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Career Corner
Salary negotiations

CLEVELAND/(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Whether you are looking to up your total compensation package with your next career move or are seeking a raise that goes beyond the typical cost of living increase, securing a larger salary can be an exercise in the art of negotiation.

According to recruiters, prospective employees considering a position with a new company, as well as those looking for a raise should consider their total compensation package, including bonuses, commissions, health insurance, medical and dependent care spending accounts, profit sharing, paid vacation, stock options, and other offerings.

Look at the total compensation picture before you start to negotiate your paycheck. All of these benefits can impact one's total financial picture -- never evaluate your salary in a vacuum. If you are working with a recruiter in a new job search, he or she can assist in the negotiating process, particularly in terms of assessing your market value.

Tips for negotiating a salary increase:

-- Do your homework: Investigate what other companies are paying their employees in like positions. Talk to recruiters, review help wanted ads, review salary surveys published in regional or national magazines, consult trade groups or associations, peruse the Internet.

-- Assess your true value: Take a good look at your skills, talents and contributions to the job. Have you saved your company money? Improved a process? Reached a sales goal? Assess your successes to make a strong case for more money.

-- Be your own advocate: Be sure your superiors or potential new boss knows about your accomplishments. This is no time to be modest.

-- Plan ahead: If you are seeking a raise, let your boss know you would like to discuss this issue in advance of scheduled performance review periods so you can give him or her a peek at what you would be looking for from the next raise. Ask for a meeting to conduct a pre-review review, for example.

-- It's not too late: If performance reviews have already been completed, ask your employer for a merit increase or an accelerated performance review that can be retroactive based on your having met agreed upon objectives.

-- Wait your turn: When interviewing for a new job, do not raise the issue of salary until your prospective employer puts a bona fide offer on the table first. This is not only considered proper interviewing etiquette, but it also gives you the advantage by knowing first where to negotiate from.

-- Explore your options: Consider other job opportunities and be prepared to leave your current job if you do not get what you ask for.

In the end, if you are not offered the salary or increase you were looking for, find out what you would need to do more to make it happen. However, you must consider the intangibles.

Waking up and looking forward to going to one's job is priceless.

(c) 2001 Business Wire

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The views and opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect those of College Central Network, Inc. or its affiliates. Reference to any company, organization, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by College Central Network, Inc., its affiliates or associated companies. The information provided is not intended to replace the advice or guidance of your legal, financial, or medical professional.