When searching for a new role it is important for you to know your worth and what skills and experience you contribute to a potential employer. This will allow you to obtain the role you deserve and one that will make you happy and meet your needs.
Here are 5 tips to help you determine your worth and keep your standards high during your job search.
Know your value
When preparing for your job search take some time to reflect on your skills and abilities. Make sure you are realistic. Pay attention to how many years of experience you have in each skillset. Knowing what you bring to the table compared to others performing a similar role will allow you to be competitive when negotiating your salary.
Research pays for similar roles
Do research on the average salary for similar positions to the ones you are applying for. Pay close attention to the pay offered vs. the experience and education levels you possess. Take into consideration the geographic location of the roles you are applying for and the company size. These factors will make a difference in the salary range offered for that role.
Determine a salary you would be happy to accept
Once you understand what the current salary range is for similar roles in the market it is then important to determine the salary you feel is fair for the position and your experience. When you are speaking about pay with a potential employer be honest about your salary expectations. Your work will be a valuable contribution to the organization, and you deserve to be compensated fairly.
Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate
If offered a role, be prepared to negotiate. This is how you will be able to secure the salary you need. Have a predetermined minimum salary you would be willing to accept in your mind but do not tell the hiring manager that number. You want all the negotiating power you can have. Be confident in your salary negotiation. Your confidence will help display the skills you bring to the company which will further prove why you will be an asset and deserve a competitive salary. Highlight your accomplishments and skills in your negotiation to further prove why you deserve the salary you are seeking.
Do not settle for less than you are worth
Settling for a salary below your worth will have negative consequences for you and the employer. It will not only set you back financially but will also breed negative feelings and resentment towards your employer. This will lead to lower performance and burn out. If the hiring manager will not meet you where you need to be in your salary negotiations it is okay to decline the offer and pursue a different company that will. You need to be your own advocate and only accept a role that will increase your quality of life, not hinder it.
Understanding your own worth is very important. If you don’t understand your worth and the value you bring to your employer you will not be able to negotiate a fair salary for the value you bring to an organization.
Use these 5 tips to help determine your worth and help you keep your standards high during your job search.