Posts Tagged ‘Salary Negotiation’

Interviews: Four Reason Why Employers Will Hire You

May 19th, 2011

By Bob McIntosh

Okay, now Forbes magazine in its article, Top Executive Recruiters Agree There Are Only Three True Job Interview Questions,  has confirmed what employers are looking for in candidates. This is not new news. Employers want people who can 1) do the job, 2) will do the job, and 3) will fit in (or be tolerated).

But there’s a fourth piece to the puzzle Forbes doesn’t mention, which is “can we afford you?” Unfortunately, this seems to be almost as important as the other three requirements, as evidenced by the phone screening, where you’ll most likely get the salary question.

Let’s look at the four components employers look for in a candidate.

Of course interviewers won’t ask the questions phrased as such: Can you do the job? Rather they’ll pose them as: “What skills do you see being necessary to do the job?” “Tell me how you’ll handle problem X.” “What kind of experience do you have in the areas of Y?”

Having the technical know-how is essential to performing the job and advancing in your career, but there are other qualities employers look for in candidates, perhaps qualities on par with the hard skills.

For the motivation part, they’ll want to know if you’re in love with the responsibilities and the mission of the organization. Will you work until the job is finished? “Why do you want to work for this company?” may be a question you’ll have to field. Were you ever given the directive, “Tell me » Read more: Interviews: Four Reason Why Employers Will Hire You

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Negotiation: Know Your Own Worth

May 9th, 2010

By Jackie Simmonds, NEJS Blog Editor

Jackie Simmonds

You have finally received a job offer.  After being out of work for so long the temptation is to jump on it right away.  Not so fast.

Just as you put in the time to understand the company that just offered you the position you should put in the time in to make sure the offer is what you want.  Many people who have been job searching in the past year have had had their happiness at being offered a job shaken when they see the dollars they are being offered.  An offer is not always just about the money but it is the place we first start.

Can you really negotiate salary during these tough economic times?

“This is no time to roll over and just take what they give you,”  Ford Myers, author of Get the Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring and president of Career Potential, a job consulting and coaching firm based in Philadelphia told Forbes.com last year.  You made it to the top of the resume pile; you succeeded in passing the other candidates in the interview process.  You have already proven you are the one for the job.  They don’t want to start the search all over.

“Companies expect you to negotiate,” says Myers,. “They’ll be disappointed if you don’t, since you’re hired to be smart and savvy when doing business dealings for their firm. They don’t want you to be a pushover.” » Read more: Negotiation: Know Your Own Worth

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Negotiation: How to get the Job Offer You Want

April 7th, 2010

By Bethany North

Bethany NorthWith the state of the economy, the job market is more competitive than ever. That being said, it is so important to make yourself stand out from the sea of other candidates to show your potential employer that you are the best choice for the job position! Much of this is achieved through premium negotiation skills, which will allow you to communicate your job requirements and solidify the career that you have been hoping for.

Start out by doing your research on the company and position that you are interviewing for. This can give you an idea of the salary range that is acceptable, especially what may have already been paid for the previous job position. From there, it is important to be confident and clear in your direction on your salary and job requirements. Negotiating a salary can be a sticky issue, but it is best to be clear about your salary requirements when you interview for the job. This will prevent any miscommunications, especially if you are offered the job you have been hoping for at a much lower pay rate.

With that in mind, it is so important to be realistic in your expectations. If you are asking for an unreasonably high salary, the job may not be offered to you in the first place. It is best to have a desired range of salary instead of a specific number, which gives you room for negotiation. Once you begin your salary negotiations for a position, make sure not to take the first offer. The only exception to this would be if you were offered a salary that was much more than you anticipated. » Read more: Negotiation: How to get the Job Offer You Want

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