2008 Woodie Awards
Life After Rollins
Kelsey Field
Issue date: 10/9/06 Section: Life & Times
For all of you thinking ahead of life after Rollins, you probably have some expectations about what you should be earning after spend close to $160,000 on your education. However, when you get out into the real world, make sure you are prepared to negotiate your salary intelligently; do not ask for too much and subsequently lose out on a great job, but also do not ask for too little and underestimate what you are worth. According to MSN.com, you should ask for between 10-percent and 30-percent of what they first offer you, because more often than not they will low ball you. Although it may seem trivial, an extra $1,000 a year will add up to a significant chunk of change over time.
Therefore, MSN is advising ten important steps that every post graduate should take to heart. The first is like all interviews, make sure you dress appropriate for the company, and are prepared to answer questions about the company, such as why you deserve to work there. But be sure to not jump the gun; there is no point in arguing for a better salary if you have not yet officially gotten the job. Thirdly, make sure you have done your homework. Do you know what the average salary is for the position you are applying for? This is an important piece of knowledge that can help you argue your way to a bigger paycheck and with sites such as Careerbuilder.com's Advice and Resources Tab, finding out salaries has never been easier.
MSN also recommends that you should never be the first to declare what you would like to be paid, because it leaves no room for improvement. Also, make sure you place all of your attention on your interviewer; do not fall prey to watching what is occurring around you, as it gives the appearance that you do not care about the interview. When you are being interviewed, make sure to be yourself. If yourself is overly cocky or perhaps lacking self esteem, meet yourself somewhere in middle. It is important that you do not appear to be bragging, but also that you are emphasizing your strong qualities.
Most importantly, make sure that you give yourself some time to think about the job offer. There will always be other jobs, and perhaps there are qualities about this particular job that do not appeal to you. Be sure to think about major factors, such as moving out of state for the job, the prospects of promotion and how this particular job will enhance your future. It is always fine to politely decline a job in search of something better. Who knows, maybe they will counter you with a better offer than before.
Therefore, MSN is advising ten important steps that every post graduate should take to heart. The first is like all interviews, make sure you dress appropriate for the company, and are prepared to answer questions about the company, such as why you deserve to work there. But be sure to not jump the gun; there is no point in arguing for a better salary if you have not yet officially gotten the job. Thirdly, make sure you have done your homework. Do you know what the average salary is for the position you are applying for? This is an important piece of knowledge that can help you argue your way to a bigger paycheck and with sites such as Careerbuilder.com's Advice and Resources Tab, finding out salaries has never been easier.
MSN also recommends that you should never be the first to declare what you would like to be paid, because it leaves no room for improvement. Also, make sure you place all of your attention on your interviewer; do not fall prey to watching what is occurring around you, as it gives the appearance that you do not care about the interview. When you are being interviewed, make sure to be yourself. If yourself is overly cocky or perhaps lacking self esteem, meet yourself somewhere in middle. It is important that you do not appear to be bragging, but also that you are emphasizing your strong qualities.
Most importantly, make sure that you give yourself some time to think about the job offer. There will always be other jobs, and perhaps there are qualities about this particular job that do not appeal to you. Be sure to think about major factors, such as moving out of state for the job, the prospects of promotion and how this particular job will enhance your future. It is always fine to politely decline a job in search of something better. Who knows, maybe they will counter you with a better offer than before.
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