Jobs and Careers - Hilary Devey 2012 - (Page 52)

Knowing your oney is of course fundmental to your choice of job, but whether entering a new position, or looking for development in a current role, negotiating salary matters is no simple matter. Without forwardplanning and some solid knowledge and evidence under your belt, your dreams of a sky-high pay packet could soon be shot down in flames. worth NegotiatiNg your salary requires strategy Do you have a clear idea of your earning potential? comparisons for your local area to make sure you’re negotiating on a realistic wage”, he adds. As Alastair Dudley, of Career Development Consultants comments, it’s important to remember that you are probably wanted by the employer as much as you want the job. “Don’t accept the job there and then. By all means give a clear indication that you are very keen, however you’d appreciate 24 or 48 hours to think it over… having slept on it, you might find some more wriggle room!” pay scale.” You should also think about longevity in terms of your earning potential. If your employer is unwilling to meet your salary suggestion, see whether they will agree to an incremental increase in the near future (if you accept the role of course). As Alastair advises: “A tack that can be successful is to suggest an early reappraisal of your salary within three or six months.” This ensures that the salarynegotiation conversation is not closed permanently. M STARTING A New job? You’ve landed an interview, it goes well, and you’re offered the role. It seems the ideal situation, but if your employer hasn’t broached the topic of salary, or specified a figure from the bracket they originally set, it’s vital to discuss this – but where do you start? Before jumping in and demanding ‘x’ or ‘y’ salary, it’s crucial to do your research, says Kate Johnson, Career Coach, National Careers Service: “Establish the industry standard and what is reasonable and fair.” She also advises that applicants should avoid negotiations until they have been offered the job; a point of view shared by recruitment business Blue Arrow’s Jason Sinclair: “Applicants should confirm it’s a ‘firm offer’ of employment before going into salary negotiations and then ask for that offer in writing. “Ask when [the employer] would like a response to the job offer and salary. I advise my clients not to accept an offer on the spot as it could give the perception that you’re not a thoughtful person. Plus, stalling a reply gives you the needed time to think about the offer and carry out some salary Remember though: it’s important not to be too demanding if you are thinking of suggesting a higher figure, but equally aware that there is likely to be some leeway. As Alastair points out: “Most jobs will have been approved by somebody in Finance and another in HR and probably a few others before it comes to you. Many companies have pay scales and you can be fairly certain that the offered salary will have room to grow before it hits the top of the ASkING foR A pAyyour skills and experience RISe Growing in a job is essential for personal development, and seeing paralleled progression in your salary can often prove an important marker of not only your own achievement, but your employer’s investment in you as a valuable employee. But, understandably, broaching the topic of salary may fill you with apprehension in these economically hard times. Do not 052 www.jobsandcareersmag.com WORDS: Jessie Bland | PICTURES: Getty Images, Shutterstock http://www.jobsandcareersmag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Jobs and Careers - Hilary Devey 2012

Hilary's hello
News
The home office
Dress to impress
The woman at the top
Your guide to education
Intern success
What do you mean?
CV don’ts
The thrill of the search
Money matters
Moving on.
Let’s get medical
Medical know-how
Caring and sharing
A senior moment?
Keeping it clean
Going global
Funeral services
Home sweet home
Constructing a career
As good as new
Power on
Engineering heroes
Changing gear
A bright spark!
Water work
Bank on it
Insure your career
Nice supplies
Get creative!
Don’t sell yourself short
Food for thought
Hilary Devey Q&A
Get connected
Online round-up

Jobs and Careers - Hilary Devey 2012