Daily Leap Career Video of the Week: 3 Tips to Negotiate Your Salary

Each week we present our Daily Leap Career Video of the Week. The video we share presents news or advice related to career and life development, searching for a job, the economy and employment, and other career-related topics.

The video below from Fast Company discusses how you can negotiate a better salary, starting with doing your homework and understanding your worth. Check out the video to learn more.

4 Ways to Prepare to Ask for a Raise

Asking for a raise can be an intimidating prospect but can be made easier if you are prepared for the conversation

It is likely your manager recognizes your value to the team and the company, but you’ll want to be fully equipped to make your case by thinking through the following questions and issues about your position, your company, and the field you work in.

Understand the market. How are you paid relative to other top performers? You’ll want to do your research about salaries in your field and in your company. Check out a resource such as glassdoor.com or salary.com for this information, along with looking over information on your company’s Human Resources site. When comparing salaries in your field be sure to also look for salary ranges within your region. Salaries can range widely depending on location, with salaries likely higher on the coasts than in the Midwest.

Understand the status of your company. Is your company losing money? Did it meet its financial goals for the year? If it’s a down year for your company your chances for that raise might be diminished. On the other hand, this might also be a time the company is concerned about losing its best performers. You’ll want to come to any discussion about your salary with knowledge about the performance of your company and where you fit it and how you make a difference.

Collect the data regarding how you’ve exceeded goals. Be clear about your performance over the last year or months and be able to demonstrate with facts the success you’ve had and how you’ve contributed to bringing profit to your company. Did you exceed sales goals by 150%? Did you bring to market five new products when your goal was three? Understand this data and then turn it in to a clear demonstration of the financial benefit you brought to the company by exceeding your goals.

Understand your unique value proposition. Get clear about what you bring to the company that is uniquely you. What strengths and skills do you bring to the company that would be difficult to replace? How do your abilities make you irreplaceable to your company? Understand this and learn how to communicate it clearly and effectively.

 Develop an articulate defense and you’ll not only be primed for that raise, but you might also be ready for a guest turn as a television attorney on a prime-time legal drama!

High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup: 35 Things You Need to Give Up to Be Successful

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share them so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!

• 35 Things You Need to Give Up to Be Successful: "Just as we deceive ourselves into believing something will make us happier than it will, we also deceive ourselves into believing something will be harder than it will."

• How to Start Your Mornings Right: "The key is to identify habits that resonate with you. Be playful and try different things until you find a groove that works. If the effects wear off or you get bored, switch it up with abandon."

• 6 Things Great Mentors Do Differently: "But it's the mentors who follow through with actual action that stand apart from those willing to offer advice alone."

• The 5-Step Guide to Funding Your Small Business: "Whether you’re a millennial making your first foray into business, or a seasoned entrepreneur looking for a fresh start, here’s five steps to raise the funds you need to launch your venture."
• 8 Crucial Steps to Negotiate a Higher Salary: "If you can explain why a salary bump for you will also benefit the company, you’re setting yourself up for a successful negotiation."

High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup: 10 Ways to Be a Better Employee in 2017

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share them so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!

• 10 Ways to Be a Better Employee in 2017: "emotional intelligence ...will be one of the top 10 job skills by 2020 because people with high EQ handle pressure well, know how to cooperate with others, are open to feedback, and empathetic."

• 5 Simple Resolutions That Will Make You Smarter, Happier, and More Confident: "Just imagine telling a colleague you’re becoming a calmer and more focused person through studying the ancient fighting style of Russian warriors."

• 3 Things Successful People Do On the Daily: "with a morning routine, you have control over how your day begins. This is really important because research ... shows that your mood in the morning affects your productivity all day."

• Are You Giving Off Signs You're a Desperate Job Seeker: "You'll know that you are sending out signals of desperation when you find yourself doing these five things."
• 3 Reasons to Never Skip Salary Negotiations When Accepting a New Job: "It sounds counterintuitive, but you're in a better position to ask for more money now, before you're in the job, than you are after you're hired."

