Staffing Advice

So you feel you deserve a raise and realize how hard you’ve been

working, but how do you do you go about addressing this with your boss?

Well, first you need to ask yourself do I deserve a raise? How has my

work been progressing here? Have I been accomplishing goals? Am I

underpaid in my industry? These are the questions you should

prepare yourself. Make a list the things you’re done. You should be

prepared to explain to your boss the answers to these questions.

Be confident- the worst thing your boss can say is no. Some employees

just accept the minimum 2 percent raise because they are afraid to ask

for more. If you know you deserve a raise, and can back it up with

accurate information, go for it!

Knowing where you stand in the industry is important in determining

your raise. Do your research using the bureau of labor statistics.  It

has the most recent salary updates. Also know the company’s raise

policy. Is there a percentage range based on performance? Is it a fixed

cost-living raise that everyone gets?

Having the correct data is only half the battle. No one says it is

going to be easy, but you should show that you contributed in a way that

was beyond your call of duty. Remember bosses like to see results. Be

specific and detailed in your explanations so your boss can’t argue

your achievements. If you are a sales representative list figures that

you generated this year above last years.  Write the accomplishments

down think about what you did to make that positive change.

If you can’t think of anything you probably shouldn’t ask for a raise.

But if you do have some major wins you should focus on qualifying them

as if you were writing a resume.

The next step should be is to go over it with someone in the same field

but not your co-worker. Going over salaries with your co-workers is a

no-no! The point is to bounce your achievements off someone else that

knows you well and is experienced.

Getting a negative response from your boss might also be a wake-up call

that there is no room for growth at the company and that its time to

move on. Make a plan to take the last stand option: Ask for feedback on

what you need to do to get the raise you want. And schedule goals in

writing so you both can remember what you agreed on.

Then reach for the stars!

In today’s economy, it is no longer enough to have just a Bachelors or Master’s degree in order to obtain a lucrative #job. Compared to 20 years ago, almost everyone has a degree of some sort. Because today’s job market is so over saturated with so many college graduates,# employers are now less willing to train someone to do their jobs. This means having #work experience is vital in making someone a more attractive applicant.

One way to gain experience is by seeking #internships. Though most internships available are unpaid, the experience and education that you receive for your work is priceless. Internships help in making someone a more attractive applicant because you are allowed to smooth out all your rough patches so that you are less likely to make mistakes later on.

Not every internship is the right for everyone! Make sure that the internship that you are applying for relates to the industry that you are interested in entering. After all, your would be able to learn more useful things interning in a field that you will be working in later on in your life.

Volunteer work is also a great way to gain experience. In most cases, #volunteer work allows people to improve upon such #skills as communications, organization, leadership, and etc. Though you might believe that you possess all these skills and would love to list them on your resume, employers will not take you seriously if you are not able to show that you have actually put these skills to use.

Many available jobs today require that their employees have extra skills, especially specific computer skills. To keep up with the wants and needs of the employers and to keep up with your competitions, take some classes that would sharpen your skills.

Because our competition in finding that dream job is so much more advanced in this tough #economy, we must do everything possible to give ourselves an edge. Gaining more experience by finding internships, volunteering, or taking classes is a great way to build ones credibility as a potential employee.