5 Questions to Ask Before Your Next Compensation Conversation
A compensation conversation isn’t just a check-in. It’s a shot at changing your income. But too many Latinas walk in hopeful instead of ready and leave with the same paycheck.
Sis, we’re not doing that anymore.
If you’re serious about closing your pay gap and getting paid what you're worth, ask yourself these 5 questions before that meeting hits your calendar.
Why Effective Compensation Discussions Are Crucial
This conversation isn’t about begging. It’s about facts, receipts, and knowing you bring the heat.
You’ve been doing the work. It’s time your paycheck caught up. Whether you're building code, managing teams, or making magic behind the scenes, your work moves the business forward and your salary should reflect that.
Need help with your ask? Read: How Latinas in Tech Can Close the Gender Wage Gap
Overcoming Cultural and Systemic Challenges in Salary Discussions
Let’s call it out, many of us were raised to keep our heads down, say gracias, and wait to be recognized. That mindset? It’s expensive.
This isn’t about waiting for someone to notice your brilliance. It’s about claiming your seat, your check, and your change.
Another common challenge is the information gap that typically favors employers. Organizations have access to comprehensive compensation data, while individual employees may have limited visibility into comparable roles and salaries. You can address this knowledge gap through preparation, researching industry standards, networking with peers, and checking salary databases before entering negotiations.
5 Prep Questions for Your Compensation Conversation
Walk into that meeting like you already know they’re underpaying you. Because they probably are. Ask yourself:
1. What Is The Full Scope Of Value I Bring To This Role?
Go beyond the job description. Think about your results, skills, leadership, cross-functional work, and problem-solving. How does your work drive revenue, save time, reduce friction, or improve product?
Why this matters: If you can’t name your value, it’s hard to ask for it.
2. What Is The Market Rate For Someone With My Skills, Experience, And Location?
Use tools like Payscale, Levels.fyi, and Glassdoor. Talk to people in similar roles. Don’t rely on just one data point.
Why this matters: Companies do market research. You should too.
3. What’s The Compensation Package I Want, And Why?
Define your ideal salary range before the conversation. Know your non-negotiables. Include salary, bonuses, equity, benefits, flexibility, and title.
Why this matters: If you don’t have a number, you’ll likely accept theirs.
4. How Will I Communicate My Ask With Confidence And Clarity?
Practice your wording out loud. Focus on facts, not emotion. Be ready to clearly state: “Based on my research and impact, I’m targeting a range of $X–$Y.”
Why this matters: Confidence is about being clear.
5. If They Say No Or Push Back, What Are My Options?
Have a game plan. Will you ask for a timeline to revisit the conversation? Negotiate other benefits? Walk away if needed? Know your limits and your leverage.
Why this matters: Preparation helps you respond, not react, when things get real.
Handling Common Scenarios in Compensation Conversations
Even with thorough preparation, compensation conversations often present unexpected challenges that require agile responses. For Latina latinas in tech navigating both general workplace dynamics and specific cultural barriers, successfully managing these scenarios demands both empathy and strategy.
When a Compensation Request Is Denied
“No” isn't a rejection its redirection. When an initial request is denied, shift from advocacy to inquiry.
Ask for:
Clear goals
Timeline for review
Documentation
If the excuses keep coming? You already know: time to bounce.
Negotiating Beyond Salary
When base salary flexibility is limited, expand the conversation to include other valuable components of compensation.
Run the benefits play:
Extra PTO
Work-from-anywhere flexibility
Title bump
Paid learning or certification budget
Negotiation isn’t a one-lane road. There’s always more than one way to win.
FAQs: Compensation Conversation
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Start by researching the average pay for the role. Then decide on your target salary and prepare a clear counteroffer. Always ask for more than the initial offer.
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Request a formal meeting and say, “I’d like to talk about my compensation based on my recent impact.” Don’t bring it up casually—make it a clear conversation.
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The best time is after a big win, during your performance review, or right before budget planning. Timing matters when asking for more. Right after a major win. During your performance review. Or ahead of the company’s budget cycle. Timing + evidence = leverage.
Build Compensation Confidence
The hardest part is starting. But every time you speak up, you make space for yourself and for every other Latina who deserves more too.
Winning compensation conversations represents a critical professional skill with significant financial implications throughout your career. For Latina professionals navigating persistent wage gaps, developing this skill becomes especially consequential.
You’re not asking for a favor. You’re stating facts. Your impact deserves compensation.