What number would you associate with your worth? If you’re having difficulty coming up with a figure, just ask your spouse or best friend how much they think you are worth. You’ll probably get a surprisingly high yet fairly accurate number. Let’s assume you came up with one million dollars. I know, that doesn’t even come close. The point is, can you expect an employer to pay you this amount as your compensation?

For sure, salary negotiations based on your true worth or unique gifts take on a whole new dimension. No, you probably won’t be compensated one million dollars; however, with right blend of negotiating skills and patience, your efforts will be substantially rewarded!

I have seen up to forty thousand dollars added to starting compensation through diligent negotiations. It is common for signing bonuses, stipulations calling for substantial six-month performance-based increases, several weeks of additional vacation time, stock options, profit sharing, and more to be added as part of a negotiated package.

Negotiating is an opportunity to get what you truly want, and deserve. It is a way to significantly raise your standard of living and sense of self, simply by taking stock of what you have and then knowing how to use it for your advancement. Remember, what you receive now becomes your benchmark for future positions.

We all have choices. Some people would rather keep things way they are. That’s ok. However, you have worked very hard to come to this point, so why stop short of getting what you truly want, and deserve. Wouldn’t you rather be compensated more on basis of what you’re worth than on some arbitrary figure designed to keep status quo? Go for what you are worth – your life will never be same!

Copyright © 2005 TopDog Group All rights reserved.

You need to learn as much as you can about position for which you are interviewing. Why does position exist – are you replacing someone or is this a new position created because of company growth? If you are replacing someone, is it because they retired, resigned or were terminated?  Understand fundamental responsibilities of position, especially in relationship to similar positions you have held in past. Know what possibilities exist for your growth within position and company.

Research company, using Google, Dunn & Bradstreet, Hoover's, Standard and Poors, or any of other sources of corporate information. Who are its competitors in marketplace and what percentage of market do they own? Are their processes state of art and at cutting edge of technology? Are they a public company or privately held? If public, how are they perceived by investment advisors, what is their earnings track and how has their stock performed? If a privately held company, is it a family-run business with non-family members being in minority? That would be ok; however, it could affect your chances for future promotions and growth.

Know industry. The company might be at forefront in terms of their processes, sales and marketing efforts, and growth, but its industry may be on its way out. If you see a delicious-looking apple growing on a dying tree, you might hesitate before pulling it off and taking a bite.

Do your research in all these areas so you can be well-prepared. Get on Internet and find out everything you can. Make phone calls. Make sure you know all there is to know, so that you will go to your interview with great confidence and self-assurance.

Come to interview dressed appropriately. Establish a comfort level early in interview and maintain that rapport throughout. The initial handshake must be firm but not gripping. Eye contact is critical throughout interview. How you sit in your chair and shift your posture can make or break your effectiveness. Remember, you’re there to sell yourself, so be sure to ask for offer before interview is over. Fully armed, you can ask all right questions and come away a success.

Copyright © 2005 TopDog Group All rights reserved.