Monday, November 8, 2010

SEVEN WAYS 2 UR SALARY RAISE


1. No questions, please.
Never close with a salary question. Most interviewers will conclude their battery of questions by asking if you have any. "The worst thing you can do is ask a question about salary. It shows you don't have anything else to say about yourself and your qualifications."

2. Just the facts.
Postpone salary discussions until you have all the facts. If you're asked how much you expect to earn, don't give your range immediately. Yate suggests candidates should say they need to understand more about the job before discussing pay. Ask further questions about the job requirements to gain clarity.

3. Stay forward focused.
Don't let your current pay determine your future salary. No two jobs are the same; therefore, Yate says, your current earnings should bear no relation to your starting salary at the new job. Point out how this job is different, then say something like, "I'm changing jobs, so obviously I want to make more. Make me a fair offer to match my skills and experience within the salary range. By the way, what is the salary range for this job?"

4. Be truthful.
Don't lie about your current salary. "Lying about earnings is reason for dismissal with cause," Yate cautions. "When you're asked to fill out an application form, you're granting them permission under the 1970 Fair Credit Reporting Act to check your employment history. Even if they don't always check, when they do, they're looking to verify dates of employment and salary."
5. Make 'em sweat.
Leverage another offer. "If you have a valid offer from a competitor, you can use this to get back in for a second interview. Tell the interviewer that you really want to work for them, but just received a serious offer from XYZ company (the competitor) and would hate to make the wrong decision if they were considering you for the position," Yate advises.

6. Practice restraint.
Don't take the first offer. Most companies also have salary ranges and some leeway in what they can pay. Unless the amount is beyond your wildest dreams, consider giving the employer the opportunity to dig a little deeper. "This is a crucial point where you have the upper hand," Yate says. "They want you but don't yet have you; you want to get as much as possible and this is your one chance to do so."

7. Leave the door open.
What if you really want a job, but the employer makes you a lowball offer? Yate says: "Don't turn it down; ask for a few days to think about it. Let them know that you are very interested, but wonder if they could do anything about the salary. Then call to see if there has been any change, or if they were able to do anything about the money before you give them your final answer."

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