Salary Negotiations

Salary Negotiations

By: Keisha White

It is necessary to be prepared to negotiate a salary at a job interview. Job seekers need to spend time researching salaries in their industry in order to successfully negotiate the maximum salary for the job offered.

Researching Salaries

Salary.com has a "salary wizard" that permits users to enter a job category and match it to a zip code. The wizard then generates a salary report with wage, bonus, and benefits information. If relocation is an option, spend some time researching what your current or potential salary is worth in a new location. Move.com has a "salary calculator" tool where users can enter a salary, then obtain a report on how much they will need to earn in a new location. The cost-of-living varies widely from city to city so be mindful of that. Therefore, it's important to know the power of your paycheck.

It's important to note that the employer is paying you for your skills and qualifications and for the job you will perform. With that in mind you will need to be able to support your negotiations with information on what the job is worth at a market rate with consideration of your salary history. They aren't going to be willing to pay you more just because you are you.

Be Tolerant

Now that you are armed with the facts, make sure to be patient. When interviewing for a new position it is important not to bring up compensation until the employer brings it up first or makes a job offer. Let the employer make the first move! If you are asked what your salary requirements are, say that they are flexible, based upon the position and the total compensation package including benefits. Another option is to tell the employer you'd like to know more about the job responsibilities before discussing salary. Another alternative is to give the employer a salary range based upon salary research you've completed. In this case, make sure to cite the research you have done.

It’s good to keep in mind that there may not be much flexibility when it comes to salary. If the employer has a budget or an established salary configuration, the best you might get is the top of the range for that certain position. In that case, don't limit yourself to salary alone. If the employer can't afford to pay more, ask about the possibility of salary reviews, extra vacation, or even a bonus based on performance.

Be Discreet

Be discreet; never let an employer know you need money. That may cause you to appear to be somewhat desperate. However, always be honest about your past salary history and other job offers that are on the table. Lies have a bizarre way of coming back to irk the person who didn't tell the legitimacy.

Once you've received the offer, plan on taking some time to think about it. There is no need to accept or reject it right away if you don’t have to. A simple "I need to think it over" may get you an increase in the original offer. It is important to fully know what your bottom line is for each position you apply for. If the salary isn't enough for you to live on be prepared to pass on the opportunity.

Stay Optimistic

Regardless of whatever stage of negotiations you may be in remember to remain positive, optimistic, and continue to reiterate your interest in the position. Let the employer know that the only issue is the salary and you are really ecstatic about the job and the company. Then, if the position does sound like the perfect job, consider whether the company culture, including the benefits and flexibility, as well as the job itself is worth it, regardless of the salary. If they are, it might just be worth accepting the opportunity and taking a chance hoping that the salary increases will follow.

Have questions regarding salary negotiations? Please contact Keisha White at keisha.white@antonllicollege.edu.

Job Fair "To Do's"

Job Fair “To Do’s”

By: Keisha White

Job fairs are becoming a more universal method of entry level recruiting and initial screening. For the corporate recruiter, they offer an opportunity to the highest possible number of prospects in the shortest feasible amount of time. For many students, job fairs provide a freebie opportunity to meet with a manifold of employers in the same day. Are you a job fair goer? If you are, consider some of the following ideas and strategies as you represent you and your brand at that next job fair event:

1. Make sure you always smile.

2. Walk confidently with good posture.

3. Shake hands firmly and confidently.

4. Maintain great eye contact.

5. Take a writing instrument with you.

6. Take a notepad for jotting down notes.

7. Take extra copies of your resume, references, business cards, etc.

8. Ask questions and show interest.

9. Initiate conversation and introduce yourself in a professional manner.

10. Say “good morning, good afternoon, hello, or hi'

11. Be pleasant and polite.

12. Act like you are happy to be there.

13. Refrain from saying "I am looking for a job and will take about anything."

14. Show gratitude and appreciation.

15. Follow-up when you say you will.

16. Show energy and enthusiasm, regardless of how long you have been out of work.

17. Make yourself memorable in a good way.

18. Practice your “elevator pitch” prior to arrival.

19. Treat fellow job seekers with respect.

20. Dress in professional attire.

21. Discover one new idea or one new bit of wisdom from the employers.

22. Network with at least one new person.

23. Take a moment to meet and greet workshop leaders.

24. Offer to help somebody with something.

25. Speak with confidence.

26. Share a job search tip with co-attendees.

27. And always, say thank you.

Have questions in regards to job fairs? Please contact Keisha White at keisha.white@antonellicollege.edu.

