Finding the Competitive Market Value for Your Position 🔍
As an executive or anyone embarking on a job search, one non-negotiable thing is empowering yourself with knowledge before entering negotiations. I understand that this may seem like common sense. Of course, you’d research the company, its financial health, the industry, the job you aim for, and the average salary for similar roles. But here’s the thing—apparently, not everyone does this. Yes, really. You’re taking control of your career trajectory and potential earnings by doing your homework.
According to data from 2024, about 66% of U.S. employees who negotiated their initial salary reported success, indicating that negotiation can be a powerful tool for boosting your pay. Despite this potential, many U.S. workers still avoid negotiation; the same survey found that a significant portion of job seekers did not ask for higher pay the last time they were hired, often due to discomfort with the process or a lack of knowledge about how to negotiate effectively. But remember, the potential for increased pay is there, waiting (Procurement Tactics).
The trend reflects the increasing importance among job seekers of understanding a company’s culture, reputation, and fit before committing to the interview process. This shift shows a growing trend where job seekers are becoming more discerning and strategic in their job search, prioritizing company research as a key part of their strategy.
As of 2024, 75% of job seekers are now researching a company’s reputation and brand before applying for a job. This shift shows a growing trend where job seekers increasingly prioritize company research as part of their job search strategy, which is a significant increase from previous years (Insight Global).
These numbers obviously vary depending on factors like the job market, the position level, and how seasoned the job seeker is. But here’s the thing: If you’re not digging deep into the company, the industry, and, most crucially, the expected salary, then you’re walking into negotiations half-prepared. And let’s be honest—who wants to do that?
You’ve got to be all in, researching not just the job title and description but also getting the lowdown on what you should be earning in this role. Arm yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions and, most importantly, negotiate “like a boss,” which means being assertive, respectful, and well-prepared.
So, here’s the scoop: According to CNN, some employers are a bit sneaky—they’ll only publish a pay range that covers about 25% to 75% of what they actually pay for a position. This means that the salary range you see in the job ad might not reflect the full compensation package, including bonuses, benefits, and other perks.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting: even if employers publish the full range, they’re totally within their rights to pay more to the right candidate. So, what does that mean for you? It means you’ve got to do your homework, dig deep, and ask the right questions. Don’t just settle for what’s advertised. Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate—because you deserve every penny you can get.
Now that you’re ready to dive into salary negotiations, you might wonder, “Where do I even start to figure out what I’m worth?” Great question! Luckily, some excellent resources like Glassdoor, PayScale, and LinkedIn Salary can help you get a clear picture of salary expectations, especially for executive-level roles.
Industry Specific Salary Guides:
Robert Half Executive Search: A must-use guide for a broad overview of executive salary ranges across various industries. Check out the latest Robert Half 2025 Salary Guide.
Hays Salary Center: Offers detailed insights into salary trends, benefits, and hiring expectations across sectors like finance, construction, and life sciences. Access it here: Hays 2025 Salary Guide.
LHH Salary Guide: Though it’s from 2025, it’s still a solid resource for benchmarking salaries across multiple industries. Find it here: LHH 2025 Salary Guide.
Don’t Stop There—Here are 10 Online Resources to Research Your Salary and More:
Understanding your market value is more than looking at one or two sources. It’s important to cross-reference multiple resources to get the most accurate and up-to-date information. Here are a few more sites you should definitely bookmark:
Glassdoor: Not just for company reviews, Glassdoor also provides salary information based on employee reports. Start your research here: Glassdoor.
PayScale: This site lets you search for salary information by job title, location, and company, making it super customizable. Check it out: Payscale.com.
Indeed: While primarily a job search engine, Indeed also offers salary insights and company reviews. Find it here: Indeed.
Salary.com: Offers detailed salary data, benefits, and cost-of-living adjustments. It’s a must-see for anyone getting ready to negotiate: Salary.com.
LinkedIn Salary: Based on user-submitted data, LinkedIn Salary helps you see what others in your role earn: LinkedIn Salary.
Monster: Another job search giant that also provides salary information and career advice. Start here: Monster.com.
SimplyHired: This site offers salary info, job listings, and reviews: SimplyHired.com.
CareerBuilder: Another solid option for salary information and job search tips is CareerBuilder.com.
Salary Calculators:
Homefair: Provides a detailed breakdown of base pay and total cash compensation across hundreds of U.S. cities. Try it out: Homefair Salary Calculator.
Salary Expert: This tool compares your salary to a database and gives you a report based on your experience and skill set: SalaryExpert.
Take Home Pay Calculator. Wondering how much you will make after taxes? CNN can tell you: Take Home Pay Calculator.
Cost of Living Calculator. Nerd Wallet can tell you how much it will cost to live in a particular zip code. Cost of Living Calculator.
These tools are invaluable when it comes to arming yourself with the knowledge you need to negotiate effectively. Just remember, salary information can sometimes be a little off, so it’s always a good idea to check multiple sources before you make any decisions. Happy negotiating!
Want more scripts and tools for handling the job search like a boss 📩Sign up for my newsletter and get exclusive downloads.
If you’re unsure how to position yourself in today’s job market—or want expert eyes on your resume, LinkedIn, or cover letter or help creating a engaging Interests Page— let’s chat.
🎯 I offer a free 30-minute discovery call to talk through your career goals and how your marketing documents can support them.
👉 Click here to schedule your free call. Whether you’re job searching, negotiating, or just feeling stuck—I’m here to help.
Clair Levy (CPRW) (CARW) is a twice-certified resume writer and certified career coach (CPC) with over 16 years of expertise guiding professionals through career transitions. As the founder of Precision Resume Solutions, Clair specializes in crafting high-impact, tailored resumes and job search documents for executives who may not have updated their resumes in years—or ever. She excels at helping clients identify and articulate their unique accomplishments, turning their career stories into compelling narratives that stand out in competitive markets. Clair’s mission is to uncover the extraordinary in every client and showcase what makes them truly remarkable.