When Neale Godfrey, one of the U.S.'s first female banking execs, was offered her first job in the 1970s, she was told by the HR rep: "The men in your class are earning $11,000 a year, but I think that’s too much to pay you as a girl. So, I’m reducing your salary to $6,500.”
Unthinkable, right? But while the blatant gender discrimination of Neale's day may be behind us, the wage gap isn't. In fact, women still only earn 77% of what men do for equal work. It takes women until today—April 9, 2013—to earn what their male counterparts did in 2012 (which is why we mark this day each year as Equal Pay Day).
What's the deal? Well, almost every article on the subject points to a common root cause: Women aren’t negotiating as much as men. In fact, they’re negotiating a lot less: Only 7% of women negotiate their first salary out of college, while nearly 60% of men do. And 20% of women never negotiate at all, even when they know they should.
So today, we're encouraging you to change that. In fact, we're showing you how. Spend some time this week reading these articles on knowing your worth, asking for a raise, and negotiating at work—and then put that advice into action.
No, asking for more isn't easy. But it's the best power we have to make a change.
The Pay Gap
1. “Equal pay for equal work” sounds like a simple concept, but how close are we to actually achieving that standard? Neale Godfrey, one of the first female banking execs, reflects on how the gender pay gap has evolved—and how you can make a difference.
2. Did you know that job applicants are often discriminated against—just for having an ethic-sounding name? One job seeker shares her experience—plus steps we can all take to ensure equal opportunity for everyone.
3. How do you know if you're being paid what you're worth (outside of breaking into your boss’ office)? Try these four undercover ways to figure out if your salary is the industry norm—or if you’re being underpaid.
Asking for a Raise
4. Thinking about asking for a raise? Before you schedule a meeting with your boss, take a look at this infographic, which will point you in the right direction with a few simple questions.
5. Want to ask for a raise, but nervous about how, exactly, it works? We found four real women who negotiated for raises, and got them. Check out their stories, and remember: If they can do it, you can, too.
6. Asking for a raise is a good thing. But, it is possible to jump the gun. So, before you do, ask yourself these three questions to make sure your timing is right
7. People often say one of the reasons for the gender wage gap is that women don’t negotiate. But a new study suggests that negotiating may actually be the problem. Read on to learn more about the biases against women when it comes to asking for a raise.
Negotiation Advice
8. Women lag behind their male colleagues in salaries, bonuses, and promotions—and why? Because we don't ask for what we want. Well, that's about to change. Starting today, we're bringing you a guide to negotiating, and an expert to help you out.
9. The first installment in our negotiation series answers a tricky question: How can you negotiate for a raise at your current job, without threatening to walk away from the company?
10. Earlier this week, our negotiation expert tackled a reader's tricky question: Can you negotiate without leaving your job? (Yes, of course you can!) Today, check out expert steps to prepare for the negotiation.
11. Want a raise? Don’t be intimidated—be prepared. This sample script will show you how to approach your current boss and ask for a promotion or raise, from start to finish.
12. This reader has come to us with a sticky situation: How can you negotiate a raise when your boss is avoiding the subject—and you think it may have to do with financial troubles?
13. This event planner has been cut out of negotiations between her client and her vendor, which means she's not getting paid what she's worth! Our negotiation expert jumps in with step-by-step advice for this sticky situation.
14. It's a common job application dilemma: You're asked for your "salary requirement," and you're not sure what to put. Give one that's too high, and you'll price yourself out of the position. Give one that's too low, and you cheat yourself out of the salary you want. What should you do?
Bonus
15. Today is Equal Pay Day, a great reminder for all of us to know what we're worth and to ask for it. And if you need some encouragement? Well, our friend Ryan Gosling is here to give you just the push you need.