#73💸 A more neuro-inclusive way to negotiate your next role and salary

Strategies to help you negotiate a better compensation package.

Welcome to Tech Atypically 👋, your weekly blog for navigating the challenges of ADHD and being in the tech industry.

I am an ADHD and product management coach helping you change one belief and take one action each week.

Part 14 of the Performance and Productivity series.

🐼A coach, a therapist, and a VP walk into a bar…

Join fellow neuro-spicey tech professionals in group coaching cohorts. It’s a space to learn about ADHD with peers that can help support both your professional and personal growth.

It will be led by 3 neurodiverse individuals who work in the tech industry.

• An ADHD and product management coach (me)

• A vocational therapist

• A tech company VP

🦋The Takeaways

Belief: I can’t negotiate my salary because I don’t know my worth.

Reality: Understanding your market value and confidently presenting your case can lead to better compensation and a stronger professional foundation.

Action: Research industry standards, prepare your value proposition and practice negotiation techniques tailored to your ADHD tendencies.

⭐️ Introduction

Negotiating your salary and role can be daunting, especially with ADHD. The anxiety and impulsivity that come with ADHD can make it challenging to advocate for yourself effectively.

I struggle with this problem myself. Had the interview I conducted for this story occurred 20 minutes sooner, I probably would have gotten a better offer. (I got a job, hurrah)

So I brought in an expert to help. Joining me today is my friend Rupert Dallas. Rupert is a sales and revenue operations leader with over 15 years in tech and 20+ years in leadership roles in various industries

He’s also black and neurodiverse. A combination that forced him to learn how to overcome stereotypes and discrimination.

Today, we’ll explore Rupert’s hard-earned strategies to help you navigate salary negotiations and secure a role that reflects your true value.

Because money doesn’t grow on trees…yes it’s a bad joke.

💭 The Belief – I can’t negotiate my salary because I don’t know my worth.

When you're offered a job, the instinct might be to accept immediately out of fear of losing the opportunity, especially if you've faced periods of unemployment. This urgency can be heightened by ADHD, which often brings challenges in processing and emotional regulation.

It’s so easy to believe you suck and you should take whatever is offered before they change their mind. While simultaneously feeling like you sold yourself short because you know you’re worth more.

It’s a belief that can be hard to break but not impossible. By arming yourself with the right tools and knowledge, you can break the belief and negotiate the salary you are worth.

Or be like me and panic and accept an offer on the spot. Only to learn the following information 20 minutes too late.

🔍 The Reality – You can negotiate effectively with preparation.

Negotiating your salary and role isn’t just about asking for more money. It’s about understanding your worth, and the value you bring, presenting a strong case, and being prepared for the conversation. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Research Industry Standards:

   • Understand the typical salary range for your role in similar-sized companies. Websites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and industry reports can provide valuable insights.

2. Prepare Your Value Proposition:

   • Highlight your unique skills, experiences, and the specific value you bring to the company. Be ready to present this during negotiations.

3. Practice Negotiation Techniques:

   • Develop a script or set of talking points. Practice with a friend or mentor (someone who is a hiring Manager is perfect) to build confidence and refine your approach.

   

   Photo by Andre Taissin on Unsplash

🛠️ The Action – Strategies for successful negotiation.

Here are actionable strategies to help you negotiate your salary and role effectively:

• Delay Immediate Acceptance:

  • Never accept an offer on the spot. Express your gratitude and ask for time to review the offer. This allows you to gather your thoughts and prepare your counteroffer.

• Ask Key Questions:

  • Inquire if the company has conducted market research on salary standards for your role. Compare their data with your research.

• Present a Counteroffer:

  • Provide evidence from your research to support your counteroffer. For example, “Based on my research, the average salary for this role in similar-sized companies is $X. Given my skills and experience, I believe $Y is a fair compensation.”

    • Target your comp to the top 90% of the salary range. It shows you’re confident without being arrogant.

• Negotiate Non-Salary Benefits:

  • If the salary offer can’t be increased, consider negotiating other benefits such as flexible working hours, additional vacation days, or professional development opportunities.

  • Make sure to get it in writing if you can.

• Set a Future Review:

  • If the company cannot meet your salary expectations immediately, propose a performance review in 3-6 months with a potential salary adjustment based on your contributions.

  • Force the conversation to keep going and back it up with the value you’ve delivered to the company.

✨ Conclusion

Negotiating your salary and role is an essential skill that can significantly impact your career trajectory. By understanding your worth and preparing effectively, you can secure a compensation package that reflects your true value.

Remember, negotiation is not just about the money. It’s about establishing a foundation of mutual respect and setting the stage for a productive and fulfilling professional relationship…

So you can get paid and be fulfilled.

🐼If you want to learn more strategies from Rupert and me, join us for our June group coaching cohort.

⏭️Next Week

How to build trust with others.