Weekly Newsletter Vol. 81 - March 19, 2025

Generating your Lead Story…

Increase Your Compensation Before You Even Step Into an Interview

When it comes to negotiating a higher salary, most people think the process starts at the offer stage. In reality, your compensation potential is determined long before you ever set foot in an interview. By positioning yourself strategically from the start, you can create the perception of higher value—making it easier to command a better salary. It’s a simple two-step process: optimize your application and leverage networking to establish yourself as a top-tier candidate. Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Optimize Your Application

The first step in securing better compensation is ensuring that your application—particularly your resume—communicates your value effectively. Many job seekers make the mistake of listing responsibilities rather than results. The key is to tailor the personal summary section of your resume to highlight your biggest successes that align with the company's needs for that particular role.

Example:

Instead of:

“Experienced sales manager with a history of meeting targets and leading teams.”

Try:

“Sales leader responsible for leading a team of 9 reps who grew regional revenue by 35% YoY, exceeding quota for 8 consecutive quarters.”

The second version is specific, results-driven, and demonstrates a clear business impact—making you a more attractive candidate. The more they see your potential to replicate past successes, the more valuable you become in their eyes (and budget).

Step 2: Leverage Networking to Build Influence

Once you’ve optimized your resume, it’s time to network with the right people. Many job seekers apply and wait, hoping for a response. The better approach is to connect directly with the hiring manager or key decision-makers to create an unconscious bias in your favour before the interview process even begins.

A simple, well-crafted LinkedIn message or email can make all the difference.

Template:

Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I recently applied for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name] and wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. Given my background in [Key Relevant Skills], I’m confident I can contribute significantly to your team. Here are three key reasons I believe I’d be a strong fit:

[Relevant accomplishment or skill that aligns with company goals]

[Second relevant accomplishment or strength]

[Third relevant point—could be cultural fit, unique expertise, etc.]

I’d love the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team’s success. Looking forward to connecting!

Best, [Your Name]

By doing this, you set the perception of yourself early on. When your name comes up in hiring discussions, it will already be associated with positive attributes and achievements. This makes you a preferred candidate, giving you more leverage when it’s time to talk numbers.

The Power of Perception in Salary Negotiation

The reason this approach works is simple: companies don’t just pay for skills; they pay for perceived value. The more value you demonstrate upfront, the higher their willingness to invest in you. If a hiring manager sees you as a problem solver who delivers results, they’re more likely to stretch the budget to bring you on board.

Additional Pro Tips to Strengthen Your Position

Use LinkedIn strategically: Engage with the company’s content, comment on their posts, and make yourself visible to key players before you apply.

Get a referral: If someone in your network works at the company, ask for a referral. Referred candidates are often prioritized and seen as more credible.

Research salary benchmarks: Before any discussions, use sites like Glassdoor, Payscale, or Levels.fyi to know your market value. This gives you confidence to negotiate effectively.

By proactively shaping how employers perceive you—through a strong resume and strategic networking—you enter the interview process with a higher perceived value. This positioning not only increases your chances of landing the role but also gives you a stronger foundation for negotiating higher compensation.

Set the perception of you early, and you’ll have more leverage when it’s time to talk numbers. Start applying these strategies today, and watch how they transform your job search results!

You can’t make this stuff up

_{(*Disclaimer: these are real experiences provided by RME's community of job seekers and hiring managers)}

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