Career Advice >> Browse Articles >> Salary Negotiation

Negotiate More Than Entry-Level Pay in Your New Career

Know Your Value

Next, arm yourself with salary data from the Salary Wizard or surveys published by your new field’s trade association.

Never be the first to bring up salary. “Once they offer you the job, you have leeway to start the discussion about how you should be remunerated for your professional skills,” Gee says.

If you’re offered a typical starting salary, don’t fight. Instead, connect the dots for hiring managers to help them understand your value more fully. Neece suggests saying:

In my role as an accountant, I had to have consistent attention to details, complete every transaction fully, maintain exact notes and understand the business implications on operational productivity. During my nurse training, I learned that many of these accountant-related skills provide value to being an exceptional nurse. To be a great nurse is much more than just nursing, and I feel my previous experience will help me deliver the medical services to optimize patient outcomes while working to ensure the fiscal health of the organization.