Know What You’re Worth in the Workplace

Why do we go to work? I have met very few women who said that they did it for the sake of work itself or for the purpose of curing boredom. Of course, work should please you and bring you happiness. But let’s be frank with ourselves; no matter how much we like our jobs, we will always change it for a job with a higher salary.

When the interview process is over, and you’re ready to shake hands with your future boss, don’t let one of the normal final questions leave you speechless. That question usually is, “What are your salary requirements?” So, without panic, let’s speak about everything in sequence.

1. Information about the company
   You can’t just make up a salary. Be guided by the budget of the company where you intend to work. Even if you are the most talented, hard-working and beautiful person, everything could fail because of one little detail; the company can not, or doesn’t consider it necessary, to pay the salary you desire. They may really need your service, but it is a luxury item for them. In reality, they may be looking for someone to accept a much smaller wage than you suggest.
2. Bosses
   Pay attention to how economical your future boss is. It’s possible to recognize a cunning scrooge through his favorite phrase, “Work with us for some time – we’ll see what you are capable of and then we’ll talk about raising your salary.” If you agree to work for such a boss, be prepared because he may fire you due to circumstances beyond your control.
3. Wages
   Answering the question, “What are your wage requirements?” might overstate the salary amount for which you are ready to work. They won’t hire you if they can’t gain a profit after paying your wage. Remember, you have come not to ask for charity but are selling your work. According to all market laws, a person who sells should suggest his or her goods at a realistic price. Otherwise, a customer will have doubts about the quality of the goods suggested. As a minimal salary, suggest an amount which is average for your qualifications.
4. Work responsibilities
   Find out what responsibilities are included as a part of your job. While working, if you are asked to do something that is not included in your job requirements, don’t refuse. After having fulfilled the task successfully, however, make sure the company knows about your efforts. Speak about the additional skills that were required from you and about the professionalism that you displayed. Everybody should know that you are a good, skillful and reliable employee. When it comes time for a raise, it will then be easier to request an increase in your salary. Learn beforehand whether it is a requirement in your office to work overtime or to include additional duties into your workload. If so, it’s probably not worth pointing out your extra efforts. At first they will tell you “Well done.” After that they will be silent, and eventually they will stop praising you.
5. Benefits
   It is important to learn about the list of your benefits and then to watch that they are given to you. Every solid company gives various bonuses to its employees. Suggest free dinners, a free car or free gasoline, or free access to exercise facilities. You may, of course, save your employer money by not using your benefits, but don’t expect a “thank you” for that.