Job Hunting

Job Hunting

By: Keisha White

Every job interview is different and should be approached with the attitude of I am going to show them what I am worth. In essence, we have to become salesmen and women, showing the potential employer how high-quality we are and what we can do for them. We all have credentials for jobs that are out there and available right now. Why not look at what your good at and start from there?

The first impression you make is the most imperative one. With that being said, take a look at your resume. An unwritten rule is to keep it straightforward without leaving out essential details. Keep it to one page and always include a cover letter. You may want to do a couple different styles of resume as well. If you do this, make sure you have the same information on both. By doing this you can decide which to send out for different positions.

Do not be fearful to pat yourself on the back. Your prospective employer has never met you and knows nothing about you, other than what is on a piece of paper in front of them. Let them know what you are great at and compliments or awards you have obtained for your work. Being confident is different than being arrogant, so be careful not to overdo it.

During an interview you will have the ability to further explain your qualities that would be a great asset for this corporation. Keep in mind; you do not need to tell them everything you have done that, in your mind, is great. You do not want to come across as egotistical. Before the interview, pick out a few different things that you are good at and draw attention to those as key factors. Be professional without sounding too uptight. If this does not come naturally, practice it.

When preparing for an interview, it never hurts to have examples of your work handy. You may not need them, but take them, just in case the interviewer asks to see some examples of your work

One aspect in a person every employer looks for is a great work ethic. Be prepared to look them in the eye and tell them about yours. This shows the employer that you are self-assured in your work, mean what you say and that you are worth it!

Looking for work is usually an overwhelming duty. With all the competition, quantity generally must be coupled with value to reach a goal. Getting reliable direction saves your time searching for what can work in having to look at what doesn’t. By receiving solid help probably will enhance your chances in separating yourself from the opposition.

Have questions regarding finding a job? Please contact Keisha White at Keisha.white@antonellicollege.edu.

Appropriate Interview Attire Tips

By Keisha White

Career Services – Antonelli College Cincinnati

The first impression you make on a prospective employer is the most imperative one. The first opinion an interviewer makes is going to be based on how you look and what you are wearing. That's why it's always important to dress professionally for a job interview, even if the work environment is casual. What's the appropriate dress code for an interview you ask? You'll want that first impression to be not just a good one, but, a great one. The candidate dressed in a suit and tie is going to make a much better impression than the candidate dressed in scruffy jeans and a t-shirt.

Men's Interview Attire

Suit (solid color – navy, dark grey, or black)

Long sleeve shirt (white or coordinated with the suit)

Belt

Tie

Dark socks, conservative leather shoes

Little or no jewelry

Neat, professional hairstyle

Limit the aftershave

Neatly trimmed nails

Portfolio or briefcase

Women's Interview Attire

Suit (navy, black or dark grey)

The suit skirt should be long enough so you can sit down comfortably

Coordinated blouse

Conservative shoes

Limited jewelry (no dangling earrings or arms full of bracelets)

No jewelry is better than cheap jewelry

Professional hairstyle

Neutral pantyhose

Light make-up and perfume

Neatly manicured clean nails

Portfolio or briefcase

What Not to Wear on a Job Interview

Flip-flops or sneakers.

Underwear (bras, bra straps, briefs, boxers, etc.) that is visible. Don't wear any underwear that shows, even if your bra straps match your top.

Shorts.

Jeans.

Skirts that are too short.

Pants that are too low-rise or too tight.

Blouses that are too low-cut or too short - don't show your cleavage or your belly.

What Not to Bring to the Interview

Gum

Cell phone

Ipod

Coffee or soda

If you have lots of piercings, leave some of your rings at home (earrings only, is a good rule)

Cover tattoos

Interview Attire Tips

Before you even think about going on an interview, make sure you have appropriate interview attire and everything fits correctly. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to get your clothes ready the night before, so you don't have to spend time getting them ready on the day of the interview. If your clothes are dry clean only, take them to the cleaners after an interview, so they are ready for next time. Make sure to polish your shoes and bring a breath mint and use it before you enter the building.

Have questions regarding appropriate interview attire? Please contact Keisha White at keisha.white@antonellicollege.edu.