Mishandling Salary Negotiations
Many people think that once they have landed and aced an interview, all of their work is done. But, sometimes deciding whether or not to accept a job offer can be just as stressful and time-consuming as getting to that point in the first place. One point of contention is salary negotiation. This process can be overwhelming, particularly for job seekers without a great deal of experience. Negotiating a fair and practical salary is a critical step in the job search process, and one that can be navigated smoothly if you know what to do -- and what not to do. Beware of common mistakes.
Not doing your homework.
Before you go to an interview, you need to determine your desired salary range. It is impossible to do so if you do not know your industry. Research typical salaries for someone with similar experience in your industry. There are a wide variety of resources available that can help you determine median salaries and ranges for your position and years of experience. Without doing this, you will be virtually unarmed to present a case for the salary you request.
Neglecting to think carefully about your needs.
Just as researching your industry is important, it's also vital that you do a bit of self reflection. If you never stop to think about what income you need, you may end up taking an offer that leaves you pinching pennies. Before interviewing, ask yourself some important questions. How much do you need to pay your basic expenses, such as rent or mortgage, groceries, utilities, and car payment? What kind of salary do you need to live a comfortable life that allows you to enjoy yourself? What is the lowest salary you will consider? How much do you need to be able to save for the future?
Laying all of your cards on the table.
Negotiating a salary is like playing a card game. You need to gauge the other person's intentions without giving away all of your secrets. While job applications and interviewers may ask you to name a salary requirement, always avoid providing a number. However, many prospective employees feel pressured into doing so in an interview. That's why you need to be prepared to answer the question: "What kind of salary are you looking for?" Try to use answers such as "I'm sure that if I do receive an offer, it will be fair and reasonable," or "I will consider any reasonable offer." If pressed for a number, give a range rather than a specific. The bottom of your range should be the minimum you must make, with the top being a bit higher than your ideal.
Forgetting about other benefits.
When you receive a job offer, it is important to consider the offer in its entirety. This means paying attention to the company's medical and dental plan, vacation package, retirement benefits, and other perks. If the company cannot meet your salary requirements, it may be able to make it up to you in other ways, such as stock options or additional vacation time.
Believing that you don't have the right to ask for more.
A company is not going to offer you the highest salary they'd be willing to pay right off the bat, and most companies expect candidates to come back with a counter offer. If you have done your research and have supporting information to back up your salary wishes, don't be afraid to let the company know that you would like something higher. However, don't make the mistake of playing hardball, thinking you are irreplaceable, or being unwilling to negotiate. If you receive a low offer, thank the company for the offer, let them know that you are excited about the position, and politely and respectfully request a higher salary. The worst the company can say is no, and you never know what will happen until you ask.
The bottom line is that salary negotiations, like anything else, need to be done respectfully and kept in perspective. But if you do your research, set your boundaries, and always know how to handle the tough questions, chances are you will end up with an offer that works for you and the company.
(CareerBuilder)
Passive JobSeeker
Myth or Fact? How to find the best candidate for your company.
Have you ever wondered what a Passive Candidate/Jobseeker is?
Does it conjure up images in your mind of someone relaxing by a fireplace, feet up, phone at their side, computer nearby with a program checking email every 5 minutes?
Nothing could be further from the truth!
Far from being "passive", the Passive JobSeeker will usually be a high energy person, involved with their industry, attends seminars to improve their knowledge, and loves their job.
You won't find their resume on www.jobviet.com or www.l-a.com.vn or other "job boards" because they are not actively looking for a new opportunity. That doesn't mean they wouldn't "accept" one if it was too good to pass up!
So, how DO you find a Passive JobSeeker? Here are a few suggestions for you:
Sales professionals attend seminars to improve their skills, so look for a seminar in your area and attend some that will have a large attendance.
Talk to the attendees and learn about what they do, what industry they are in. Develop a relationship with ones you feel are a good fit for your company. If you have a job opening, don't do anything so crass as to make them a job offer on first meeting them! But you could casually mention that your company is looking for someone and ask if they could recommend anyone to you.
Ask for their business card and drop them a note letting them know how much you enjoyed meeting them and talking to them.
Attend trade shows for your industry. Find discussion groups especially related to your industry and participate in them, answer questions when you can.
These are just a few of the ways you can search for a Passive JobSeeker who could be the exact fit for your company.
(collect from internet)
Interview
10 Things You Must Do Before That Successful Interview
Teena Rose is a columnist, public speaker, and certified/published resume writer http://www.resumebycprw.com with Resume to Referral. She’s authored several books, including "20-Minute Cover Letter Fixer" and "Cracking the Code to Pharmaceutical Sales."
You’ve worked hard to get here. You’ve sent out 31 resumes, networked, attended job fairs, enrolled in school for more education – you’ve taken all the right steps.
Then, one afternoon the phone rings. “Yes, we’d like you to come in for an interview. Is next Tuesday at 10:00 alright with you?” Alright???!!! You can be there in 10 minutes! But you gather your composure, pretend to rifle through your “appointment book” and calmly reply, “Yes, Tuesday at 10:00 works for me. See you then.” Now what?
The sequence goes like this: the resume gets you an interview; the interview gets you the job. This is when you become more than a bunch of employment dates and workplace accomplishments. This is your opportunity to shine. It’s show time!
Go in cold and you’re working at a disadvantage. You prepped the perfect resume, now it’s time to prep for that all-important interview. Here are ten steps you should take before you show up at the interviewer’s door.
