Negotiating Your New Job And Salary - It's A New Year And You've Made A Decision To Find A New Job

(Monday, January 24, 2005) - For most workers, the new year represents a fresh start. Whether it's clearing your desk, coming to the office with a new attitude or deciding to find a new job -- many people see the time as an opportunity for positive change. Many are focused on finding the new job that will give them more satisfaction, and should remember a few key pointers, according to Peter Handal, President and CEO of Dale Carnegie Training. "If you decide to make the jump," says Handal, "don't just polish your resume, polish your negotiation skills."

Handal offers the following advice:

Know the marketplace. This means determining your target salary based on accurate market data, but also taking into consideration the economy, your industry (ask yourself, "Is the industry I'm in doing well?") and most important, your experience. "Bring the right figure to the table," says Handal, and "remember that even if your job title should pay one amount according to your research, the economy and your business sector could dictate another."

Be prepared to negotiate with multiple departments. Handal advises "you may be negotiating your salary with someone other than your eventual boss." You might be discussing your starting salary with a human resources rep and that requires a different language from the way you might speak to your potential supervisor.

The courting process. Did the new company find you? Or did you solicit them about a job? "Either of these situations change the dynamics of your salary negotiations," says Handal. If the company called you directly about a new job, they obviously are very interested and you may have the upper hand in salary negotiations.

You're the new guy. Remember that you're still the "new guy," and according to Handal, "even if you're entering as the new CEO you have to prove yourself to the people that hired you, and the people that report to you." Sometimes this entails asking for more than you currently earn, but still less than market until you really prove your worth. However, notes Handal, "entering a company is often your best chance for a big jump in salary. You've worked hard to get to this point so make the most of the opportunity for yourself." Company size is another factor to consider. "If you're jumping to a smaller company, keep that in mind when evaluating your asking price."

Review the non-cash perks. "What makes a new job attractive doesn't start and end with money or stock options," says Handal. Remember that you can negotiate other benefits such as more vacation, flexible work hours, a company car or additional support staff -- any of which can improve your mindset at work, and your quality of life."



About Dale Carnegie Training
Dale Carnegie Training (www.dalecarnegie.com) is a global management training company with experts in corporate management, workplace issues and leadership trends. The company provides leadership, sales and management training to over 400 of the Fortune 500 companies, training over 7 million adults worldwide.

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