High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup: 10 Ways to Improve Your Morning Routine

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share them so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!

© Bellemedia | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos

• 10 Ways to Improve Your Morning Routine: "Saying a positive affirmation -- even something simple like, “I can take on this day” -- or making a list of three things you’re thankful for each morning will have you beginning each day on a high note and setting the tone for whatever follows."


• Identifying the Skills that Can Help You Change Careers: "Consult with people who have already transitioned from your industry to a different career. Discuss what core skills you might be overlooking and how they could apply outside. The range of potential applications is probably broader than you think."


• 4 Tips to Make You a Better Negotiator: "Ask yourself what the Maximum you’re seeking is, the OK you’ll accept without pushing for more, and the Minimum you’re willing to take if you can’t get it."


• 6 Tips to Be a More Confident Speaker: "Just bring an iPad and set it up the next time you speak to a group.... Nothing replaces a video of you in action because how we think we show up isn’t always the way others see it."


• 5 Things You Should Never Do While Waiting to Hear Back About a Job: "(S)ometimes a job candidate, eager to move the process along and get a decision, will make up an offer, hoping that it'll push the employer to move faster. This is a dangerous move."

High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share these every weekend so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!

© Bellemedia | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos

• 7 Quiet Career Truths That Speak Volumes: "The answer won’t always be there and it won’t be black and white – Sometimes in your career, you will find that you don’t have the answer you are looking for."

• How to Bring Up Salary on a Job Interview: "The more you stand for yourself in the job search process, the more employers will respect and value you."                                                      
• Put the Kibosh on Your Procrastinating Ways: "Disorganization is one of the top causes of procrastination, so eliminate this excuse by cleaning your desk or your computer files at least once a month."


• The Workplace Toolkit--5 Essentials You Need to Succeed: "In our attention-challenged society, you can make an impression at work by being someone who practices discipline. Can you tune out the noise of the many office distractions to stay focused on what matters the most in your job?"


• Want to Know What Really Makes You Happy? Try Tracking It: "Throughout our careers and lives, the big decisions we have to make usually lead back to a single, overriding concern: What really makes me happy?" 

Daily Leap Career Video of the Week: How to Negotiate a Salary

Each week we present our Daily Leap Career Video of the Week. The video we share presents news or advice related to career development, searching for a job, the economy and employment, and other career-related topics.

In this video you'll gain valuable tips to negotiate a salary:

Should You Negotiate Salary - Even in a Tough Job Search Market?

I admit that until just recently my answer to this question would have been a resounding "yes." I have always taught job seekers that if you don't negotiate salary when an offer is made then you are leaving money on the table. However, the job market has been challenging the last few years, to say the least, and my answer has changed from "always" to "most of the time."

For those of you that follow me on this blog, you know I have been in an interview process for a part-time teaching job recently. I received a job offer last week and was faced with this very question - to negotiate or not. Let's examine the reasons whether or not to negotiate that I considered when making this decision.

When to Negotiate
A recent article on www.salary.com suggested that around 80% of organizations expect salary negotiations to occur and they leave themselves some wiggle room in the initial offer. A counter-offer that is based in research and backed up with concrete facts and demonstrates the value you offer to the company is most always well-received. Here are some situations when you should take advantage of salary negotiations:

• If you have conducted your research into the going rates and the offer you received is well below the market standard, then you may have a case for asking for higher compensation. 
• If you can demonstrate measurable ways that you can benefit the company (i.e. increased sales, improved profits, or reduced safety violations) you can show why you deserve more salary.
• Companies often offer a salary range at which they are willing to hire you in the interview process. If you have more than 5 years of experience, but you are offered a position at the lower end of the scale, you should consider negotiating salary. Once again, discuss the experience and value you offer.
• Consider negotiating more than just salary. Think about education reimbursements, benefits, car or travel allowances, and additional paid vacation when negotiating.

When Not to Negotiate
I recently read an article where the hiring manager stated that she would rescind an offer if the person seemed to be negotiating salary without sufficient justification, proof of their value or worth, and with no evidence of how they could add value to her organization. In other words, don't just automatically negotiate salary; always conduct your research and see if you have a valid point.

