Saturday, November 12, 2011

If you Want a Higher Salary - Read Here

By Sarah Williams


SALARY INFORMATION

You have managed to receive a meeting for your exciting new job ... the interview has gone well, and you've established an effective rapport with all the hiring managers ... only a few more minutes to go ... Uh oh! They just asked about salary expectations!

Thats usually where you're going to be glad that you simply did that research in advance. If you didn't, and aren't sure where to start, here are some ideas.

Researching Salaries

Whenever the salary is not really written in the job description, you need to evaluate what the job is worth. Sometimes you can be asked to provide your expectations within your cover letter, other times it's going to come up in an interview. But ideal idea is to be prepared about this question, mainly because it usually pops up.

Certainly no one magic figure when aiming to determine salary for a particular position. It all depends on size of the city, market conditions, the company, geographical locaion alongside your own skills and experience compared to other applicants. So how should you learn what a job is really worth? Try try using a combination of different ways to get as accurate a range as is possible. These can include:

check out similar advertised jobs which do state an income range research salaries about the, using career web-sites, professional association websites and search engines (we've provided some starting points towards the end within this article) - what is the demand for your skills? visit a local Human Resource Centre of Canada office speak to people in similar roles What direction to go when you are asked to produce salary expectations as part of your cover letter?

Many employers ask applicants to supply salary expectations inside their cover letter. This can often be done to screen out job seekers who expect a higher salary than the employer is willing to offer. Try to answer by using a neutral statement, emphasizing that the opportunity is the central consideration within your decision and you would take into account any reasonable offer. If necessary, provide a range of what you're prepared to accept as opposed to a set dollar amount.

Salary discussions during the interview

Never raise up salary during an interview. Always allow the employer bring it to the table. The same principles apply as above for resume cover letters. Having said that, attempt to postpone wage discussions until after an offer is made. Indicate that you'll be open for negotiation but decide to wait until after the hiring decision has been agreed upon. Again, if you think maybe that possibly they are really pushing on a specific figure, be sure to give a range, not a specific dollar amount and let them know it all depends on the entire package together with benefits.

Don't fret if salary is not discussed during the first interview. It likely will come in the next or at the very latest, once you get an offer! In fact, salary is frequently best left for discussion until after the employer has decided that they want to hire you. By this method, you minimize the chance of taking yourself out of the running.

When a deal is made - Negotiating Salary

Employers will often give you a salary amount when an offer is made. Take some time to consider it; a few days is often acceptable. Because they have decided they would like to hire you, you might be in a position to negotiate slightly. But you need to decide what you are willing to accept, taking into account the prospects of receiving other offers, etc. Take all factors under consideration when making your decision, such as the salary, level of responsibility, working conditions, opportunities for further education,, etc. Ask about extended health and dental insurance, education re-imbursement plans, vacation, etc.

Consider negotiating in some perks instead when the organization provides a rigid salary structure. Depending in the degree of the position and current economic conditions, consider asking about a signing bonus, paid professional development, access to a laptop for personal use and/or stock options. A flexible work schedule and working from home occasionally can also be possible. Note: in the event the economy is at a downturn, a number of these perks will not be available (eg. signing bonuses) so make use of your judgement and good sense when deciding just how much room you have to negotiate.

Many people are apprehensive (in other words, scared!) about negotiating for salary or benefits. You shouldn't be... it is quite common. But do be sure you remain professional about it! No matter what, do not be rude or arrogant. Think carefully about what makes you worth a better salary as opposed to one they have offered, and be prepared to articulate this towards the employer. It is during this time that you may be glad you did your research.




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