Salary Sense

Perhaps you've noticed that business has slowed down around your office. Or maybe you don't get any warning that your company has fallen on tough times. The good news, you learn, is that you still have a job. But before you can say, "Whew," you ... Full story

The elusive salary range ... Every job seeker needs one, but most don't know where to find it. Salary ranges are a critical and often confusing part of job seeking. Salary ranges change constantly. They vary from company to company, from bullish markets to bearish days, and from person ... Full story

I usually get this question about 24 hours before the person plans to march into their boss' office and demand more money. First, let's get our terms straight. Most people write to me about merit -- as opposed to cost-of-living -- increases. Merit increases are often more substantial than ... Full story

The idea of asking for a raise intimidates many people, especially those who have never done it. But you can turn the process from mysterious to manageable by doing some important planning before saying a word to your boss. The following five steps will help you prepare the best ... Full story

Once you've done some careful planning about the raise you want and why, you're ready to focus on the actual meeting with your boss. Start by scheduling a meeting time when your boss' stress level and workload are manageable. An informal setting like lunch often works because ... Full story

You think interviews are scary? There's one part of getting a job that can be even more intimidating: Negotiating a salary. But what happens when a prospective employer just won't meet your salary request? Should you tuck your tail between your legs and accept the job anyway? ... Full story

Talking about money during the hiring process should feel nothing like being a contestant on a nerve-wracking game show. Job candidates who prepare before the interview and adhere to some specific principles during the negotiation will eliminate much of the guesswork in the equation. Full story

Determining your worth is an essential first step in your job search. Once you know the salary you can command, you can decide which jobs fall into your desired range and could be right for you. Full story