James M Rusch - Salary Strategist and Career Coach

If my content feels different, it’s because my story is different- thank you for being here. I encourage you to share your story in the comments :)

The Best Approach ⬇️ Get yourself in a collaborative mindset…try to continually think through this frame… “What’s a creative way to approach this discussion, so I can feel like I’m in a great place and they’re at least in a good place.” Then: 1️⃣ Evaluate the Situation Start by asking yourself: Can I realistically influence this outcome? Assess the context, timing, and dynamics at play to ensure you’re in a position to negotiate effectively. 2️⃣ Strategize Your Approach Think through your game plan: • What are your goals? • What matters most to the other side? • Why are they presenting this offer in this way? Use these insights to identify where you can add value while advocating for what you deserve. 3️⃣ Make the Ask Clearly outline what you need to resolve the issue or improve the offer, ensuring your proposal benefits both sides. Frame it as a collaborative solution that enhances your position without compromising theirs. 4️⃣ Craft the Solution Together Use the information you’ve gathered, along with their input, to build a better offer. Remember, neither side has perfect information—be open to adjusting and refining the proposal to find common ground. And most importantly, don’t shy away from asking. Asking is often rewarded! ___ Hey I’m James and I geek out on salary stuff!! If you are looking to increase your salary the right way, join my journey. Follow @thesalaryhacker #careercoach #salarynegotiation #jobsearchstrategy #selfbelief #interviewtips #jobsearch #interviewhacks

Here’s your next move 👇 Salary is about 70% of your total compensation package. Once you’ve hit the salary cap, you can still get a better package for your value. Here are 5 non-salary beni’s to tack on! Pick 2 or 3 and sweeten the pot! 1️⃣ Signing Bonus It’s not recurring, but cash up front is still a win. I’ve seen bonuses range from $2,500 to $25K. Works best if you have in-demand skills, multiple offers, or relocation expenses (and no relocation budget). Want them to pay the taxes??...ask for it grossed up! 🤘 2️⃣ PTO (Paid Time Off) Time is money. Adding vacation time is common—and it’s like scoring a 2% pay raise for every extra week. PTO is often one of the easiest perks to negotiate. 3-5 days is a pretty common ask, but one of my colleagues got 15 total days 😯 Whoa! 3️⃣ Job Title A title boost might not pay now, but it’s a long-term play. Titles impact salary bands. One level up today could position you for a bigger raise tomorrow when you’re ‘underpaid’ for your new title. 4️⃣ Schedule/WFH Flexibility Cut the commute or reclaim your time with a better work-life balance. Negotiating this can make the job feel worth it—and it’s easier to ask for upfront than to change later. **Be aware many companies are considering up to 20% higher salaries for coming in 4/5 days a week (Robert Half 2025 Salary Report).** 5️⃣ Professional Development Budget Getting money to upskill is another pro move and can make your annual assessment better or if you decide to shoot for a raise. Don’t over complicate this could look like tuition reimbursement or getting the company to pay for an expensive certification. What’s possible? I currently have a $10k/yr development budget! **There are so many non-salary benefits. These are my 5 favs for salary under $125K. 👉 Pro Tips: - Get everything in writing. - Hit salary first and then work in non-salary benefits - Lead and close every ask with sincere gratitude. —- Hey I’m James, salary negotiation is my jam. If you are trying to get that bag, you’re in the right place. Follow @thesalaryhacker #careercoach #salarynegotiation #jobsearchstrategy #selfbelief #interviewtips #jobsearch #interviewhacks

Just saying 🙌⬇️ And to be honest, that’s why I learned how to find my market value beyond looking at salary sites like Glassdoor and Payscale. I never thought I’d get a 55% raise. I just wanted to stop being underpaid. And you deserve that too. 🤘 ✅Comment “insight” and I’ll show you exactly how I established my numbers. @thesalaryhacker

