Four reasons you must negotiate in a pandemic

For job seekers staring down the barrel of months of unemployment, draining bank accounts, and looming bills, negotiating a job offer may feel like the absolute last thing they want to do. There is a huge and natural temptation to just take any job, at any salary, asap. Don't do it.

I know, I know. You just want to get the job. But here's the thing: not negotiating increases the likelihood of you not getting the job. Yes, you read that right.

Why? Because, in tough times, companies are focused on hiring rockstars only. And what do all rockstars have in common? They all negotiate.

It’s true. While other rockstar traits vary by industry-from knowing how to do pivot tables to speaking Mandarin-a universal trait that all rockstars have is negotiating. Ask any hiring manager or recruiter. It is a fact.

So, if we are in a time period where companies are only hiring rockstars, negotiating is actually going to improve your chances of getting the job, as long as you keep it within reasonable boundaries and are polite.

3 More Reasons to Negotiate Salary in Tough Times

1. You really need money. It’s a pandemic, y’all! You need money, asap. You need to rebuild your savings, pay those deferred student loans, contribute to your 401k, and take your family out to a nice dinner after months of Trader Joe’s frozen meals. We are in a time of great uncertainty. What if your spouse loses their job? What if you get laid off again? I say all that not to scare you, but to underscore the importance of negotiation. When so many things are uncertain, there is one thing that is certain: the more money you have, the better. In a pandemic, building up wealth is one of the few things we do have control over. So, take control. Negotiate that higher offer. Who knows; you may get laid off again in four months. So make the most of your earning power while you have it. This is no time to be precious. You literally can’t afford it.


2. It won’t always be a pandemic. If the job works out and you stay with the company for years, you will also be grateful that you negotiated a higher offer. Remember, most raises are modest cost of living increases, and they are all based on that initial salary. So, that is why a starting salary negotiation is the most important one! Set your future self up for success.

3. Do it for all women. Don’t you dare normalize pandemic lowballing! Pandemic or no, you owe it to all women to negotiate. Every woman who negotiates in a pandemic helps normalize all women negotiating in a pandemic. If you are in a higher position, clear the path for your fellow entry-level women who are just getting started. By negotiating, you are not just having your own back, but every woman’s back. There is a very unified patriarchy out there working to make sure the gender gap stays in tact. Women must unite even stronger to put a stop to it.

Don’t you hate when people tell you to do something and then don’t tell you how?! I would never. Check out my course “How to Negotiate Like a Woman.”