Remember the scene from Oliver Twist where Oliver was negotiating for more soup from the master of the orphanage? The master was shocked and outraged that the boy wasn’t satisfied with just one bowl. As a currently employed person or a candidate seeking a job, you might be tempted to ask for more from your place of employment or potential employer. Here are a few pointers you’ll want to consider to help you avoid getting a similar negative response.
First of all, take advantage of this advice from Rosemary Haefner, Vice President of Human Resources at CareerBuilder, if you are either negotiating for more with an initial offer or an increase to your current compensation plan:
Second, when negotiating for more, try to understand where the person on the other side of the desk is coming from. Thanks to a survey recently conducted by CareerBuilder.com*, you can be aware of what’s going on in the mind of employers as their businesses struggle to recover. Here’s what the survey revealed:
Scott Kuethen, CEO of Amtec, has an insight to add to this issue: “Don’t underestimate the real worth of being highly engaged in your work. Interestingly enough, employers and candidates are looking for the same thing. Both want engagement. When you, the employee, are highly engaged in your work, you’re more focused, productive, and happy. You’re making your highest contribution. And while you’re highly engaged in your work, you’re learning and growing more than at any other time. Your employer reaps the benefit because your contribution will be of greater value to them, which will eventually find its way to the bottom line. And that’s what the corporation wants and needs to grow and become stronger. Being in the right role where you are highly engaged, or getting into the right role, helps both you and your employer.”
So, while it appears to be an employer’s market, don’t give up if you’re thinking of negotiating for more. Take the time to research how much you’re actually worth and get ready to present your accomplishments . . . but also be prepared to accept alternative perks and consider the whole package, not just the salary itself. If you approach your organization or potential employer with realistic expectations and an appreciative attitude, you’ll have a better chance of negotiating that extra bowl of soup!
* For the full report of the survey, conducted between August 17 and September 2, 2010, go to https://www.careerbuilder.com/share/aboutus/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=pr604&sd=11%2f10%2f2010&ed=12%2f31%2f2010&siteid=cbpr&sc_cmp1=cb_pr604_
By Marcianne Kuethen – © 2010
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