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When it’s Okay to Ask About Pay

By Job Journey on Friday, July 24, 2015

If the world were perfect, hunger would be eradicated, chocolate wouldn’t have calories, and you could go in to every job knowing exactly how much you’re going to get offered. Unfortunately, the world is not perfect. So, how do you find out a job’s salary when you’re in an interview?

Depending on the company, the salary range might be posted in the ad. However, these numbers are usually “commensurate to experience,” meaning companies want to evaluate candidates’ work history before offering a hard number. This is not uncommon. Don’t go into an interview expecting the exact number that is listed, because nine times out of 10 you won’t be offered that.

If the job description doesn’t include a salary range, you’ll want to research what a typical salary for that position might be before the interview. This will give you an idea of how much the employer might be willing to offer. There are several websites available out there that can help you accomplish this. What range you fall into is determined by your education and experience, the size of the company, as well as where you live. Pay for a job can vary widely depending on location. Companies want to make sure they are getting the most qualified individual and are willing to pay for that experience.

At some point in the hiring process, you might be asked about your salary expectations. If this happens in the early stages of the interview process, try to deflect. Show the people you are interviewing with that money isn’t your first priority—because when it comes down to it, you are working with people on projects. Focus on finding out more about the job itself, because there will be plenty of time to discuss dollars and cents down the road.

In general, it’s best to let the employer bring up salary. In many circles, it’s considered gauche to ask about salary upfront. Sure, you could work it in to the conversation, but you may risk putting them off in the process. According to experts, it’s best to wait for the potential employer to bring up the topic of salary—and it will be brought up. We all work to make money, so whenever the salary discussion comes up, figure out what salary you want, and then ask for a little more to allow room for compromise.

This is where your salary research will pay off—by having a competitive wage ready, you’ll not only feel prepared and confident, but they will appreciate that you did your research. If you aren’t comfortable with naming a number, use key words and phrases like the following:

“I’m very excited to work with you, and trust you will offer a fair and competitive salary.”
“I would like a salary comparable to my experience and value.”
“Money is important, but there are other topics that are relevant that we should discuss. Could we revisit this question later, after we discuss the company and the position more?”
“Until I know more about the position and benefits, it’s difficult to give you a hard number.”

If you can, avoid naming an exact figure. You might be short-changing yourself.

Remember, it isn’t just the salary that counts. There are other perks and benefits to working with an organization that should be considered—such as 401(k), insurance, vacation, and health benefits. Remember to get the big picture from whomever you’re interviewing with—it isn’t always about the salary.

Do you have any tips for asking about pay? If so, leave your tips in the comments below!

Career Advancement

Green Is In: How To Ask for a Raise

By Job Journey on Friday, September 19, 2014

The top fashion color for 2014 may still be Radiant Orchid according to Pantone, but green accessories are also in style this fall, especially the kind that fill up your wallet or purse. And with the start of the fourth quarter and end of the year drawing near, now could be a good time to consider asking for a raise. This can undoubtedly be an intimidating task, so here are three steps to prepare you for taking the next step.

1. Consider the timing.
Timing is everything, particularly when it comes to asking for a salary increase. So, think about if right now is the optimum time to discuss the subject of a raise with your boss. Take into consideration the economy, how well the company is doing, if there have been signs of budget cuts or increases lately, and when compensation adjustments are usually done. On the other hand, if your employer does performance reviews at the end of the year, right now could be the perfect time to bring up the possibility of a raise. Often, employers have already budgeted for pay increases prior to employee reviews.

2. Do your homework.
If the timing seems right, then you need to do your homework so you’re prepared to logically and persuasively make your request. If you’re asking for a pay increase, there needs to be a good reason for it. Simply showing up every day and doing what’s expected of you isn’t enough. You must be able to prove that you’ve exceeded expectations, reached and gone past your performance goals, or provided tremendous value to the company. Keeping a running list of your accomplishments and praises from others will help ensure you don’t forget anything important. Your list should also include legitimate numbers that place a quantitative value on your work.

