The Salary Negotiation Script I Teach Every Client Who Wants to Get Paid More

Let’s start with the truth most career advice avoids.

You do not need another certification to earn more.

You do not need to wait until someone finally “notices” you.

And you definitely do not need to work harder to justify your paycheck.

What you do need is the right language and the confidence to use it at the exact moment leverage is on your side.

Because salary growth is not about effort.

It’s about asking clearly, strategically, and without shrinking.

Why So Many Brilliant Women Stay Underpaid

In my 15+ years as an HR leader, I’ve watched incredibly capable women stall at salaries they outgrew years earlier.

Not because they weren’t ready.

Not because they lacked results.

But because no one ever taught them how to talk about money without apologizing for it.

They were taught to:

• Be grateful

• Be flexible

• Be patient

• Let their work speak

And while their work spoke loudly, their paycheck stayed quiet.

This post is about changing that.

The Salary Conversation That Changed Everything for Me

Years ago, I was promoted internally to a Director role.

I had worked for it.

I had earned it.

And when the offer came, I smiled, said thank you, and accepted without question.

I didn’t negotiate.

I didn’t counter.

I didn’t pause.

Why? Because being chosen felt like enough. Asking for more felt ungrateful.

Six months later, I was leading major initiatives, delivering high-visibility results, and realizing something uncomfortable.

I was being paid barely more than people on my team.

No one was going to fix that for me.

So I gathered my receipts.

I practiced what I wanted to say.

And when I walked into that conversation, I didn’t flinch.

The result was a $20K increase.

Not because someone noticed me.

Because I asked.

That moment changed how I understood power. Knowing your value isn’t enough. You have to say it out loud.

The Salary Negotiation Script That’s Helped Women Secure $10K–$50K More

Here is the exact language I teach my clients when negotiating salary or asking for a raise:

“Based on the market, the scope of the role, and the value I bring, I’m targeting [$X]. I’m confident we can land on a number that reflects both the opportunity and the impact I’ll make.”

That’s it.

No fluff.

No justification spiral.

No apology.

Now let’s talk about why this works, because this is where most advice stops too soon.

Why This Script Works (And Why Most Women Freeze Without One)

“Based on the market, the scope of the role, and the value I bring…”

This anchors your ask in logic, not emotion. You are showing that your number is grounded in research, responsibility, and results.

“I’m targeting [$X-$X]…”

This replaces passive language like “I was hoping” or “I’d be comfortable with.”

Targeting is confident but collaborative. It plants a flag without burning bridges.

“I’m confident we can land on a number that reflects both the opportunity and the impact I’ll make.”

This reframes the conversation as alignment, not confrontation.

You are not asking for a favor.

You are aligning compensation with value.

This Is Where Most Women Get Stuck

If you’ve ever Googled salary negotiation scripts more than once, this matters.

The problem isn’t that you don’t know what to say.

The problem is that when the moment comes, emotions spike, pressure hits, and your brain defaults to safety.

That’s why scripts matter. They remove guesswork from high-stakes conversations.

This is exactly why I created my free Salary Script PDF, so you don’t have to improvise when it matters most.

Download The Free Salary Scripts

How to Ask for a Raise Without Feeling Awkward or Undervalued

Most women aren’t afraid of rejection. They’re afraid of being judged.

What if they think I’m difficult

What if they rescind the offer

What if this costs me the opportunity

But here’s the better question.

What if staying silent locks you into a number you already resent six months from now?

The real risk isn’t asking.

The real risk is shrinking.

Power Phrases to Keep in Your Back Pocket

Use these when navigating salary conversations verbally or in writing:

• “Before I respond, I’d love to talk through a few areas that are important to me.”

• “I’m excited about the role and want to make sure the package reflects the scope and expectations.”

• “Is there flexibility around the base salary?”

• “Would you be open to exploring adjustments to the total package, including bonus, PTO, or development budget?”

Each of these opens the door without weakening your position.

Timing Is Where Leverage Lives

Here’s the part most people miss.

You have the most leverage the moment an offer is made.

Not after you accept.

Not six months into the role.

The moment they say, “We want you.”

They’ve invested time. They don’t want to restart the process. That moment is power.

Use it.

Four Rules That Change the Outcome

1. Practice until your voice doesn’t shake

   Confidence is rehearsed, not discovered.

   
   

2. Know your numbers

   Have a high, mid, and walk-away number. Never lead with the lowest.

   
   

3. Say the number and stop

   Silence is not awkward. It’s strategic.

   
   

4. Bring receipts

   Two or three concrete examples of impact are enough.

Real Talk: Asking for More Doesn’t Make You Difficult

It makes you deliberate.

You are not lucky to be in the room.

You are deciding where to invest your time and talent.

If a company wouldn’t hesitate to make decisions in their financial interest, you shouldn’t hesitate to protect yours.

Here’s What to Do Next

Say the number.

Let it land.

Claim your worth.

You don’t need permission. You need a plan.

And now you have one.

Want the Exact Script?

Download the free Salary Script PDF I use with clients to help them secure five-figure increases with clarity and confidence.

Inside, you’ll get:

• A customizable salary negotiation template

• Fill-in-the-blank power phrases

• Guidance for tough or unexpected salary conversations

Because your next level doesn’t come from working harder.

It comes from asking smarter.

If you want to master the entire interview process so salary conversations start from a position of leverage, Interview Mastery™ is the self-paced system that teaches you how to control the narrative from first impression to final decision.

This is how salary stops feeling stressful and starts feeling strategic.