Assessing Your Salary Package
The current job market is so competitive that people forget their true value or undersell themselves just to get a foot on the ladder. Others, once they are on that metaphorical ladder become content with routine and stability. They become scared to even look over the edge and see what lies beyond. The true story is that you probably have a lot more to offer and could be earning a lot more than you are now. If you want to know how to maximise your potential, just keep reading.
According to Munawwar Khan of recruitment agency TMP Worldwide the first step is to determine your value. “Look at the marketplace and decide on what you should be earning. Researching salaries and comparing your position with other positions can give you the best idea of the salary you can command.” This is made easy because of the information available on the internet. Khan believes this can also help you determine what skills and services you can offer and ultimately how much those skills are worth. “However the most important thing to remember is to be realistic. Asking for too much will come back to bite you in the butt.”
Khan says that people should look at themselves and that too many people don’t do this enough. If one person knows how much you are worth it should be you. “Being confident in your range of abilities is as important as the actual abilities you possess. Many are over-skilled and possess qualities that they do not even get to use. Look at the ways you might be able to utilise these skills thus increasing your value.”
Sell, sell, sell. “You are your own product. Don’t be afraid to approach your supervisor and tell them about every little skill you have acquired experience you have had and the goals you want to reach. Just talk about everything you know and be ready to use that.” Khan says that you should be willing to learn new skills, get new experiences and responsibilities, put that extra effort in and become indispensable. “Build yourself up, set yourself apart and raise your profile. Become that person that they cannot lose no matter what.”
He says that the signs that say you are worth more are obvious. “People struggle to realise their worth but all they have to do is be ready to ask. If someone in the office is paid more but doing the same job as you, why don’t you know this and use it to your advantage.”
Khan says there is no best time to approach your employer. He does however have a few words of advice. “Be prepared when you bring the subject up with your employer and always be on the ball as it will feel like an interview. Just trust your instincts and be confident.”
If you feel the moment has come for you to move up the ladder, maybe now is the time to re-evaluate yourself and the position you are in.
