Speaker 1: Here's a fact. Only 25% of people said they're happy with their current salaries in a recent survey. But knowing how to ask for more takes preparation and practice. So to help you navigate these tricky conversations, we're breaking down the art and the science of negotiating salary. For years, athletes have used science and data analysis to improve. Now, we are doing the same for job seekers everywhere. This is job science. This is Sean. He aced his interview. Now, he's prepping to enter the negotiation phase. The first step, do your homework. Get familiar with the lowest, average, and the highest salary for the position. Remember to account for things like location, experience, certifications, and education. You see, negotiation is a conversation that's about give and take. You have to know what you want while also knowing where the other person's coming from. A fair way to start the negotiation is by asking for slightly more than your goal, but stay flexible. Understand that if you give a range, the employer will likely lean towards the lower number. That's why the bottom of your range should still be something you're comfortable accepting. Oh, hold the phone. It's typical to let the phone ring a few times before answering. Sean picked up in 3.2 seconds. He's eager, but he also needs to stay calm for whatever the recruiter has to say. Hey, Jill.

Speaker 2: Hi, Sean. We really enjoyed meeting with you. The salary you're asking for, it's a little higher than average. What experience and skills do you feel support that?

Speaker 1: Got it. So that's what the call was for. When asked, give grounds for why you believe you're worth the salary you asked for. You can share your successes from past roles, awards you've earned, years of industry experience. You know, things you're proud of. Go ahead. Tell your story.

Speaker 3: I've been leading one of the fastest growing open source projects. And some of our contributors are developers for some of the biggest tech companies. So I've been able to see how industry leaders operate.

Speaker 2: That's impressive. I feel you'd be a great addition to our team. We're willing to meet you in the middle and offer $95,000.

Speaker 1: If an employer can't meet the salary you want outright, don't just walk away. Consider what's most meaningful to you and what else they have to offer. Is there room for higher salary, vacation time, health care benefits? Do they give signing bonuses? Do they offer equity? Do you care about these things more than salary? Always see what else they can put on the table.

Speaker 3: I appreciate the offer. I could take on this role for that amount. Assuming the package includes a signing bonus and two additional weeks of vacation.

Speaker 2: I think we can make that happen. I'll send you the details.

Speaker 1: Great. Thanks. I'll keep an eye out. Now that is how you negotiate. But whatever the outcome is in your situation, be grateful and show it. You never know what opportunities might come in the future. This was the breakdown of salary negotiations. Until next time.