If the company provides you with a range of salary in the interview, they usually ask you if that range is acceptable to you. If you say yes, and they offer you the high end of that range, it will be thought of negatively if you try to negotiate a higher salary. Once again, conducting research before you even begin the interview is very important. This way you are prepared to gauge whether or not the company's salary range is in line with industry standards and can raise the issue early in the process.

High Five Weekly Career Transitions Roundup

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share these every weekend so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!


1. Why I Like People with Unconventional Resumes
"Disruptive moves can also tell you a lot about potential because they show a candidate's curiosity, insight, inspiration and determination, which in turn indicate a search for learning and challenge."


2. How Hard Are You Willing to Push Yourself?
"The unavoidable truth is that the willingness to endure discomfort and sacrifice instant gratification is the only way to get better at anything, and to achieve true excellence."


3. 8 Reasons You're Not Earning the Salary You Want
"Ultimately, if you don't like your salary, talk to your boss about what you would need to accomplish to earn a raise."

4. Why Women's Networking Groups Fail
"Where too many focus on the strength of numbers, the real sign of a healthy—and helpful—professional networking group is who’s there and how they communicate."


5. 3 Reasons Your Resume Brands You As A Commodity
"So, how did we end up branding ourselves as sheep…describing ourselves just like everyone else?We’ve been taught to describe ourselves this way…and it’s been reinforced so often that it just seems
'right'."

Negotiating is a Business Matter

One of the challenges to negotiating a raise or salary for a new job is approaching it strictly as a business transaction.   In some cases, emotions come into play out of concern for jeopardizing an existing professional relationship or job opportunity, or simply out of a fear of being denied.   Although the emotional side is understandable, the fact is, you need to be your own career advocate and sell your value.     


The first questions to ask yourself:  Do you believe in and have you identified the value you bring to a particular job and employer?   If you’re not confident or aware of this value, then you certainly can’t sell it to an employer.  To help identify your value, list your professional accomplishments, and if at all possible, quantify these by identifying related cost savings, increased revenue, increased efficiency, or other quantifiable measures.  If you haven’t done so recently, be sure to research current salary information for your particular occupation and industry to determine a salary figure that is realistic and reasonable for your field.   

Before you present a salary request, factor in your experience, skills, and education, plus any information you may have about the employer and the employer’s salary structure.  Make sure to have an acceptable salary range in mind, including the minimum you consider acceptable.  It may also be a good idea to pad the salary number you propose, even upwards of 15 percent, to allow room to negotiate.   A salary request should always be presented professionally and in a non-confrontational manner.  Regardless of whether the employer accepts your request, you should respond respectfully.  In cases where you are turned down for a raise by a current employer, ask for feedback on the employer’s decision and whether you can take steps to increase your earning potential in the future.  For job opportunities with a new employer, ask about future opportunities for increasing your income, such as merit increases, bonuses, or commissions.  


Lastly, don’t be afraid to be creative; consider negotiating benefits like vacation time or a flexible schedule. 

Tips for Requesting a Raise During a Recession

Most people who are employed right now are simply thankful to have that job. Asking for a pay raise is most likely the last thing on their mind. However, if you don't ask for a raise, you will almost certainly not get one. You need to find a balance between being sensitive to the company's financial state and asking to be compensated for your value. Here are some strategies you can employ when asking for a raise - no matter the state of the economy.

Assess your worth
Conduct some initial research that identifies what someone in your geographic location, with your education and experience levels, and in your industry should be making. Use sites such as www.salary.com and www.glassdoor.com to conduct this research. If you discover in your research that you are earning below industry standard wages, then you should proceed with the process. If not, go back to being thankful for your job and prepare yourself to make a case during your next annual review.

List your achievements
Remember when you wrote your resume and you documented measurable accomplishments for each position? This step is very similar. Evaluate the key contributions you have made to the company. Whenever possible, quantify the value in percentages or dollars that these achievements have brought the company.