4 Step Research Process ⬇️ I know salary negotiations can be a little tricky. 🫶🏼 Especially when you’re worried about asking for too much—or too little—and blowing your shot. 🥲 I always use multiple sources and mediums… Use AI Analyze job descriptions and research salary benchmarks. AI can save you hours of work and give you confidence. Use salary research sites: Check tools like Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, or Salary.com to get a clear picture of the pay range for your role in your area. Bell Curve Analysis Plot your key attributes across the pay range bell curve and see how they balance. Reach out to industry insiders Tap your network! People in similar roles can give you insider info on what’s fair and what’s negotiable. These steps help you come to the table informed and confident—because you deserve to be paid what you’re worth. So now that you know… 👉🏼 Comment “reach” and I’ll send you the strategy I used to be certain of my numbers before I asked for a 55% pay raise! And make sure to tap follow @thesalaryhacker for all things salary negotiation and career growth! #careercoach #salarynegotiation #jobsearchstrategy #selfbelief #interviewtips #interviewtips

How does that stack up w/what you’re seeing and/or expecting?

Here’s how it works👇🏼 First things first… ✅ Setting salary expectations the right way can completely boost your initial job offer—sometimes by thousands. And no, I’m not talking about throwing out random numbers to “test the waters” or underselling yourself because you’re afraid to aim high. ⚡️ I’m talking about confidently framing your salary expectations in a way that positions you as a must-have candidate—without seeming greedy or out of touch. ✔️ For example, let’s say you’re asked, “What are your salary expectations?” early in the process, and you have no idea what the job pays (ugh, awkward). ✅ You could use a simple, proven strategy to handle this question like a pro, setting yourself up for a stronger offer—without accidentally pricing yourself too low. And don’t worry, if this all feels a little overwhelming right now (been there) 🥲 I’ll show you exactly how to confidently set salary expectations and outsmart low offers once and for all. 🚀 Comment “Boost” and I’ll send you my free guide, Outsmart Low Offers, to help you set salary expectations like a pro—even if you’re new to negotiation. 😉 And don’t forget to follow @thesalaryhacker for more game-changing salary negotiation hacks 🤘

The truth you need to hear ⬇️ Salary = Perceived Value Provided Don’t wait till the end to try and justify your salary. Plant the seed of your value early and continually show how you are the best solution. Negotiation doesn’t start when you get the offer—it starts with how you show up for your interview. When you show how your skills solve their problems and align with their goals, you’re setting the stage for a stronger offer. Here’s how to shift your approach: 1️⃣ Focus on collaboration: Use the interview to build trust by treating the conversation as a mutual problem-solving exercise. You’re not just a candidate—you’re their future solution. I find using genuine curiosity here is great…so you’re asking questions throughout the process not just at the end. Listen to the questions they ask and then ask clarifying questions to get to the root of why they are asking. 2️⃣ Focus on the value you bring: During the interview, tie your skills and achievements to the company’s biggest challenges. If you’ve read the job description you should have a sense of what problem they need solved. Connect the dots for them between what you’ve done and the problems they face. Confidence in your impact makes you unforgettable. 3️⃣ Ask what you’d be working on if you started Monday: This question reveals their immediate priorities. Use their answer to highlight how your unique expertise addresses their needs and delivers results from day one. This will help them see you in the role. Negotiation isn’t just about asking for more at the end—it’s about setting the foundation early in the process. Want to learn how to get max offers and negotiate up? Follow @thesalaryhacker for strategies that get you paid what you deserve.

