Whether you’re preparing for your first job offer or looking to advance in your current career, understanding both salary negotiation and continuous career development is key to long-term success.
This page is designed to help you navigate the important conversation around negotiating your job offer and salary, and to provide strategies for career growth and development throughout your professional journey.
Before entering negotiations, it’s crucial to understand what salary will allow you to cover your basic living expenses and save for your future. Add up your necessary expenses, such as rent, utilities, student loans, and food. Don’t forget about non-essentials like entertainment and savings.
This amount is your bottom line – the minimum salary you can accept.
Check out MoneyGeek to compare cost of living between U.S. cities and the national average.
To negotiate effectively, research is essential. Use resources like Payscale, Glassdoor, and Salary.com to understand the typical salary range for your position based on your experience, location, and industry.
Aim for the middle of the salary range, taking into account your skills, experience, and education.
Negotiating your salary is a vital skill that can impact your earnings throughout your career. Here’s how to approach it:
Don’t accept the first offer
Most employers expect candidates to negotiate. Studies show that nearly half of job seekers accept the first offer without asking for more.
There are exceptions to this such as in government, retail, or any employer that tells you they’ve given you their best offer, but generally speaking, you can come back with a reasonably higher counter offer.
Ask, “Is this negotiable?”
This simple question can open the door for a better offer without you having to make the first move.
Consider more than just base pay
Benefits like bonuses, stock options, vacation days, and flexible working hours are all part of the overall compensation package.
Stay professional
Approach the negotiation calmly and professionally. Avoid issuing ultimatums unless you’re prepared to walk away from the offer.
If you receive a counteroffer, assess it carefully. Compare it against your goals, values, and other offers. Understand the total compensation package, not just the salary.
Once you have all the facts, respond within a week with your decision. If you need more time, let the employer know when you expect to have a final answer.
Salary discussions are a normal part of the hiring process, but timing is critical. It’s best to discuss salary and benefits after an offer has been made. However, some employers may ask for your salary requirements early on. If this happens, it’s important to handle the conversation strategically to ensure you’re not undercutting yourself or pricing yourself out of the position.
If the employer asks you for a salary figure early in the process, here are some ways to handle it:
Start by setting clear short-term and long-term goals for your career. Short-term goals help you achieve quick wins and stay focused, while long-term goals guide your overall career path.
Short-term goals are things you can achieve in the next year or two, like learning a new skill or completing a specific project. These goals keep you focused on immediate progress.
Long-term goals take 3-5 years or longer to achieve. These could include advancing to a higher role, switching careers, or building leadership experience. Long-term goals help you plan your career’s bigger picture.
Balancing short-term and long-term goals helps you stay motivated and on track. Review and adjust them regularly to keep your career moving forward.
Developing both hard skills (technical skills) and soft skills (interpersonal skills) is key to career growth. Hard skills are necessary for performing specific tasks, while soft skills help with problem-solving, communication, and leadership. Employers value both for career advancement.
Hard skills include technical expertise such as software proficiency, data analysis, or programming languages. To strengthen these, consider certifications or advanced courses.
Soft skills focus on interpersonal abilities like communication, adaptability, and conflict resolution. These can be developed through practice in real-world settings, such as leadership training or team-building exercises.
To stay competitive, regularly assess the skills needed in your field. Use online resources like O*NET Online, MyNextMove.org, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to identify in-demand skills and focus your development efforts on them. Practice new skills in your role, on volunteer projects, or in professional development activities.
Actively seeking feedback from managers, colleagues, and mentors is one of the most effective ways to identify areas for improvement and gain insights into your strengths. Constructive feedback helps highlight both your accomplishments and areas where you can further develop.
Feedback should be specific and actionable. Rather than simply asking, “How am I doing?” aim to solicit detailed input about particular projects or areas of your performance. For example, ask, “What could I do differently to improve my communication during meetings?” or “How can I enhance my project management skills for the next initiative?”
Self-assessment is equally important. Regularly reflecting on your career progress ensures you remain aligned with your goals and values. Ask yourself: Are you satisfied with your current role? Are you progressing at the pace you’d like? Do you need to adjust your strategy or shift priorities?
Self-assessment helps you stay grounded, identify gaps in your skills or knowledge, and determine if your career is on track. It can be helpful to set aside time quarterly or semi-annually to assess your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
Networking is essential for career growth. It’s about forming meaningful relationships that open doors to opportunities and insights. A strong network is not just about numbers, but about building authentic, lasting connections.
