Salary is a screening tool, which you many not be able to avoid up font. With so much high quality talent on the market today it may be necessary to consider taking less than you were making in your previous job. Today employeers know that they can pay less so determine ahead of time what your own lowest number or salary range will be. If you are out of the range your resume will be discarded. Research the current salaries by location for your industry and job catagory, http://www.salary.com . I know of people who have in fact improved both salary and benefits in their new jobs so, don’t resign your self to less too quickly.

What is the salary range? For every job there is a salary range. Ask what it is. If your previous pay is near the top end of the range you will have no place to go unless you can qualify for the next level job. Find out what that next job might be and the prospects for being promoted if you do an outstanding job in this one.

The hiring managers can influence where in a salary range you will be put. During your interviews get as clear a picture of the current problems and opportunities, responsibilities and authority level for the job as possible. You want to ascertain how quickly you feel you can make a highly visible and valuable contribution to the organizations goals. In other words, you need enough information to be able to make a convincing argument for why you should be paid the salary you are seeking.

The first offer is seldom the best offer so be prepared to negotiate. Could there be a compressed performance/salary review time, say at six months instead of a year? Ask what is the usual or allowed percentage for raises? Is a sign on bonus possible? Keep in mind that the bonus will be taxed so, if a sign on bonus is possible, can it be rounded up so you get a specific amount after taxes?

Performance Bonus? Depending on the level and kind of job you are seeking, do you believe that you can make a measurable bottom line difference (money saved or earned) on which you could be given a bonus? If so, how will that be measures and over what in the situation will you have direct control?
See “Write Your Own Report Card” and “Proving Your Value to Clients and Your Boss” under articles on my website.

Training. If you are in a high technology field, staying currant on the latest developments in your area of expertise may be critical. Ask what kind of budget is allocated to individual on-going training, including trade publications, seminars and conventions? This is worth money even if it is not in your pay check and you don't have to pay taxes on it.

Tele-Commuting. Today many companies are saving money by having employees work from home part or all of the time. If this is a desirable option for you, will the company provide the computer and software, a fax and extra phone lines, DSL etc.? if you are in sales will the company pay for cell phone costs?

Are there other benefits, such as a car, offered that could make up for somewhat less in salary? For many people today a short commute, flextime, more paid or unpaid vacation time can be worth some difference in salary.

Relocation coats. Although, almost non existant today, for the right candidate, relocation packages, swing loans and buy-outs for unsold homes may still occasionally be available but don't count on it.

Before you make a decision consider all the aspects of the benefits and compensation package as part of your salary discussion and be prepared to negotiate.

Are You or a Friend Looking for a Job?

I can help you craft a resume and develop interview strategies that will make YOU stand out from the crowd!

Ruth, a financial executive, with a Masters in Accounting, a CPA, had been looking for a job for seven months. When she called, she said, “I just can’t seem to get past the gatekeepers.” I helped Ruth refocus and power up her resume. Together we created a networking strategy and 90 second personal commercial. Within 45 days Ruth had five interviews and two highly desirable job offers.

If you want to power up your resume, job search and interview skills, give me a call at 281-293-8864 or email me: joan@bolmer.com