Showing posts with label Salary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Salary. Show all posts

1/29/13

Facing the Salary Question: A Buckler to the Double-Edged Sword

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Why You Should Not Put Up a Resume With Salary Requirements

To write or not to write, that is the question.

A resume with salary requirements is one hard document to swallow. If not digested properly by the prospective employer, you might end up looking like a dollar-hungry swagger. But if absorbed right, you will end up getting the compensation you believe you deserve. But the latter seldom happens.

The dilemma with the thing is that talking about money right away will cost you the risk of turning off a prospective employer and closing the door for negotiation. But if you really believe that the amount you'll put in the paper is really worth your services, then you have to make sure that you will spill your price modestly:

1. Do research

Before you name your rate, you have to check whether it falls near the average salary for the job. Surf the net and see if your range is almost the same for like employees in the area where you will hopefully be working at. Remember that the cost of living in cities is always bigger than those of rural areas. So, if you'll be working for a company that is far away from the metro, make sure that you consider the location before you set your digits

2. Don't put up a specific number.

Giving a range makes your employers more comfortable in negotiating about your compensation. If you write a specific amount, it will be a red flag for you. Even if you're a really good professional, putting up just one fixed price in your application paper will make you look stubborn and uncompromising; thus, blowing up your chance to get the approval of your hirers.

3. Mention it on a separate paper or on the cover letter instead of your resume

Another reason why resume with salary requirements is a no-no is because resumes are meant to reveal only your basic and professional information. It will be a bit off if you include your financial details just straight in your self-advertisement. Well, not unless you will be pricing yourself too low that your employer will want to hire you for economical reasons.

4. Talk with someone who is actually employed for the same job

The best way to see the scope of work and if you will actually be getting what you're paid for is to ask a friend who is doing the same job. The tasks you have to perform may vary depending on each company. If you compare the benefits package versus responsibilities with someone who makes a living from the job you're competing for, you will have a clearer understanding on the terms and circumstances that might affect your price.

5. On salary history

Your former compensation may or may not be included in the documents. If you will need it as a proof that you're not setting an amount too high for your worth, then it's a good practice to include it on a separate paper along with the justification on why you deserved such payment. And need say, you can't write it on your resume.

6. Assert your quality

Don't be caught up in a dirty game of employers who are just trying to find out who's the lowest bidder. No, the job market does not work that way. Bidding for a very low price and putting up a resume with low salary requirements is a desperate tactic. If you are a candidate of quality, you don't have to sell yourself short just to beat those who do. Instead, brandish your expertise and accountability.

Kate Ross-Myers works for a New-York based human resources magazine. She has a broad experience in preparing resource materials on hiring, recruitment, and training. Kate also speaks on forums and conventions on employee wellness and growth.

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1/17/13

Getting It Win-Win: A Handful of Salary Negotiation Tips

First of all, salary negotiation is a very uncomfortable process.

Everybody feels butterflies in their stomach whenever they approach their bosses for a small favor, so what more about approaching them for a salary raise? That's scary at the very least, for you don't want them to interpret it as greediness or selfishness.

Unfortunately though, most employees opt to hush about discontentment in their compensation, lest it will stain their immaculate image as a loyal and passionate staff member.

Right. But playing Mother Theresa won't get you anywhere, and neither will your company. If you're the type who doesn't need motivation to accomplish arduous corporate tasks, check your pulses. Maybe you aren't human. Only robots are willing to grind without due incentives, and companies knew how your productivity will be affected if you are not satisfied with your rewards.

Yes, asking for a raise is better than grumbling to your work cubicle and keeping sentiments to yourself. Get some grit to be vocal to your employer if you really believe that you deserve more, and let your reputation take care of itself. Moreover, you can spark an effective salary negotiation by heeding these tips:

1. The best time to name your price is when you just got hired.

If you are already an experienced professional, you could base from your current compensation, raise it to 5% or 10% if you think you are worth it. But if you're new in the industry, it is wiser to keep silent about your expected income. Practice saying a modest "I'm more interested in what I can learn from my first-hand work experience in this company, I'll consider any reasonable compensation."

2. Do your research

Rather than asking and comparing how much your relative or friends with the same job is making, refer to more accurate sources. Get an accurate range from a trustable information portal and see if you're getting it right.

3. Don't tell any personal reason for asking the raise

Present solid statistics instead. Reveal to your employer the information about industry averages and the demand for your job. Of course, name a credible source like a web site or files from other company. Never ever appeal to them by telling that you need the raise because of a sick family member, because asking for their pity will just ruin your professionalism.

4. Consider other alternatives

Be ready in case the company can't agree with your digits. Look for possible alternatives that may work for both of you. Prepare to settle for stock options, flexible time, allowance, and other benefits they may offer you.

5. Stay positive even if you got refused

Showing them your disappointment will only get you a bad rep. Instead of wasting your energy in sour-graping, ask them how you can improve to get the amount you're asking for. Spend extra time and effort for your job until they are convinced that you deserve the raise.

Lastly, be confident with yourself. If you believe you are entitled for more, then show them. Walk your talk during the salary negotiation so that they would see the significant company asset in you.

Here's the point: if you can't calculate how much your services are worth, then wait for others to underrate you.

Nelly Marshall is a seasoned career author with more than a decade producing career development materials for a large base of recruitment agencies in the U.S. Most of his leisure time is spent on sports and photography.

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2/9/11

Salary Negotiation Process Simplified

Most people don't prefer negotiating to get a higher salary, however, firstly you need to know your worth and you need to know what you want and then go after hunting for it. To do this successfully, you always need to be tactful and have your research done to the fullest. Before going for an interview however some tips that are given below, are to help you in get the information (and the salary) you need.

Do Your Research

there are many sites out there online with salary calculators that help you getting the salary ranges. Oftentimes, the job description might not exactly match what you'll be required to do in the new position. Try to gather a couple of different close job titles and their descriptions to make your work easy. Usually the salaries will be close.

Another good resource is to use your networking contacts to get you the information about the salary you deserve. You would have several people within your network having knowledge about the industry you are in and should be able to give you generalities on what you should expect or demand for a salary. If you do not find someone within your immediate network to help you with this, they may refer you someone who does have the knowledge. This way you can have a better understanding and know-how regarding the salary that you deserve according to your experience.

Items that are Negotiable

Never forget that everything in this world is negotiable. This is not only the salary issue, but also the vacation time, moving costs, medical, signing bonuses, and review time periods with salary raises.

While you don't want to be extra aggressive with your monetary requirements, use the research you've done to negotiate and justify a fair salary for yourself. Don't forget to do some more selling of yourself, bargaining and demonstrate to the employer what you'll be able to bring to the company if they fulfill your requirements.

If the company is unable to offer any more money because of departmental budgets that might exceed, they need to stay within, or move on to other items or benefits in your compensation package that would make you more satisfied. Try maybe getting a couple of more vacation days, medical facilities, or ask for a shorter monetary review period. Make sure to have benefits for yourself in case the company cannot offer you the salary that you deserve or maybe expect according to the work load.

Overall, there are a few things you need to remember. Be confident about what you want and don't feel obligated to accept the very first offer that is given to you. You should have an attitude of being bold rather than just saying yes to the very first offer that is given to you. And when you settle on your compensation package, make sure to get everything in writing. This makes sure that you are being professional as well as the company. It also helps to get rid of any further confusion from both the sides.

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