Networking isn’t limited to in-person events. Platforms like LinkedIn help you connect with professionals globally. Engage with industry leaders, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions to boost your visibility.
Mentorship plays a key role in career development. A mentor provides support, advice, and a fresh perspective to help you grow. Be open to both career and personal guidance.
If you’re a mentor, it helps you develop leadership skills and stay connected to the industry.
The Eagle Career Network connects Eastern Washington University students and alumni with professionals for advice, mentorship, and job opportunities. Use this resource to find mentors, gain guidance, and expand your network.
Leadership is essential for career advancement, and you don’t need a management position to start developing it. Leadership is about guiding others toward a common goal, so look for opportunities to take the lead on projects, contribute ideas, and support your team.
Take on leadership roles in projects, volunteer work, or mentoring junior colleagues. These experiences help build skills like decision-making, communication, and problem-solving.
As you gain experience, focus on improving emotional intelligence (EQ). High EQ helps you connect with others, manage emotions, and navigate challenges.
Also, start thinking strategically about how your work contributes to larger organizational goals. This shift will prepare you for higher-level roles.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is key to long-term career success. Burnout can occur when work overwhelms personal time, leading to stress and reduced productivity. To avoid this, prioritize self-care and set clear boundaries between work and personal life.
Manage your workload:
Avoid overcommitting to tasks and learn to say no when needed.
Make time for recharging activities:
Engage in exercise, socializing, or spending time with family.
Use time management tools:
Utilize calendars or task management apps to organize both work and personal tasks efficiently.
Consider flexible work options:
Explore remote work or flexible schedules to better balance your career and personal life.
Career growth doesn’t always follow a straight path. It’s important to stay open to new opportunities and to recognize that sometimes a lateral move or a career transition may be necessary to reach your long-term goals. Career transitions might include switching industries, taking on a new role, or even returning to school for further education.
When navigating transitions, research and planning are essential. Understand the requirements of your new role or industry and take the necessary steps to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to succeed. This might involve taking classes, gaining certifications, or networking with industry professionals to build connections.
When seeking promotions, remember that preparation is key. Demonstrate your value by consistently delivering high-quality work, aligning your contributions with the organization’s goals, and having open discussions with your manager about your career path.
Your salary should evolve alongside your career growth. As you develop new skills, take on additional responsibilities, and contribute to the organization’s success, it’s important to ensure your compensation reflects this progress.
One of the best ways to achieve salary growth is by negotiating raises. When requesting a raise, be prepared to discuss specific examples of your achievements, such as successfully leading projects or improving company metrics. Show how your work directly contributes to the company’s success.
Timing is key—don’t wait for an annual review to bring up salary discussions. Instead, initiate the conversation when you’ve completed significant milestones, achieved measurable results, or taken on new responsibilities. Demonstrating your growth with tangible examples of your performance makes your request more compelling.
In today’s fast-evolving job market, staying current with new trends, technologies, and industry practices is essential. Continuously improving your skill set through ongoing education and certifications will keep you competitive and open the door for new career opportunities.
Look for educational opportunities that align with your long-term goals, such as certifications, advanced degrees, or workshops in emerging areas of your field. Staying up-to-date with industry trends can also position you for leadership roles in the future.
Ongoing learning shows employers that you are committed to growing and staying relevant, positioning you as an asset to your organization and enhancing your prospects for advancement.
Building a successful career requires more than just experience—it’s about continuously shaping your path through learning, skills development, and networking. Career advancement takes strategic planning, effort, and consistent self-improvement. As industries change, staying competitive demands that you invest in ongoing professional development.
Career development today involves acquiring new qualifications, enhancing interpersonal skills, and fostering professional relationships. Regularly assess your goals and stay proactive in seeking growth opportunities.
If you’d like support in navigating your career path, consider booking an appointment with a Career Advisor. Remember, once an Eagle, always an Eagle—alumni have access to our services for life!
Both salary negotiation and career development are critical components of a successful professional life. By understanding how to navigate salary discussions confidently and continuing to develop your skills and career, you can ensure both short-term success and long-term growth. Take action today to secure the best possible salary and keep developing the skills necessary for a fulfilling career.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into either salary negotiation or career development, schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor for personalized support.
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Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA 99004
Fax: 509.359.6940
Office Hours
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8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
