Racial biases in hiring have led to a considerable discrepancy in wage earnings for Black employees. Black people are more likely to be offered lower salaries, even when our qualifications match or exceed other applicants. While we can't control bias, there are ways to increase those initial offers.
To get a higher salary offer, we have to be willing to ask for more. It's not our fault that people are biased, but their biases shouldn't stop us from asking for what we deserve.
#2: Consider The Whole Package
Base pay is just one part of a job offer. Are there stock options? What's included in the healthcare package? Is vacation time negotiable and flexible? All of these factor into the value of the position.
Negotiating with hiring managers is expected. It's crucial to know the average salary for the position and to come prepared with how your qualifications match or exceed the job description.
Preconceived biases about us can affect salary negotiations, but we deserve to be paid for our labor. The bottom line is simple: know your worth.