Why It Matters
Research shows that women often accept job offers without negotiation more often than men. This contributes to the gender pay gap. Negotiating isn’t just about “money now” — it’s about how you set up your career, how much you’ll earn long term, and how you convey your value to employers. The good news: with preparation, many more women find they can negotiate successfully.
-
Do Your Research: Know Your Worth
Before you have any negotiation conversation, you must know what the market pays for your role, level, responsibilities, location, and industry.
- Use salary-comparison tools like Glassdoor, Payscale, LinkedIn Salary, Levels.fyi, Emolument etc.
- Talk to peers or mentors in similar roles (especially other women in tech) to understand what “typical” looks like.
- Consider your experience, your results, your skills, and any special contributions. What extra value do you bring?
Having good data gives your negotiation credibility.
-
Build Your Case: Document Value and Achievements
It’s one thing to ask; it’s another to show why. You’ll be in a much stronger position if you can demonstrate:
- Specific accomplishments (e.g. projects delivered, features launched, process improvements).
- Quantifiable outcomes (percentage growth, cost savings, performance improvements).
- Expanded scope or responsibility (if your role has grown, even if your title hasn’t).
- Any skills or certifications beyond the minimum required for your role.
By pointing to concrete examples, you shift the conversation from “I think I deserve more” to “Here is how I have already delivered more”.
-
Choose Timing & Strategy
When you ask matters almost as much as what you ask for.
- If you’re negotiating a job offer, wait until you have the formal offer in writing before discussing salary. You want to know everything else (title, responsibilities, benefits) so you can compare properly.
- In a current job: align your request with performance reviews, after a major deliverable, or after taking on more responsibilities. Avoid moments when the company is publicly under financial stress.
- Be ready to ask for more than just salary—consider the total compensation package: bonuses, equity, flexible working, extra vacation, professional development. If the salary is fixed, this is where you may find room.
-
Practice, Scripts & Language
Talking about money can feel awkward, but rehearsing helps. Some tips:
- Practice your pitch: either out loud, with a mentor, or peer. Prepare for potential objections.
- Use clear, assertive but polite language. For example:
“Thank you for the offer. I’m excited about the role. Based on my research for similar roles in this area, and considering my experience with X, Y, Z, I was hoping we could explore a salary closer to £XX,XXX. Would that be possible?”
- If asked about your current salary, consider shifting focus to your expectations or what the market pays. Some sources advise not revealing your past salary if it undervalues you.
-
Handling Push-Back & Alternatives
Even with preparation, an employer might push back. That’s ok; it’s part of the process.
- Stay calm and professional. Ask questions: “What budget range is available?” or “What would need to change for this number to be reachable?”
- Be open to creative alternatives if the base salary isn’t flexible: extra vacation days, remote/hybrid flexibility, training / ownership over projects, bonuses, equity, etc.
- Get things in writing when possible—for example, confirm revised salary, performance reviews, or agreed deliverables in an email.
Internal Resources from SheCanCode to Help You
We believe in empowering women in tech to negotiate confidently. Here are a few SheCanCode resources you should check out:
- Resources Hub and Community – Career Advice: includes salary negotiation guides and tips alongside interview advice, CV support, and more.
- “The Art of Asking: How to Negotiate for What You Really Need at Work” webinar/event — gives practical strategies, real examples, and helps you frame these conversations.
Final Thoughts and Mindset
Remember, negotiation is a skill you get better at with each attempt. Even if you don’t get everything you ask for, you gain experience, clarity, and confidence for next time. Also, by negotiating (or asking), you help shift expectations — not only for yourself, but for women who follow after you.
You deserve to be paid what you’re worth. If you prepare well, practice, and present your case confidently, you significantly increase your chances of success.
If you liked this guide, join the SheCanCode community to get access to more workshops, peer support, mentor feedback, and upcoming live sessions on negotiation and career growth. Sign up to stay informed of our next events and learn-ins!
Looking for you next role? Checkout SheCanCode’s job board and connect with our Corporate Ambassadors who would love to hear from you even if you don’t tick all the boxes!
