Quotations:
“We find in life exactly what we put into it.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
“The person who risks nothing is one who does nothing, has nothing, is nothing, and becomes nothing.” Leo Buscglia
“Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.” Henry Ford.
Negotiating and Accepting an Offer
Successful salary? Then start doing research before applying or at least before the offer is made. The employer is the primary source of information. A salary range is provided in a job description. Find salary information at salary.com or check the end of Chapter 3.
Think about expected salary, benefits, cost-of-living pay increases, opportunity for promotion.
What are Benefits? Benefits as seen on Page 229, can add 30 to 40 percent to one’s salary. They may be open for negotiation. Some companies give higher-level employees stock options as part of the hiring negotiation. Benefits may not be only monetary. They may also add to the employee’s morale. Their functions can have physical, social, and emotional value.
Other Source of Salary Info is You. You know what the offer is likely to be. You also know what salary you need. Ask yourself or find out whether the job requires relocation, find out about the geographical differences and cost of living. Going online can provide you with valuable info.
Timing in negotiation is critical: Negotiating after an employer has selected you is best. At this point, you have more power than you may ever have.
Negotiation is best done in person. Use the telephone in case of long-distance hiring. Keep in mind that offers can be withdrawn! Make sure to assume an assertive position. Statistics: Only 7 percent of female graduates negotiate for a higher salary compared to 57 percent of men. According to Bacock & Laschever, starting salaries for males are more than 7 percent higher than for females. If you can wait for the employer to advance a figure, it will be better for you. Recommendation: “I have thought about compensation and have confidence that you will be fair. I’d like to hear what you have in mind.”
Use your research notes and knowledge to negotiate and leverage to an advantage if the figure is in the middle or lower.
Ask about probationary period, its length and purpose!!!!! Find out about the initial adjustment. Is the raise automatic? Or is it based on merit or performance? Before accepting an offer, review all aspects of the job!!!!!!!!!!!!
Accepting A Position. What is to know before Accepting? See Key Info on page 231.
After a Verbal Agreement, Request the terms in Writing!!!!!!!!
a. You may write a letter of acceptance, expressing appreciation for the offer and enthusiasm about the position. Get ready for the first workday. Ask about orientation activities, dress code, parking, food availability, appropriate ways to address supervisors and other employees, and company policies.
DO EXERCISE ON PAGE 268 / LEADERSHIP ASSESSMENT!!!!!!
Rejecting an Offer: You may accept or reject a deal after going through the job-search process. You may not want to have the job after all. Make sure to leave a positive impression. See Page 232 for examples. Please keep your letter of rejection brief, sincere, and positive.
Beginning Your New Job: Initial days can be exciting, challenging, overwhelming, and frightening. Businesses that offer a formal orientation can help you get started. Consider the first year as a transition state. Use the quote by Lyn Patterson on page 232!!!!! Keep in mind that there is a learning curve with each job……etc. etc.
ESTABLISH/MAKE POSITIVE FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
Your appearance is important
Looking professional in a business setting certainly will be to your advantage.
Communication plays a major role in all aspects of life and takes on even greater dimensions when you are newly hired. Listening intently and reinforcing what you hear by taking notes are highly recommended. You will be receiving so much information. Recalling all of it may be difficult.
Make sure to ask questions. If you have concerns about not knowing, realize that lack of knowledge is expected. Not asking any questions can be risky. When you are asking or seek info from a co-worker, supervisor or secretary, you are elevating that person.
Company’s communication system: phone, Internet, e-mail, voicemail, fax machine. Make sure you sound professional and friendly
Read the company’s manual or policies
Create a working space or an efficient one. Avoid any display that is negative, insensitive, or offensive. Keep in mind that interpersonal relations skills are regarded as essential throughout one’s career. Building relationships in the workplace is an ongoing process.
Maintain a balance between your personal and professional life. Keep an open conversation style and avoid any profanity and slang. Avoid getting drawn into petty conflicts, cliques, or gossip. Avoid getting involved in unprofessional behaviors.
Invest time or make a deliberate effort to learn the “culture of the company.” Bottom of page 234: A company’s unique personality and culture translate into unique sets of norms, expected ways of behaving. Try to fit in first before you show your unique qualities.
Avoid too much enthusiasm or giving the impression that you want to take over. That can be seen as an error! Seek advice and recognize there is a lot for you to learn. Avoid creating animosity.
Get to know your immediate supervisor. See page 235!!!!!!!!!!!
Maintaining Appropriate Balance:
How much is too much needs to be clearly established and then modified. A way to proceed is to request a time to discuss the issue. Balance also means maintaining a personal life. Getting away will usually make a person much more productive at work. Personal time can serve as a replenisher.
Keeping Personal Records: Maintain a personal career file is one of the most practical and worthwhile things you can do. Prepare a career file by including the following. See Page 237.
Making Contacts or Networking: Positive relationships help to create a satisfying professional life. Have a Mentor: a specific person who serves as a guide and role model, who can or may take you under his or her wing and offer to provide help and advice. Effective career designers have several mentors. Contacts are helpful as you advance in your career path. Collect business cards and keep them in a special file.
People with whom you connect fall into three categories:
Givers: they give, give, give. No matter what you need, they are there. They seem happy to be of service. Their needs are met by giving to others.
Traders: As long as they get something in return, they are willing to be of service. You may need to show them how they can benefit. They keep track and if you owe them, they will remind you.
Takers: They are busy with getting. They are of no use to you. Avoid them.
Companies encourage you to participate in fund-raising, volunteer activities,
Performance Reviews: How to handle them:
What are they? They are an opportunity to learn about your performance so you can continue what is effective and make improvements. Criticism should be seen as judging both faults and merits. Performance Review is a time for a supervisor to discuss both positive and negative aspects of an employee’s performance. Get ready for the Performance review. It is not to be seen as an assault on your abilities. View it as an opportunity to improve!
Avoid Negative Responses to Criticism/ Responding Positively to Criticism. See page 241-242.
Discussing Salary Increases. See page 246 for a list of advice!!!!!!!!
Continue to learn // Advance in your career.
Making Relocation Decisions
Fostering Leadership Skills: Type of Leaders and Characteristics of effective leaders. See page 252. See Key Info on 253. Leadership means taking responsibility and being in a position to direct, guide, and influence others.
Changing Careers and Owning Your Own Business, Ending your Career
Headhunters: Search firms that seek employees
Hierarchy of Needs: Why change careers? See answers on page 256!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Running a Business: Overhead: all the expenses involved in running a business. Benefits of owning a Business. Page 262.
Who has owned a small business here?
F. Owning Your Own Business Tips
a. Offer quality, service and great interpersonal skills. They are essential to your success. “To excel, make the present client believe he or she is the focus of your full attention and be sure to provide the finest service.”
b. Avoid Committing too much money too soon.
c. Find out what your passion is and incorporate it into your business. “It is essential to do what you love.”
SCORE: Service Corps of Retired Executives, SCORE.org. Visit your local chapter to get materials and information about starting a business and retirement.
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