When evaluating a job offer, women—especially those with financial power, working in male-dominated fields, or navigating non-traditional life paths—should go beyond salary and title. Here’s a list of strategic and personal considerations to negotiate or look for:
🔹 Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: Research market rates for your role and experience. Don’t be afraid to counter-offer.
- Bonus Structure: Understand how bonuses are calculated and whether they’re tied to individual, team, or company performance.
- Equity/Stock Options: Especially important in tech or startup environments—ask about vesting schedules, strike prices, and liquidity options.
- Retirement Contributions: Does the employer match 401(k) contributions? If so, at what percentage?
- Health Insurance: Review premiums, deductibles, coverage for dependents, and mental health benefits.
- Other Insurance: Life, disability, and long-term care benefits—often overlooked but crucial, especially if you are the primary earner.
🔹 Work-Life Balance & Flexibility
- Remote/Hybrid Options: Especially valuable for women managing complex households or who value autonomy.
- Paid Time Off: Look at vacation, sick days, and personal time—not just how much, but how easy it is to actually use it.
- Parental and Family Leave: Not just maternity—ask about paternity, adoption, and caregiving leave.
- Work Hours Expectations: Are there expectations for availability outside of business hours? Are deadlines respected?
🔹 Career Advancement & Support
- Professional Development: Funding for certifications, conferences, or continuing education?
- Mentorship & Sponsorship: Are there formal or informal structures in place?
- Performance Reviews: Are they transparent and tied to raises/promotions? Ask how feedback is delivered and how often.
- Title & Scope: Ensure the title matches the responsibility—and that it positions you well for your next move.
🔹 Cultural Fit & Inclusion
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives: Are there affinity groups or diversity benchmarks?
- Leadership Composition: Are women and underrepresented individuals present in leadership?
- Tone of Leadership: Do you feel heard, respected, and safe being yourself in interviews?
- Values Alignment: Does the company’s mission align with your personal or philanthropic values?
🔹 Negotiation Points Often Overlooked
- Signing Bonus or Relocation Costs: Especially if you’re taking a risk or changing sectors.
- Review Cycles: Can you request a 6-month review instead of waiting a full year?
- Job Description Clarity: Nail down what success looks like in the first 90 days and first year.
- Non-Compete Clauses: Understand any restrictions on your future mobility.
- Severance Terms: You may not need it now, but it’s empowering to ask.
🔹 Bonus: Strategic Mindset for Women
Many women feel pressure to prove themselves or avoid being perceived as “difficult.” Flip the frame:
- Asking smart questions is a sign of leadership.
- Negotiating protects your long-term earning power and retirement trajectory.
- Your total compensation affects your ability to build wealth, take career breaks, or invest in future opportunities.
A job offer is more than a number—it’s a doorway into the next chapter of your life. Taking time to ask the right questions ensures that your next role supports not just your career, but your overall well-being and long-term goals. You’ve worked hard to get where you are. Now is the time to make sure the opportunities you pursue reflect your value, priorities, and vision for the future. And if you’d like a trusted partner to help you think it through, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today!
Photo by Maria Lupan on Unsplash
