Do you know how to ask for a raise?

Do you like your job? Yes...

Do you know how much you're worth to your company? Yes...

Are you currently earning that much? No...

Do you know how to go about asking your boss for a raise? Uhh.... no



Isn't it amazing that the most forward person out there also has difficulty asking for what they perceive they deserve? It's not like your boss can fire you for asking. The worst that could happen is they say "no, not right now." And, if you do your homework beforehand, you can even find a way to turn that "no" into a "yes".



Here are a few tips that should help you with asking for that bonus or raise:



1. Review your accomplishments. Make a list of everything positive you have done since your last review. Have you saved your company any money by suggesting/implementing improvements? Have you earned any awards that make you more valuable? Add all this to your list.



2. What is the "going rate" for your job? Go online and do a salary comparison search. Find out what other people with similar backgrounds and job titles are earning in your neck of the woods. Also, be fair - people in NYC or LA are going to earn more than people in Boise. I'm not trying to be elitist - I'm just stating a fact that certain areas of the country pay more than others.



3. Come up with a desirable range, and make sure to leave some "wiggle" room. If you want a 5% increase, ask for 7% or 8%. That way, if you have to, you have room to negotiate - and still get your "absolute minimum."



4. Schedule a meeting. I know, I know... most bosses have an "open door" policy with their employees. But, for something like this, you really need to have the professionalism of a scheduled appointment. That way, your boss can plan for it and make sure that there will be little *if any* interruptions during your meeting.



5. Be prepared for a "worst case" scenario. Your boss may say "no" or "it's not in the budget right now." Ask your boss if there is anything you can do, additionally, that would make a raise happen faster. Ask for their opinion on your work, or if there is anything that you need to do to improve your performance in their eyes. If they give you any suggestions, make notes and implement them into your daily schedule. That shows that you are open to criticism and willing to make improvements. Trust me... things like that really stick out with bosses. They are more likely to give raises and/or promotions to the people who ask "what can I do better that would warrant a raise or promotion?"



6. If the outcome is the "worst case" scenario, what are you going to do? Are you going to continue working, or start looking elsewhere? If this becomes a catalyst to change your situation, make sure that, even though you will be looking for a new position, it does not affect your current job. (But this is a topic I will cover in another posting."



Hope all this helps!



- Comments welcome



Mary Stewart McGovern

President

Stewart McGovern Enterprises

www.stewartmcgovern.com

mary@stewartmcgovern.com

How to Impress: Interviewing Skills 101

Congratulations! My client would like to interview you! : ) Now, do you know how to go in and "seal the deal"?

Below are some basic "interviewing skills 101", to impress the interviewer and to guarantee you will be remembered (if not hired.)

1. Dress to Impress: Wear a suit. If you are not sure if it's too casual, then it probably is too casual. Always err on the side of caution. It's better to be overdressed than too casual.

2. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. It shows you mean business. Plus, always, always, always - be polite to the receptionist. Most companies ask for their first impression of the prospective candidates. Also, bring something professional (i.e. trade journal, Wall Street Journal, etc.) to read. They may not have anything to read in their lobby and, if your interviewer is running late, you don't want to appear bored or imposed upon.

3. Do your homework. If you are using a recruiter, we should have provided you with information on the company. Do yourself a huge favor - READ IT. If you were not provided with information, check out their website. Google them. If they are a public company, read their annual report. In other words, make sure you know something about the company other than their name. It shows them that you are thorough and that you mean business.

4. Make sure that you shake the interviewer's hand, or for that matter, shake the hand of everyone you meet. Also, make sure it's a "real" handshake and not some "dead fish", limp, clammy handshake.

5. Maintain eye contact with whomever is speaking. It shows that you are interested.

6. Bring a couple (at least 2) printed copies of your resume. Make sure it's laser printed on nice paper - you can do this at Kinko's or Staples for little cost (under a dollar, in most cases.) Most people are probably asking themselves, "Why? They already have a copy of my resume?" Good question. I know that when I send resumes, I email them. Some recruiters fax them. You want to make sure that they have a good copy of your resume.

7. Be confident, not cocky. Don't be afraid to talk about your accomplishments, just don't be arrogant.

8. Ask the interviewer what they are looking for in an employee. Ask about the position. Just ASK. You would be amazed at how many people are afraid to ask questions during interviews. Trust me, the interviewer WANTS you to ask questions.

9. Follow up. Ask the interviewer what is the next step. Do they anticipate a second interview? Do they have a hiring timetable? Again, this shows your interest.

10. Ask for their business card. You can do this at the beginning or the end of the interview, provided they didn't already give you one.

11. Send a thank you note. It can be something as simple as a quick email or as elaborate as a handwritten note (you can get packages of blank note cards at any office supply or stationery store). Just make sure you thank them for their time and, again, express your interest in the position for which you interviewed. I suggest you do this within 24 to 48 hours of your interview - it keeps your name "fresh" in the interviewer's mind. Plus, as most people don't send a note, it shows you as being more thorough and professional than your competition.

Most of these are basic "common sense," but you would be amazed the number of people (both entry-level and more experienced professionals) who don't put any of these to use while interviewing. Then again, these are the same people who complain about interviewing because "it never works out right."

If you take the time to follow these steps, it should make your interviewing process smoother and *hopefully* successful.

Happy job searching!

Comments welcome -

Mary Stewart McGovern
President
Stewart McGovern Enterprises
www.stewartmcgovern.com
mary@stewartmcgovern.com