Identify the specialized skills you bring to the table. Are you fulfilling multiple roles that would require you to be replaced by multiple individuals? Is there room to propose a promotion within the organization because of the way you have performed? Do you have any customer, client, peer, or supervisor compliments that relate to your performance? If you are having trouble answering these questions and gathering evidentiary data of why you deserve a raise, you will have a very difficult time making a case for that raise.

Make your case
When you get the opportunity to speak with your supervisor to request a raise, you must tread carefully. You do not want to come across as though you are threatening to leave, and you don't want to appear pushy or angry. When asking for a raise, do not make it personal. Your boss does not want to hear about your personal financial struggles. You are simply there to present the facts (backed with data) of the value you bring versus the compensation you are receiving.

Be ready for the fact that your boss may acknowledge the validity of your claim, but be unable to meet your requests at the current time. This is a good opportunity to negotiate for other reimbursements such as an upgrade in title or responsibilities (which should come with a raise), increased vacation time, or even a written agreement to increase your salary at a time that you can both agree to.

Navigating the Salary Discussion as a Newbie

Lately, I've come across the question many post grads face when entering the working world: what compensation are you looking to obtain?

For most jobs, they ask you what you'd like to make on your application or in your interview. For others, such as those doing freelance work like myself, companies ask what you charge for your services. This can be a very tricky subject. What do you say to get the job? You don't want to sell yourself short or offer a low amount when they were thinking of paying you much higher. Yet you also don't want to suggest a number out of the company's reach or a number that is too high for the job you're looking to get in this tough economy.

Here are some tips on navigating the salary discussion:

1. Do your research. Research the current salary and rates for the job you want and the job field you're getting into. Come prepared to give a range that you feel confident with.

2. Keep a few things in mind. Does this job include health benefits, vacation days, and other benefits? If so, you may find you're willing to take a lower salary if it involves getting great benefits. Also find out if there are opportunities for raises. Most post grads start at a base salary but if you work hard you'll eventually be able to make much more.

3. Try to the get potential employer to give you a number first. When asked what my rate is, I often ask them first what they generally pay similar employees or what number they were thinking of before I offer a range of numbers.

4. Depending on the job, keep other things in mind. If you're looking to get into freelance or contract work, you may want to raise the rate you were thinking because you will have to pay your own taxes, health benefits, etc. You can mention this to a potential employer if they think the rate is too high.

5. Other questions to keep in mind when discussing compensation:

* What are the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position?
* How does your organization structure its pay system, personnel policies, and promotion as well as dispense rewards?
* Is performance important for compensation increases and promotions or is seniority the key factor?
* What is the salary range for this position?
* How much would someone with my qualifications and experience receive in this position?

Discussing salary when looking for jobs is always a nerve-wracking and tricky subject, but if you do your research and act confident you can get the pay you deserve!

*Got some information (the other questions to keep in mind) from: http://www.aftercollege.com/content/career_resources/e/salary_negotiation_guide/

Ways to Boost your Salary Negotiating Ability

Salary negotiations can be a very intimidating and daunting prospect. You are naturally at odds with your potential employer. On one hand, you want to land the job, become an employee, and be paid what you feel you are worth. On the other side, the employer wants to pay you as little as they can to optimize their profit. You must learn the delicate balance of not selling yourself short and leaving money on the table while not pricing yourself right out of their range.

Do your Research and Be Prepared
You never want to be caught off-guard by the salary question. Some employers are asking your ideas on salary when they call for an interview. Use the O*NET and Salary.com to gain expert guidance as to the appropriate salary range for the position in your city. Do the math and determine in advance your minimum acceptable salary.

If forced to provide a number, quote from your research and provide a wide range. However, after stating a salary range, always ask “How does that compare with what you are paying?” You want to know right away if you are out of their price range – then you have a decision to make about whether or not to move forward.

Let the Employer Bring up the Money Subject
Attempt to avoid stating salary expectations during the pre-screening and interview process. If asked about your salary requirements, ask the employer “What do you think someone with my (insert your number) years of project management experience should make in your company?”

