If the economy does, indeed, get better (but won’t return to the glory years) people will start moving around. Â This will create job openings and you need to be ready with your resume. Â Many years ago I read a management book that said Men update their resumes as soon as they land a new job – Women wait until they are angry and ready to move on. Â Make sure it’s up-to-date and meets current hiring criteria. Â Resume formats change every 8-10 years so check with the employment division in your community.
While you’re at the State Employment Department research salaries for the positions you think you might like to have. Â Get a sense of what most companies are paying and the type of benefits they offer. Â See if that matches your “Enough” list. Â I’ll write about making an “Enough” list next week.
But know that negotiating for that first salary is the most important. Â If the job was listed at a set amount an hour it doesn’t hurt to make a case for more. Â Be sure you’re ready to tell them why you’re worth more. Â Victoria Pinchon specializes in helping high-powered women who work in male-dominated fields. Â Claire Suddath interviewed her for an article in Bloomburg Businessweek on this very subject. Â Victoria told her “it’s critical to know what men make to refrain from unknowingly accepting a lowball offer”.
Claire also interviewed Ofer Sharone, assistant professor of work and employment research at MIT’s Sloan School of Management. Â Ofer cautions folks that your “agreement is the benchmark for all future raises, and if you switch jobs your employer will ask what you made at the last company.” Â You want to be able to talk about it without embarrassment. Â You must learn to be your own cheerleader.