Each of Us -- Providing career advice and career development information for working women interested in advancing in the workplace

Don't Underestimate Your Worth

A male friend of mine was trying to fill a position in his firm . He interviewed a female applicant whom he considered very qualified. He asked what kind of income she would expect. Her reply was about 35% less than he was planning to pay. As he explained to me, "My opinion of her was immediately reduced."

Women do the majority of shopping in our culture (and all others.) As a result, we are very likely to love a bargain. That which we procure at a lower price than expected is valued all the more. We can make the mistake of believing the same is true of our time and talents. We may assume the employer is going for the lowest bidder. In fact, we can throw ourselves out the bottom of the barrel. When we underestimate our worth, we actually reduce our worth.

Learn what others make. Learn to negotiate for pay without being the first to name a figure. Remember that the interviewer is more likely to believe he will get what he pays for than to be searching for a bargain. Awareness is the first step. Small adjustments make a big difference.

This site is for working women everywhere, to help improve their success, pay, and self-confidence.

Each of Us is full of career advice and career development information to help you get the success you deserve. Buy the book now!

"Thanks so much for your advice. Thanks to your book, I landed a permanent "career" position in a local software company...I added 12K to my income--and it was your book that motivated me to stick my foot in the door." Lisa Gill

“Thank you so much for your advice. Thanks to your book, I landed a permanent "career" position in a local software company. In three weeks of interviewing I added $12K to my income - and it was your book that motivated me to stick my foot in the door! Thanks again.” Sara Roberts
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