Take the LEAD

...IN GETTING the PROMOTION AND PAY RAISE YOU DESERVE, and DEFINING YOUR NEEDS in THE WORKPLACE. WE WANT it ALL, AND THROUGH PERSONAL ANECDOTES, WOMEN WHO HAVE BEEN THERE and DONE THAT, TELL US HOW

- ANDREA SIM AND CHELSEA TANG

SABRINA HO, 35
Chief Executive Officer

Sabrina Ho is the founder and CEO of Half The Sky, a platform that empowers women in the workforce. It links job seekers up with companies that don’t marginalise women for promotions or equal pay, and provides mentorship in navigating and advancing in the workplace.

ON NEGOTIATING A PAY RAISE

The low-down on opening the conversation, pitching for an amount, and seeing it through

‘‘Firstly, be prepared to ask. I know this sounds very simplistic, but many women fail to ask for a pay raise compared to their male counterparts. Not asking for that pay raise can cost you significantly over the course of your career, which is detrimental to yourself and family. Why get paid less than your worth? #EqualPayForEqualWork

Once you have decided you are ready to ask, take some time to conduct market research and understand your market value by reviewing salary rates for your current position. Get an understanding [of] whether you are paid above or below market rate.

After doing your homework, you will be armed with enough data to make an informed decision on how much you should ask for. My advice is always to pick a range between what would make you happy, and what would make you run around the office screaming for joy.

As for the difficult part of opening the conversation with your boss… In my experience, if he or she creates the feeling of fear and trepidation when it comes to asking for a pay raise, you’re probably working for the wrong boss or company.