Salary Comparisons

You work hard for your money. So, it's easy to wonder…am I making as much as other people in my field? Before you cash that next check, learn how salary comparison shopping can pay off.

Salary Research

The web is a quick and easy place to start your salary research. "You can actually get a lot of good information for free," says Jenny McCune of Bankrate.com. Check out web sites like Salary.com, Monster.com, and TrueCareers. Simply enter your job description and your area code into the Salary Wizard, and you get a salary range. "You can move up and down in that range depending on the job you're looking at," says McCune.

"Free sites generally have good ballpark information," says Bill Coleman of Salary.com. For more customized salary reports, you'll have to pay a price. These reports take into account your education, your experience, the number of people you manage, and even what languages you speak. "That kind of information can be more helpful in figuring out more precisely where you fall in the salary scale for your job," says Coleman.

The experts we talked to agree, don't underestimate the old fashioned methods! "Newspaper listings and magazine articles can also provide you what the salary is for your industry, your type of job, in your area," says Coleman. He adds, "You can also ask your friends, your neighbors, even your co-workers."

Be sure to look at the total compensation package, benefits are a huge part of it. The experts say to look at your health plan and your 401K plan, and see how important they are to you. "If you're married and your spouse has a great health plan, the value of the health plan at your employer or your future employer is fairly minimal to you," says Coleman.

Bright Idea!
How much money should you ask for? In a competitive job market, you might feel intimidated into asking for less than you're worth. But what's an appropriate salary request? To find out, try using a Salary Wizard to help. You can find one on sites like www.Salary.com, www.Monster.com., and, www.TrueCareers.com.

Interview Advice
So you've done your salary research, and now you are on your way to a job interview. What should you do? Experts say that you should treat a job interview like a first date. Don't spend too much time talking about yourself and show a genuine interest in the person doing the interview.

>>Stay positive (self-confidence is vital)
>>Shake hands firmly and maintain eye contact
>>Research your potential employer
>>Ask intelligent questions about the company

TIPS FROM A HEADHUNTER
Getting a pink slip is hard, but it can be even harder when the job market is tight. So, cut down on the competition by giving yourself the extra edge. We talked to a 'headhunter' for expert advice on getting back in the workforce fast.

Tip #1
Put aside the classifieds and use your contacts. The number one source for people finding positions actually happens to be networking, word of mouth.

>> Call your friends, former coworkers and professional organizations.

Tip #2
Once you find available positions, make yourself stand out by skipping the standard resume.

>> Take time to write a customized resume for each job you're after. Address the particular position that you're applying for - match up your skills with those needed for the position and place that information up top.

>> Make sure to keep your resume to the point. Try getting it onto one page

Tip #3
If you get an interview, don't forget to send a thank you note, either e-mailed or handwritten.

>> Make sure it's written well. Have someone proofread it. Write and mail it the same day as the interview. If you prefer e-mail, send it out 12 to 24 hours later.

Read more smart consumer tips and strategies
from Fox11 Eyewitness News Online

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