🚨 First: Why Women Need to Negotiate Differently
Negotiation is a power move—and women are taught from a young age not to take up too much space. That shows up in the workplace as:
💸 Accepting the first offer, even when it’s low
🫣 Feeling “grateful just to be here”
🤐 Avoiding salary talks altogether
😓 Undervaluing our skills or experience
This isn’t just about confidence—it’s about conditioning. And it’s time to break that cycle.
🎯 5-Step Guide to Negotiating the Salary You Deserve
You can do this. And we’ve got you covered.
1. Do Your Research Like a Boss
Before you negotiate, know your market value.
Use sites like:
Glassdoor
Payscale
LinkedIn Salary
Local salary reports broken down by country and city and industry.
📊 Know the salary range for your role, industry, and region. That way, your ask is based in facts, not feelings.
2. Practice Your Script (Yes, Out Loud)
The more you say it, the more natural it feels. Here's a base script to work with:
💬 “I’m really excited about this opportunity, and based on my research and experience, I was expecting something closer to [$___]. Is there flexibility in the offer?”
You’re not demanding. You’re being direct and professional. Period.
3. Use Confident, Neutral Language
Skip the “sorrys” and “just checking” energy. Try this instead:
🚫 “Sorry to bring this up, but I was hoping for more...”
✅ “Based on the value I bring, I’d like to revisit the compensation conversation.”
Words matter. Speak like someone who knows their worth—because you are.
4. Think Beyond Base Salary
Negotiation isn't just about the number. You can also ask for:
Remote work flexibility
Signing bonus
More paid time off
Professional development budget
Equity or profit-sharing
🧠 Pro tip: Make a list of 3–5 things you value most before the conversation.
5. Don’t Accept on the Spot
Even if it’s exciting—take your time.
💬 “Thank you so much for the offer. I’d love to take a day to review everything and come back to you with questions.”
It’s not rude. It’s smart.
😅 Let's Talk About the Emotional Side
Negotiating can trigger a lot of stuff—especially if you're used to people-pleasing, scarcity mindset, or fearing rejection.
We’ve been there. But here’s what we want you to remember:
You’re not being greedy.
You’re not being difficult.
You’re not risking the offer by asking.
You’re advocating for yourself—and setting the standard.
💜 A Final Note From VestNow
When one woman negotiates with confidence, she paves the way for others to do the same.
You’re not just changing your paycheck—you’re changing the culture.
So take a deep breath, speak your truth, and ask for what you deserve.
We’re cheering you on every step of the way.