1. Review your resume.
Sure, you know it by heart. But what was it that caught the eye of this recruiter or the HR pro? Specialized experience? Unique training? A steady history of career advancement? Revisit your resume from the point of view of the interviewer. It may provide insight into the company’s employee needs – something that would certainly be advantageous to know going in.
2. Get back on-line.
The Internet served you well in the preparation of personalized cover letters targeted at the recipients’ needs. Okay, visit the company web site again and start taking notes. Corporate officers, the latest press releases, the company’s annual report. Gather as much information as you can on your soon-to-be-employer.
3. Study, study, then cram.
The more you learn about your callback company, the better you’re going to feel walking in that door. Knowledge is power. Knowledge will make you more confident in your attitude and your answers. You know this stuff. You’ve studied it! Knowledge of company products, services, protocols and procedures shows the interviewer that you’re proactive, with an eye for detail and an appreciation for the power of preparation. In other words, you’ll make a positive impression.
4. Rehearse your interview.
How can you rehearse for something that doesn’t have a script? Write one. You know the typical questions you’ll be asked so write down some of your most insightful, witty thoughts regarding the state of your industry and profession. Be prepared to describe past positions, responsibilities and accomplishments. This is not a time for false modesty, so don’t be afraid to highlight your professional strengths and play down your terrible typing skills. Remember: it’s no brag if it’s the truth. Ask your spouse, your child or a friend to play the role of interviewer so you become more comfortable speaking about yourself in front of others. Again, this is a confidence builder. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll be.
5. Develop your list of questions.
Your interview shouldn’t be seen as some type of interrogation. It’s a “getting to know you” meeting, so feel free to ask questions. However, your first question shouldn’t be “How much do I get paid?” or “How’s the 401k plan, here?” Instead, ask questions that show you understand the job and the company’s needs. Be quick to pick up on the interviewer’s comments and ask relevant questions.
Interviewer: We’ve had some issues with field reports coming in late recently.
You: How are the reports transmitted?
(Oh, you’re good. Very good.)
6. Dress for success.
An interview is a performance with people playing different roles. Your role is successful job prospect. Play the part. Whether you’re female or male, the conservative business suit is the recommended attire for any interview. If your business suit needs a pressing, send it to the dry cleaners. If you don’t own a suit (you’d be surprised at the number of us who don’t) go out and get one. It doesn’t have to be an $800 designer suit, but it should be conservative black, blue or gray.
7. Get cut or coiffed.
You’ll have 15 minutes to make a good impression. Treat yourself to a visit to the local hair stylist. You bet looks matter. They’ll be plenty of time to show your talent once you land the job. For now, look like a success, feel like a success – be a success.
8. Practice positive visualization.
Professional athletes do it. So do actors, yoga instructors and new age thinkers who sleep under makeshift pyramids to absorb that mystical energy. It’s called positive visualization – and it works. It really does. In the days leading up to the interview, picture yourself sitting opposite the head of HR. Picture yourself relaxed, comfortable, at the top of your game. Play that clip over and over in your mind until it becomes so familiar, it actually becomes a part of your self-image. It simply can’t be stated too often – your confidence during an interview should be obvious and genuine.
9. Gather your materials.
The day before the interview, gather your materials and place them in a briefcase or attaché. Don’t have one? Buy one or borrow one. It’s another opportunity to project that professional image you wear so well. Bring extra copies of your resume in a manila envelop. Bring a pad and pencil to take notes. Bring a calculator (you never know). Bring your address book and copies of your business card. If you’ve been asked to provide additional information (school transcripts, e.g.) make sure you’ve got clean copies ready to hand over.
10. Sleep tight.
You’ve done it all. You’ve prepared yourself; you’ve built your confidence so you can look the interviewer straight in the eye. You are ready to rock ‘n’ roll! Okay, too psyched. You’ll never get to sleep. The night before the interview, go to bed early. Have some warm milk, coco or herbal tea (stay away from the 3rd scotch). Relax. Set the alarm and sleep comfortably in the knowledge that you’re as prepared as you’ll ever be. No, not every interview will be a success. You won’t get the job every time – but don’t take it personally. It’s not about you; it’s about the needs of the company. However, you can increase the chances of success by presenting a professional, prepared, and confident you to the interviewer. That’s how you turn an interview into a job offer.
(from www.resumebycprw.com/resume_articles.htm)
Preparing for Behavioural Interviews
Start by analyzing the job requirements. What work-specific, transferable and management skills are required to do the work well?
Think of several situations in which you have used the skills the job requires (leadership skills, problem-solving skills, communication skills, etc). These can be directly related to work, to leisure activities, volunteer work, or school projects.
Develop at least 3 short, but detailed and specific, stories about how you handled situations similar to those you might encounter on the job. Make sure they have a beginning (start with a brief description of the problem you faced), a middle (describe what you did), and an end (describe what happened as a result).
Be prepared to provide examples of times when things didn't turn out as planned. What did you do then?
If a question is asked that you were not prepared to answer, take a moment to think about your answer.
Be honest. Interviewers will ask follow-up questions to check for accuracy and consistency.
(from Internet)
Samples of Behavioural Interview Questions
Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult problem.
Describe a time when you went above and beyond the call of duty.
Describe a time when your work or an idea of yours was criticized.
Describe a time when you had a problem working with others on a team project.
Describe a time when your schedule was suddenly interrupted.
Describe a time when you did not agree with an employer's policy.
(from Internet) |
