Questions about how to negotiate my first salary
Hi everyone!
I'm in the process of interviewing for an entry-level engineering job in Louisville, KY and I just have a few questions about what I should ask for. My stats are as follows:
- 23 year old woman
- M.S. (with research experience + thesis) in my field
- EIT credential
Based on the cost of living and what some undergraduates are making in Lexington, KY (where I believe it's a bit cheaper to live) I was thinking of asking for $80K plus some sort of relocation package. My main concern is that I am over asking, but at the same time I want to be paid what I'm worth. I also have literally no idea what to ask for in terms of vacation time/PTO/other benefits.
This will be my first time negotiating a salary and I just want to go into the interview prepared in case they ask me what I'd like to make.
Let me know if you need more info. I'd really appreciate any advice you can provide. Thanks! :)