This month, YPOD sat down with three seasoned professionals to learn the art of negotiating at work.

On the panel were HR extraordinaires Jennifer Bassignani and Michelle Kress, as well as lawyer Charles Spence. These three journeyed along successful career paths, and have war stories and wisdom which they were generous in sharing with YPODs.

The conversation focused on how to make an effective request at work — asking for a raise, in particular.

Without sharing every nugget they shared (you have to attend for that!), here are some highlights:

• There are currently 5.3 million more available jobs than people looking. Given this imbalance, there has never been a better time to ask your employer for what you want.
• Consider your entire compensation package/benefits, not just your salary.
• Most of us subconsciously sell ourselves short. Know what you bring to the table, and own it.
• Nobody else is going to champion you. When you make a request, you have to represent yourself.
  
• Timing matters in negotiation. Ask when your organization is in a good place financially, and confront the deciding individual at a smart time of the week (not Friday at 4 pm!)
• When you see a salary range attached to a job posting, they can often go higher. In fact…
• 84% of hiring managers expect you to negotiate.
• Quantify your worth. Back your request with statistics as to how you’ve contributed to your organization’s bottom line. (IE- you raised sales by 125%.) Facts and figures are hard to ignore. 

Nobody wants to feel their efforts go unseen at work, and raises are often how a company acknowledges strong work. So know your worth, and stand by it unapologetically.

All packed into 1 hour, this was a rare and inspiring opportunity to pick the minds of great professionals who know a thing or two about climbing the career ladder. 

See you at the next YPOD Power Hour Series!