You've probably read about recent wages statistics. Why are they important for you? Well, for one they, they give you a sense as to whether or not you're getting ahead. You see, if you're not advancing in terms of your compensation . . .
you're going backwards! The reason for that is that, on the one hand, the economy is growing. On the other hand, so is inflation. The cost of what you pay for things is going up. So to stay ahead you have to be in a position where you can command more money. Sometimes you're in an employment where the cost of living increases in your wages is handled, say, by a union contract or some other kind of built-in mechanism.
But if that's not the case for you, then it's up to you to something about your own welfare. So, take a look at typical weekly median wages for 2005 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. See where you fit it. Petroleum Engineers: $1923 Actuaries: $1639 Lawyers: $1609 Economists: $1569 Chiropractors: $1531 Aerospace Engineers $1362 Medical and Health Service Managers: $1089 Meeting and Convention Planners: $912 Loan Counselors and Officers: $861 Elementary Schoolteachers: $826 Funeral Directors: $768 Social Workers: $700 Pest Control Workers: $508 Animal Trainers: $482 Actors: $481 Child-Care Workers: $332 Dishwasher: $296 Here are the steps you need to take to assure you can get ahead in your current job: 1. Do your homework before you do anything.
What have others in your organization done to get a salary increase? What is the basis your boss uses for compensation hikes? . . . performance? .
. . creativity? . . .
friendship? 2. Ask your boss what you can do to make yourself more valuable to the company. And ask him/her during a routine performance review. NEVER ask for a raise. Instead, ask how you can make a larger contribution. 3.
Be prepared to demonstrate your accomplishments and contributions. And do it very specifically by the numbers. I mean by that you should quantify your results by showing dollars generated, percentage growth, savings, etc.
4. Work out some practical suggestions for improvement or bring to the table some new ideas. Write down your ideas in a presentation that you can leave behind for your boss to review. 5. Look for opportunities to take on responsibilities that go beyond your current job description. Gain more visibility by taking additional training, or signing up for in-house seminars.
Make sure your boss knows about these career expanding activities. 6. Most importantly, take the time to generate chemistry and rapport with superiors. This does NOT mean buttering up your boss or paying unwelcome compliments. It does mean asking advice, being available to help out, looking for opportunities to take on an extra assignment or pitch in. You're in charge of your own future.
The good news is there are proven strategies that can significantly help you get ahead. They're all part of the exciting alternative job search and non-traditional career advancement movement. Check it out!.
Paul Megan writes for EEI, the world-class pioneer in alternative job search techniques and non-traditional career advancement strategies . . . since 1985. Grab our stunning FREE REPORT: "How To Find A Job In As Little As 14 Days!" Click on RSS for instant info! http://www.fastest-job-search.com