This is a bonus edition:

In 2026, I will definitely have a set method around how I distribute bonus editions of the newsletter. Maybe I won’t call it a bonus newsletter, maybe I’ll just call it, hey-I was-so-excited-about-fill-in-the-blank-that-I-could-not-wait-to-share-it-email. Which, is pretty much, what this email is.

Enjoy the article and enjoy - my new app! Its called “Salary Quiz” and if you are interviewing for a new gig - or just curious about how you rank in a salary band - you definitely want to give this new app a try. Its a freebie, so no excuses.

I am anxiously awaiting your feedback. ;-)

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How to Confidently Ask for the Top Salary Tier (And Know You Deserve It) 

You've done everything right. You tailored your resume, aced the interview, and now they want to make you an offer. But when the recruiter asks about your salary expectations, your confidence suddenly wavers. Should you aim high? Play it safe? What if you price yourself out—or worse, leave money on the table?

You're not alone. Salary negotiations remain one of the most anxiety-inducing parts of the job search process, and recent data shows why it matters more than ever. According to Pew Research Center, real wages have barely budged for decades for most workers, making it critical to advocate for yourself during hiring conversations. Meanwhile, labor market dynamics continue to shift, creating genuine opportunities for those who know how to position themselves effectively.

But here's the problem: most people don't negotiate because they don't feel confident in what they're worth.

The Real Barrier Isn't the Ask—It's the Uncertainty

The same hesitation comes up again and again: "I don't want to seem greedy." "What if they rescind the offer?" "I'm not sure I'm qualified for the top range."

These fears are valid—but they're often based on incomplete information. The truth is, most job seekers don't struggle with negotiation tactics. They struggle with self-assessment. You can't confidently ask for top-tier pay if you're not sure whether your skills actually justify it.

And employers know this. Research from the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School shows that failing to negotiate even a modest $5,000 difference in starting salary can cost you $634,000 over a 40-year career. Yet many people skip the conversation entirely—not because they don't want more money, but because they don't trust their own read of the situation.

What Confident Negotiators Do Differently

Here's what separates people who successfully land top-range salaries from those who settle: they go into the conversation with evidence, not just hope.

They know exactly which of their skills are in demand. They understand how their experience stacks up against the role's requirements. They've done a realistic audit of where they're strong—and where they might need to grow—so they can speak with authority about their value.

This isn't about arrogance. It's about clarity. When you know what you bring to the table, asking for what you're worth doesn't feel like a gamble. It feels like a fair exchange.

Building Confidence Through Self-Assessment

So how do you get that clarity? Most advice tells you to "research salary ranges" or "practice your pitch." That's useful—but it still leaves a gap. Knowing the market rate doesn't tell you whether you specifically are positioned to command it.

The key is understanding exactly where you stand against the actual requirements of the role. This means taking an honest inventory:

• Which skills do you have that directly match what employers are seeking?

• Where are you current with industry standards and trends?

• Which capabilities position you for the higher end of the salary range?

• What small gaps might you need to address or frame strategically?

When you have clear answers to these questions, the salary conversation transforms. You're no longer guessing or hoping. You're presenting a case grounded in reality.

A Free Tool to Help You Assess Your Position

That's why I created the Salary Quiz app—and it's completely free. Check out the demo video below and/or try it out now.

Why This Matters Right Now

Salary conversations are changing. With pay transparency laws expanding across multiple states, candidates now have more information than ever about what roles actually pay. But information alone isn't power—you still need to know how to position yourself within that range.

The candidates who thrive in this environment are the ones who do the inner work first. They assess their readiness honestly. They identify gaps before the employer does. And they walk into negotiations knowing exactly why they're worth top dollar.

Take the Guesswork Out

If you want to know how prepared you are to ask for top-range pay—without stress or judgment—start the Salary Confidence Quiz.

Just share the job title or description, and let's take the fear out of the conversation. Because when it's time to talk money, you shouldn't be guessing. You should be grounded in what you already bring to the table.

The difference between settling and earning what you deserve often comes down to one thing: knowing your value before someone else tries to define it for you.

Try the Salary Quiz now and often because its always good to know where you stand.

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One more thing before I go…

If you have not signed up for my latest webinar, please do so now. Seating is limited and, as always, special prizes will be given (only) to the live audience. Don’t delay! Act now.

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And as always, hit reply and let me know how I’m doing. Or slide into my DMs as the kids say. All good.

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