Your Salary: What Are You Worth?

Why is it a good idea to determine your worth? Whether you plan to stay at your current job or seek employment elsewhere, your assessment of your worth can become a bargaining chip should you choose to negotiate for higher compensation. It's a reference point on your way to improving not only your standard of living but your sense of self as well.

There are many ways you're worth is determined for a particular job. One way is to look at your current earnings. That will at least tell you how your boss or company views your worth. Another way is to find out what the average job salaries are for people performing the same functions as you. Still another approach is to use a salary calculator to look at a salary comparison based on several factors including industry, geography and of course the level of the position itself. If you are interested in that approach, salary.com has a neat formula for calculating salary. You can go to their site for more information: http://www.salary.com/home/layoutscripts/homl_display.asp

If you want to make a lot of money, I suggest you look to your true worth. In most cases, your true worth is far greater than your current compensation. Your worth can be defined by what you bring to the table that is unique and valuable. Look at the skills, strengths, core competencies, marketable assets and accomplishments you can declare as your own. This is what describes your uniqueness. It is what differentiates you from the crowd.

Keep in mind that no other person possesses these same unique gifts. The things in life that are rare tend to be worth more than those things that are bountiful in nature. Extending this concept further, the rarest thing is a one-of-a-kind, which is priceless. There is nothing else like it. Have I just described you?

Having said that, what number would best describe your worth? Once you have arrived at a number, communicate this with your spouse or best friend for validation. You may be surprised by their response.

Salary negotiations based on your true worth take on a whole new dimension. No, you probably won't be compensated one million dollars; however, I have seen twenty to forty thousand dollars added to starting compensation through aggressive negotiations. It is common to negotiate signing bonuses, stipulations calling for substantial six-month performance-based increases, several weeks of additional vacation time and many other perks.

You have probably 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 on the basis of what you're worth than on some arbitrary figure designed to keep the status quo? Remember, what you receive now becomes your benchmark for future positions. Go for what you are worth - your life will never be the same!

Copyright © 2005 TopDog Group All rights reserved.

David Richter is a recognized authority in career coaching and job search support. He has spent many years in recruitment, staffing, outplacement, counseling psychology and career management spanning most industries and professions. David founded TopDog Group in response to the needs of job candidates to have a higher quality of career coaching and support available on the Internet. David understands the mechanisms for success. He has formulated specific strategies anyone can use to secure interviews and receive offers. His extensive knowledge and experience sets David apart in this field, allowing him to offer a wealth of information and a vast array of tools, resources and strategies not found anywhere else. He has shown countless job seekers how to differentiate themselves and leverage their potential to the highest possible level, making a real difference in their careers. David holds both a Bachelors and Masters in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. David's website address is: http://www.procareercoach.com

Latest News


Wall Street Warfighters Foundation Selects First Wounded Vets for ...
MarketWatch - 2 hours ago
"During their military careers, Staff Sergeant Jones and Master Sergeant Holmes demonstrated every day that they are disciplined, loyal, responsible leaders ...

Cagle announces Lanier Charter Career Academy funding
Access North Georgia, GA - 1 hour ago
The academies are unique centers of learning that provide Georgia's high school students with exceptional pathways to rewarding jobs, great careers and an ...

Recession-proof your career - Employment expert offers job ...
MyWebTimes.com, IL - Nov 23, 2008
... understandable to be concerned about employment, there are steps workers can take to help them be more indispensable and “recession-proof” their career. ...

Universities key to Michigan’s economic recovery
Detroit Free Press, United States - 48 minutes ago
... but now many universities are in tune with emerging employment trends. Educators can provide invaluable guidance for workers seeking new career paths. ...

‘Brain drain’ grant supports effort to prepare students for ...
University of Indianapolis, United States - Dec 3, 2008
A substation of the university’s Office of Career Services will focus on employment opportunities for older students who have returned to higher education ...
Butler to Use Grant to Deal With "Brain Drain" Inside INdiana Business (press release)
all 3 news articles

Boston Globe

Losing jobs in unequal numbers
Boston Globe, United States - 2 hours ago
(Robert E. Klein for The Boston Globe) By Robert Gavin The careers of Neal Boyle and Scott Hacker couldn't be more different. Boyle, whose education ended ...

Sara Boyns named director of law firm
The Salinas Californian, CA - 2 hours ago
We welcome information and photos regarding people, events and other aspects of Salinas-area business, including housing, careers and personal finance. ...

Applied Marketing Science Research Study Instrumental in ...
PR Web (press release), WA - 7 hours ago
Thus far, MIT has graduated two classes from the program, and nearly all have found suitable employment within their field. According to Jenny Stine, ...

State agency posts personal data online
Sun-Sentinel.com, FL - Dec 3, 2008
For 19 days in October, the sensitive personal information of at least 250000 Floridians was posted on a state government employment agency Web site, ...

JA distributes guide to jewelry careers
National Jeweler Network, NY - 20 hours ago
"Our industry offers countless employment opportunities for young people." The effort is part of JA's long-term strategy of examining and increasing ...

Resources


    Sorry there are no resources available at this time