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Jobs Going Overseas – Make yourself more valuable in your employer’s eyes

Salary: What are you worth

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Looking at a resume from a human resources point of view

The importance of keywords in a resume

The Salary Game: What Are You Worth?

You are prepared to go to a second interview knowing the salary game will be discussed. How do you prepare yourself to negotiate a reasonable salary? Most people seeking a job are uncomfortable when it comes to talking about money and what they believe a fair salary is to them.

Some people start to work without ever knowing what they will be paid because they feel a job is better than not having one. Often people fear mentioning or negotiating a salary because they are afraid the employer will withdraw the offer of a position. Knowing what the potential salary brings and being prepared with facts to present a case for a higher salary is important. Some employers will test the employee by offering lower wages.

If an employer asks you about your salary it is wise to tell them that it is “negotiable.” Different companies offer different salaries and benefits. The first step in negotiating salaries is to do some research. Find out how much other companies are paying for the same position that you will be doing. What are their benefits including medical insurance? Check the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, which most libraries, colleges, and universities have. Check the Internet for wages and salaries listed on the position.

Analyze the benefits package that is provided. Sometimes a lower salary is worth the benefits. Are the benefits important to you? For instance, if you have children and the benefit package offers medical insurance for the children this may be more important than a higher salary. It is important to examine what your priorities are. For instance, a single person might not care about the medical insurance as much as a family person would. Make a list of what your needs are when it comes to salary. Listen to what the employee states about the salary offer. Is he open to discussing it? If he hesitates, go ahead and suggest what you feel is fair as far as salary. Most employers want to be fair when it comes to negotiating the salary.

Remember the first step to salary is having a job. If you make the employer angry then you might not get the position. Be willing to negotiate but do not insist on having your way. If the employer thinks that you are out of line more than likely this may lead to problems in getting the job or keeping the job.

Here are some steps to negotiating a salary:
• Always research the salary for the position before going on an interview. 
• Never start the discussion about salary. It is important to let the interviewer discuss the salary.
• Analyze the benefit package as to what your priorities are. Decide what is important to you such as medical insurance.

These steps are important in negotiating salary. Demanding more than the employer wants to give may lead to losing the job. However, many employers are willing to discuss salary if they believe you are worth the cost.

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