Use this Exact Script and Approach ⬇️ If a recruiter refuses to share the salary range and insists you give your expectations first, don’t panic! While it’s ideal to get them to reveal the range (so you don’t lowball yourself), sometimes you hit a wall. If pushback to get the range hasn’t worked and you’re stuck, try this strategy inspired by Michael C. Donaldson’s Fearless Negotiating framework: The Want-Wish Approach 🔑 How It Works: 1. Set Your ‘Want’ Number: This is the bottom of your range—but it’s your target salary (not avg salary- your target salary). It’s realistic, achievable, and backed by research. 2. Set Your ‘Wish’ Number: Your stretch goal. It’s the salary that reflects your full value—your moonshot—but still in the realm of possibility. Why this works: The recruiter gets two clear numbers, showing your research and flexibility. Plus, you aim high while keeping your target as the low anchor. Exact Script to Use: “I’m currently being considered for positions in the range of [$want] to [$wish], which align with my market research. I’m expecting to land toward the higher end based on my [specific skill or experience]. How does that align with your range?” Why This Approach Wins: 1. Uses Scarcity: Mentioning you’re being considered elsewhere signals your value and options. 2. Research: You’re informed and credible. 3. Strategic High Anchor: Your “wish” number pulls the range higher, setting expectations for your value. Key Caveat: Without knowing their budget, there’s always a risk of undershooting. That’s why market research is critical—use salary sites like Payscale and Glassdoor to nail your numbers. 👉 Comment “One Shot” and I’ll send you my strategy and scripts to set salary expectations for your best offer! —- I’m James, and I geek out on salary strategy. Tactics like this helped me 3X my salary—and they can help you secure the bag too. 💼💰 Follow me @thesalaryhacker to secure the bag #careercoach #salarynegotiation #jobsearchstrategy #selfbelief #interviewtips #negotiation #interviewhacks

Pro Insight on Salary Research ⬇️ Here’s the deal: Most people pull numbers from one salary site and stop there. But job titles aren’t standardized, and every site collects data differently. To get an accurate avg pay range, you need to check at least three sources (like @glassdoor, Payscale, and Salary.com, etc). ✅ Adjust for your experience level and certifications. ✅ Focus on base pay (not the inflated bonuses). ✅ Factor in what makes YOU stand out—your unique skills, leadership, and impact at work. You are not the average 🤘 💡Pro Tip: Mix salary site data with other methods (like networking, AI, bell curve analysis) to uncover the full picture of your market value. YOU are the X-factor that can push you above average pay. 👉 Comment “insider” and I’ll show you a salary research technique that helped me get a 55% pay raise 🔥 ____ Hey I’m James. A former hiring manager on a $50M contract at a Fortune 100. Salary negotiation is my jam. Follow me @thesalaryhacker to secure that bag 💰 #careercoach #salarynegotiation #jobsearchstrategy #selfbelief #interviewtips #jobsearch #salarytransparency #glassdoor

This data is from the Robert Half 2025 Salary Guide. It’s based on a June 2024 survey of 2,500+ U.S. hiring managers across key industries, offering insights from companies with 20+ employees.

LinkedIn Script ⬇️ Before you accept a job offer, take a moment to dig deeper into the role. Here’s how: 1️⃣ Do a LinkedIn Check: Look up people who currently hold or previously held the role you’re considering. Check how long they stayed - are they stuck? Did they bounce after 3months? Were they promoted? That’s a great sign! 2️⃣ Spot Red Flags and Reach Out for Insight:
If you notice patterns that raise questions, reach out to someone who’s been in the role. 💬 Use this script to get honest insights: 
“Hi [Name], I’m reaching out because I believe you might be able to help me. I’m currently researching a position I’m interviewing for at [Company Name] and wanted to get a better sense of how this role is valued by management. I saw you held the role for [X years/months]. Would you be willing to share some insight into your experience?” ⚡ Why this matters:
A quick conversation could help you avoid toxic environments and find a job that aligns with your values. Remember, money is great, but it’s not worth sacrificing your mental health. ✨ Look for growth opportunities, alignment with your values, and a workplace where you’ll feel genuinely valued. #salarynegotiation #interviewtips #jobsearchstrategy #careercoach #selfbelief #marketresearch #careerhacks #mentalhealth #toxicjob