PAUL BOWLEY asked:

Making money on the job usually means beating the job salary dilemma. Let’s say you’re on track to land your dream job. Or you’re in line for a substantial raise. But can you afford it?

Knowing how to handle the money question plagues people on the job as well as job seekers. Especially if you’re exploring an opportunity that looks very promising.

You don’t want to jinx the situation by prematurely talking about money. On the other hand, if they can’t afford you, or if they can’t afford to give you a raise, you don’t want to waste your time pursuing a hopeless employment goal.

Before you even go to meet with your boss, or schedule an interview or first meeting with a decision-maker you MUST avoid the compensation pitfalls that can derail your good intentions. Here are the most serious mistakes to avoid.

1. Failing to do your homework. Gather all on the job employment and compensation information you can before you go on an interview. What’s the company’s track record?

2. Jumping the gun. In the interest of not wasting your time if they can’t afford you, you decide to pose the salary question right up front. You just lost all negotiating power . . . and probably a job offer.

3. Not taking the time to show the value you bring to the organization. No one will offer you a job or enter into on the job salary negotiations if they can’t see how you can contribute. It’s up to you to make sure they see very specifically how you can make a difference.

4. Lowering your expectations. If an offer is made at a lower level than you expected, don’t take it or leave it. Negotiate it. Tell them you’re thrilled that they think enough of you to offer you a position or a raise. Now you want to take the time to consider it in light of other opportunities you’re looking at. Then set up a time to come back.

5. Failing to be flexible. Your goal and that of your boss or prospective employer may be quite different. Your objective is to find out what triggers their interest in you, and then find ways to accommodate them.

6. Losing patience. This usually results in discouragement of abandonment of an opportunity because they’re not responding according to your timetable. Always ask what their timetable is for making a decision. Then go out and pursue a couple more opportunities. Or come back with a couple more contributions that you can make.

Landing the best job or planning for an on the job raise requires careful preparation. It doesn’t happen by chance. Avoiding the pitfalls is a first step to making good money from your job search or raise.

Caffeinated Content