3. Second-guess yourself.
Once you think the time is right and you’ve gathered all the pertinent information, stop and second-guess yourself. Consider if your work performance and accomplishments truly merit a pay increase. Can you numerically show how your work has positively impacted your employer’s profits? If the answer is yes, then think about your attitude. Are you entering this process with a humble, thankful spirit or with an attitude of arrogance and entitlement? Even if you truly have earned a salary increase, your attitude and how you handle conversation with your boss could be the deciding factor in you seeing a higher number on your next paystub.

Everyone wants a raise, but most people don’t want to have the uncomfortable conversation about it with their managers. After all, it can be scary and intimidating to ask your boss for more money. If you properly prepare for it, though, asking for a raise can be a positive experience.

Do you have other tips for successfully asking for a salary increase? How have you secured raises in the past? Share your experiences of asking for pay raises in the comments section below.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

Job Interviews The Job Search

Negotiate in an Interview Like Jack Donaghy

By Jared Cole on Friday, January 25, 2013

From the moment you contact a potential employer, negotiations have begun. How do you go about asking for what you think you deserve when an employer makes the final decision on offering you a job?

Fear not, there’s one business executive from the critically acclaimed TV show “30 Rock” named Jack Donaghy, played by actor Alec Baldwin, who can help shed some light on negotiating during an interview. Jack’s favorite time of the year is when contracts expire so he can play the negotiation game with his employees. Here’s what you can learn about negotiation from NBC’s favorite executive.

“In poker as in business, the key to success is to determine your opponent’s strengths and, more importantly, his weaknesses.”
Jack was able to gain the upper hand in a game of poker because he was able to identify his opponents’ “tells,” indicating they were lying. He carefully studied each and every person before so he could know when to play his hand.

Just because a potential employer is paying close attention to your resume during an interview doesn’t mean you can’t dissect their resume as well. Do some thorough investigating on your potential employer that could include other job postings to get an idea of salary ranges, marketing materials to find out how they stand out from the competition, and any annual reports on the financial health and longevity of the employer.

As G.I. Joe would say, “Knowing is half the battle.” The more you know, the better you will be at judging whether or not your demands are realistic, reasonable, and can provide value to the potential employer.

“I am confident, open, and positive. You are negative, pessimistic, and in danger of becoming permanently sour.”
Throughout “30 Rock,” Jack Donaghy works tirelessly on his appearance with peers and superiors. In reality, he focuses on appearance to a fault. While you shouldn’t repeat Jack’s cutthroat tactics to gain favor with powerful executives, you do need to provide a positive, professional, and enthusiastic manner when interviewing.

The key is to get potential employers to buy into what you can do for them and what you bring to the table so they offer you a job. Once you are given the job offer, then it’s your chance to start negotiating. Employers want to hire someone who wants to work for them, not someone who is only looking for a paycheck or benefits. Put on your Jack Donaghy charm and make them fall in love with you first.

“Now you know how Bin Laden felt at this same point in his career, Mr. Speaker.”
While Jack finds joy in “winning” negotiations by coming out with the better deal, there is one tactic he uses that makes all parties in a negotiation happy– focus on their interests instead of their positions. Just like Jack had conflicting interests with a U.S. Speaker or didn’t want to pay his babysitter the same amount after switching to just nights, he often looks to understand why they want it.

When negotiating with potential employers, it’s always more effective to tell them why you think you deserve a higher salary instead of just asking for it. They may have policies in place you weren’t aware of or they might be willing to make other special arrangements that will meet your specific needs. If both of you know why there is a need, both of you can better find ways of meeting that need instead of just demanding what one side thinks it needs.

We all have needs. Even though the economy still isn’t in the best shape, you can still request to get compensated for what you can bring to an employer. Jack Donaghy knows what he wants and goes for it. As a job seeker, you should to.

At Work Salary and Promotions

Infographic: Do You Live Paycheck to Paycheck?