Always let the employer bring up the issue of salary. The rule of the game is the person who names a number first loses. You want to be discussing salary when they are making you a job offer. At this point they have chosen you and will be more apt to negotiate to land their candidate of choice.

Negotiate Creatively
Remember, annual salary is not the only area that is negotiable. If an employer says there is no wiggle room in the salary you are offered, you can negotiate an automobile allowance, free benefits, a signing bonus, or a guaranteed 90-day salary review. You never know what you may receive until you ask. Your new employer certainly is not going to pay you more money unless you are willing to ask for and negotiate for higher wages.

Military Transition Salary Negotiation Tips

In the military, pay rates are consistent among all members of your branch of the military who are at your rank. Salary and benefits are determined by Congress and there is no negotiating.

In the civilian workforce, it is a whole new world of opportunity. Keep in mind your negotiation and subsequent salary will set the tone for the rest of your civilian career. Therefore, you must be prepared. Following are some salary negotiation tips that apply to your military transition.

Do your research.
The first step to success is research. When you are asked the salary question, you not only want to have an answer, but you should have proof in-hand. The rule of thumb in salary negotiation is the first person who names a number loses. When you are asked to name the salary you are seeking, it is best to offer a range and cite a source. Use websites such as http://www.salary.com/ and http://www.payscale.com/ to prepare for salary negotiations.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate.
You should always negotiate salary. If you don’t, there is a good chance you are leaving money on the table. Make it a rule to never accept the first number an employer offers. You never know what you can get unless you ask – they are not going to spontaneously offer to pay you more. Define the benefits you bring the employer and demonstrate your value throughout the interview.

Don’t sell yourself short.
Transitioning out of the military can be a very daunting challenge. I meet former service members who take the first job they are offered, without attempting to negotiate salary. This is usually done out of fear or desperation. Be proud of your military experience, determine what you have to offer an employer, and market these benefits accordingly.

Don’t broadcast retirement.
If you are retiring from the military, consider keeping this fact quiet. Employers may offer a retiree less in salary because they know you receive a military pension. My goal for all military members is that you be able to bank your retirement funds – that you earned serving our country – and replace or exceed your military salary.

Take other factors into consideration.
Your annual salary is just one part of your compensation package. If you and your potential employer are not able to agree on a salary, there are other options to consider. If you are retiring, you don’t need your new employer to pay for health care benefits. Negotiate additional compensation based on these savings. Other considerations are 90-day salary reviews, car allowances, or signing bonuses. No matter what you agree to with your new employer, always get everything in writing.

Retirement is a Four-letter Word in the Military Transition Job Search

You are proud of the fact that you served your country for 20 or more years, as well you should be. However, this is not something that you should broadcast when making the transition from your military career. The negative effects of using the word “retired” in your job search can be detrimental to the success of your transition.

The “retirement” stigma.When we hear the word retired, many images come forth. They bring to mind that the person is done with their career, that they are ready to play golf, or travel the country in a motor home. They indicate that the person is “retirement age” – even though many military retirees are only in their forties. This perception may cause involuntary age discrimination. Age discrimination can be based on fear of the candidate’s lack of energy, unwillingness to learn new skills and technology, or that they are so advanced in their career that they may demand a higher salary.

A perceived lack of flexibility.There may be a perceived lack of flexibility for military retiree. If an employer hears that the service member has only known military life, they may doubt their ability to make a smooth transition. You must demonstrate that you are embracing the civilian work environment and prove your adaptability. In addition to avoiding the word “retired”, this can be achieved by translating your military skills to civilian language, avoiding acronyms and military terms, and transitioning to the civilian method of stating dates and time.

Salary negotiation considerations.Another consideration is the fact that when you retire from the military, you receive a pension. If an employer knows that you are already receiving a healthy pension check, they may be more likely to offer you a lower salary. Don’t bring up the fact that you are retiring, and this will not become an issue in the salary negotiation process.

Don’t subject yourself to these red flags and stigmas. Instead of calling yourself retired from the military, mention that you enjoyed a successful career in your particular branch of the military.