Preparing for a Salary Review in a Competitive Field

This Salary Negotiation Checklist has landed my clients $10k–$40k more. But 90% of professionals never use it. Instead? They: ❌ Take the first offer. ❌ Hope their manager notices. ❌ Undervalue their skills. Here’s the 7-step checklist I give every client before they negotiate 👇 —-------------------------------- STEP 1/ Know Your Number → Research market salary (Glassdoor, Levels, Salary.com, PayScale). → Pick 2 numbers: your ideal and your walk-away. —-------------------------------- STEP 2/ Gather Receipts → List out your achievements, metrics, and impact. → Quantify them. (“Increased revenue by 18%” > “helped sales team”). —-------------------------------- STEP 3/ Benchmark Benefits → Salary isn’t the only lever. → Research PTO, flexibility, sign-on bonus, stock options, learning stipends. —-------------------------------- STEP 4/ Script It Out → Practice saying your number out loud. → Example: “Based on my research and the value I bring, I’m targeting $___ to $___.” —-------------------------------- STEP 5/ Pause Power → After you state your number, stop talking. → Let the silence work for you. —-------------------------------- STEP 6/ Plan for Pushback → Write 2–3 responses in advance. → Example: “I understand budget constraints, but here’s the ROI I’ve delivered…” —-------------------------------- STEP 7/ Get It in Writing → Verbal offers ≠ final offers. → Always ask for a written document before signing. —-------------------------------- 🔥 Pro Tip: If they really can’t meet your salary, negotiate on title, scope, or career growth opportunities. Sometimes those open doors to bigger jumps later. For one of my client’s we negotiated a promotion at the 6 month mark with an additional $15-$25k salary increase. —-------------------------------- 💡 Question for you: Which step do you usually skip when negotiating? ♻️ Repost this so someone in your network doesn’t leave thousands on the table. 🔔 Follow me for more career coaching strategies that pay off.

Here’s the framework I used to help my client negotiate a 17% salary increase BEFORE they received an offer ↓ I call this the RAVE approach. Here’s how it works: R - Research 1. Conduct thorough research BEFORE the process starts - set goals - determine your priorities - determine your ‘walk-away’ number 2. Use sites like Fishbowl, Blind, Glassdoor to understand recent compensation packages. 3. Check sites like Payscale, and Levels[.]fyi to check general salary ranges. 4. Look at similar job descriptions in states like WA, and NY to see base salary ranges. Know your numbers before you say numbers. If you don’t know them, don’t provide them. Simply ask for more time and respond later. A - Articulate 1. Present your case clearly and persuasively. 2. Use logic, data, and evidence to support your position. 3. Address potential counter arguments proactively. ***Defer the negotiation to after the interview if possible. If you’re forced to provide an expectation, keep your answer minimally sufficient. V - Value *Your best negotiation tool is your interview. 1. Deliver clear examples of how you have created value for past customers and employers. 2. Connect your skills and experiences to return on investment (ROI) opportunities. 3. Leverage targeted pitch decks to explain how you would deliver results for the business. E - Explore 1. Consider all aspects of the offer once in hand. 2. Understand what components of the offer are negotiable, and prioritize them according to where you want to focus. 3. Common components often include: - Base salary - Sign on bonus - Equity, or restricted stock units - PTO - Work from home, or flexible location days 4. Establish common ground on areas of agreement when you counter. And remember; be reasonable and transparent. Hiring teams want you to be happy with your offer. Let them know if you’re not. - - - What would you add to this framework? Let me know in the comments.

If you accept the first salary offer, you just left money on the table. Most people do this. They get an offer, and instead of pushing back some… they just take it. That’s exactly what one of my students almost did, until I showed them how to negotiate like they should. Here’s what happened: They were working as a Systems Engineer and landed an offer for $10K more than their current salary. Not bad, right? But then they did some research. The market rate for their role was actually $10K-$20K HIGHER than what they were offered. So they came to me and said, “Broadus, I know I deserve more, but how do I ask for it?” This is what I told them: You don’t just ask for more money. You PROVE why you’re worth it. Here’s the exact script I gave them: 👉🏾 Hey [Recruiter’s Name], based on my research and experience, I’d love to revisit the salary discussion. Here are four key reasons why: 1️⃣ I’ve been in an engineering role for over a year and a half, gaining the necessary experience. 2️⃣ During interviews, hiring managers told me I exceeded expectations. 3️⃣ As an internal hire, I understand the company’s process, reducing ramp-up time. 4️⃣ I already have 70-80% of the required skills for this position. Based on industry data, this role in my location typically pays between $X and $Y. 👉🏾 What are the chances we can meet at [$X] instead? And guess what? The recruiter came back with a $10K increase. Here’s why this works: 👉🏾 It’s a logical, value-based argument, not an emotional plea. 👉🏾 It provides specific proof, you’re showing, not just telling. 👉🏾 It uses market data, you’re backing your ask with facts. 👉🏾 It’s a COLLABORATION, not a demand, the phrase “What are the chances?” makes it a discussion. If you’re about to negotiate your salary, do these three things: ✅ Research your salary range (Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, LinkedIn Salary Insights). ✅ List out your key value points, what makes you the best choice? ✅ Use this script and ask with confidence. The first offer? It’s NEVER their best offer. Negotiate. Ask. Demand your worth. If you want more real-world strategies to land high-paying cloud roles, drop a "Script" in the comments, and I will send you a script you can use on your negotiations!