By Jared Cole on Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Living paycheck to paycheck has been the norm for many in the past few years, especially those entering the workplace for the first time. Now that the economy is recovering, are workers still more focused on keeping the lights on and water running or are they looking to save and invest in their retirement?

Take a look at this infographic from CareerBuilder that sheds some light on how Americans are saving for the future, compared to three years ago.

At Work Career Options Reader Surveys The Job Search

Will 2010 Be the Return of the Job Hop?

By tiffany monhollon on Monday, January 4, 2010

Throughout much of 2009, the career world was marked by unrelentingly high unemployment rates, continued layoffs, and negative job reports. Employees everywhere were focused on keeping the job they had – no matter how good or bad, and making the best of whatever situation they found themselves in. At the end of December 2008, job value was so high that 71% of nearly 1,500 readers said they’d take a paycut to save their job.

This year, as the economy shows continued signs of recovery and the job market begins to turn around, low employee engagement is more than just an anecdote to stir up the boardroom. It’s a reality that employers should already be taking into consideration, because it means that as soon as jobs start to open up, turnover costs may begin to soar.

In fact, our latest monthly poll showed that people are already thinking about greener pastures. We asked our readers if they’d consider job hopping for the right opportunity in 2010. A total of 817 people responded, with an overwhelming 82% saying yes, they’d job hop this year.

It’s true that you don’t have to job hop to improve your career, especially in normal circumstances. And, some people felt they were now actually better off career-wise than they were before the recession.

But, it’s also apparent that employment uncertainty from the past year or two has created the perfect storm for job hopping when the job market opens back up. Employers will increase recruiting seasoned professionals to build back diminished workforce numbers and add expertise, and employed professionals may move from a passive job search into an aggressive pattern, seeking to increase salary, gain responsibility, or simply have a change of pace. And all of this will only work to increase the competition in an already competitive job market.

So, keep your eye out on this trend in 2010, and share your thoughts about job hopping, the 2010 job market, and employee engagement with us in the comments section.

Job Interviews Resumes and Cover Letters Salary and Promotions The Daily Grind The Job Search

12 Tips to Update Your Cash Savings Plan and Gain Peace of Mind

By Miranda Wilson on Wednesday, August 19, 2009

In these current economic times, it seems that everyone is looking for new ways to make a little extra money and save what they already have. Does this sound like you? Having money in the bank for an emergency is important, but having money stashed away in case of a layoff is equally important.

With bills to pay and things you want to buy, saving might be something you tend to push to the back burner. Or maybe you don’t know where to start when it comes to saving and you just feel overwhelmed. But, there is good news! Saving doesn’t have to be difficult or a burden. To help you develop or re-develop your own savings plan, here are 12 easy tips you can start using today to help build your emergency fund and feel good about your finances.

Rent or borrow movies from friends instead of going out to the movies.
Cook at home and take your lunch to work rather than eating out.
Limit yourself to only going to the mall once a month.
Limit how many purchases you make with your credit cards.
Give yourself a “pocket money” limit. Put your cash and loose change in an envelope and use it only for items you want but don’t really need. When that money is gone, you will have to wait until next month’s budget to make additional purchases.
Make shopping lists and stick to them.
Wait 30 days before making a big dollar purchase to think it over and make sure you really need the item.
Go to the library to check out books, DVDs, and CDs.
Make gifts for others on birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
Turn off lights and unplug electronics when you leave a room to help lower your electricity bill.
Carpool to work.
Cancel expensive gym memberships if you aren’t going frequently.

These are just a few examples of ways you can cut spending costs. You should also open up a savings account at your bank and deposit the money you’re saving in there. With your money in the bank, it will gain interest each month, helping you save more in a shorter amount of time.

Developing and sticking to a savings plan may take a little time, but it is something that you can definitely do. Start using these tips today and see how much money you can save in one month. Happy saving!

What do you think? Let us know some other tips that we can add to this savings list. We look forward to hearing from you.