Career & Life Coaching

Job searching is never fun, nor is it something that is particularly comfortable for the majority of people out there. It can be frustrating, but ultimately, it can prove to be an extremely rewarding experience. There are additional challenges that exist, however, when it comes to job searching in a recession.

The term recession is likely to be as frightening to many as a job search. Because of this, it’s important to remember that there are ways to simplify job searching in a recession. Whether you are currently employed and concerned about the possibility of a layoff or you are unemployed and eager to find work, the following tips will help with job searching in a recession.

1.Inventory your skills. Whenever you are searching for a job, it’s important to make sure that you know your strengths and that you are able to identify the areas where you could be stronger. While job searching in a recession, if you are aware of the potential for growth in a given area, you may want to make an effort to develop those skills – particularly if they will make you more marketable to employers.
2.Identify your long term goals. When you are searching for a new job, you have a great opportunity to get a fresh start. If you’ve always felt that you aren’t doing the right type of work, you have the opportunity to explore other options – and what you would need to be able to break into a new field – rather than just looking for more of the same.
3.Step up your confidence. When you are frustrated and down about your circumstances, it is going to show. The more that you are able to overcome the stress that you’re experiencing and exude confidence, the better the position that you will be in to go in for the interview.

Ultimately, confidence is one of the strongest factors out there; when you are committed to doing your best work, when you are focused on learning about the companies that you apply to and you are able to focus on developing the full skill set that they are looking for, you will have an advantage.

Staying marketable is something that you can focus on whether or not you currently have a job and regardless of whether you are starting into a new field or looking for a similar position. When there are strains on the economy, there will be more applicants for various positions and that means that there will be more competition; remember that competition can be a good thing – provided you let it drive you to be your best.

Job searching in a recession, in other words, is really just a matter of ensuring that you are at the top of your game – that you have all of the necessary skills, that you know what you are working toward and that you know that you’re able to accomplish all of the things that you set out to do.

Copyright 2009, Cecile Peterkin. All rights reserved.

Given that the economy is nowhere near as strong as it could be, more and more companies are looking at layoffs as an option that will help them to stay in business. No matter how great you are at your job, there is a risk of the company eliminating your position – and if that happens, it’s likely that they will offer you a severance package. What many people don’t know is that negotiating a severance package is possible.

Before you really start thinking about negotiating a severance package however, there are a couple of things to consider. The most important thing to remember is that negotiating a severance package is not about exacting your revenge on the employer that terminated your position.

But just what is negotiating a severance package about?
1.First, negotiating about the package that you are offered is something that gives you the opportunity to ask for something more realistic. If, as an example, you have worked with the same company in the same position for a number of years, you are likely to look at an offer of two months of pay differently than someone given the same offer who’d been with the company less than a year. Additionally, if your expertise is limited and it’s unlikely that a similar position will open up elsewhere, you may be able to successfully argue for pay over a longer period of time.
2.Similarly, negotiating with your employer about a severance package is a chance to make requests for fair treatment. In some cases, particularly if you only have experience with a given system and way of doing things, you may find that your past employer is willing to offer an additional stipend that will help you to get training as you look for a new job.
3.The negotiation process is about making a clear and professional case for each item that you are requesting. Because of this, it’s important to determine what the severance package contains before you try to get something more.

Ultimately, some severance packages are extremely fair; others seem to be more of a token effort than anything else. If you are laid off and aware of the opportunity to negotiate the package offered, you will want to be sure that you know what your employer is offering; in some cases, it really will be best to accept the package as it is written. However that doesn’t mean that you should just assume that you’re getting the best possible deal.

Before negotiating a severance package, make sure that you know when you must respond – your employer will give you a deadline – then read through the offer. If it seems unrealistic or grossly unfair, you may want to talk to a lawyer about your situation to ensure that you have a solid argument. When you are able to point out the flaws of the severance package as offered and to make a clear, professional case for each request that you’re making, however, you just might find that it’s possible to come away with more than initially offered.

Copyright 2009, Cecile Peterkin. All rights reserved.

I was recently speaking with a client interested in improving her negotiation skills for her upcoming salary review. She has been in her new position for just over four months. She has exceeded expectations, and feeling confident in her job. However, she is unhappy with her salary. Afraid to negotiate and risk losing the job offer, and grateful for the paycheck, she accepted the job offer without negotiating her salary or compensation package.

Salary negotiation is the most sensitive part of a job interview. We emotionalize it because we are uncomfortable talking about money. You needn’t be afraid or feel at the mercy of your employer. They expect you to negotiate. In fact, in virtually all instances an interviewer has the power to negotiate a higher salary. However, you must prepare for your job interview including salary negotiation in the same manner you prepare your resume, cover letter, etc.

Starting a new job or position is the best time to get the salary or compensation package you want. After you are hired it becomes a bit more difficult to make up your salary.

Salary Negotiations Research Results

Research Question#1: Do you expect candidates to negotiate regarding their salary, benefits, and work schedules once you’ve made an offer?

Results:

82% reported that they did expect a candidate to negotiate.

18% reported they did not expect a candidate to negotiate.

Research Question #2: On average, how much of a range do you have to negotiate a higher salary with a professional candidate (not hourly personnel)?

Results:

64% reported they can negotiate up to 10% higher salary.

20% reported they can negotiate up to 20% higher salary.

18% reported they have no limit on salary negotiations.

0% reported they have no authorization to negotiate higher salary.

Salary negotiation is about what you think you are worth. Therefore, before entering into a salary negotiation you need to know the following:

• Know the market; research salaries
• Understand your value – what are you worth based on your skills and experiences?
• Be clear on the skills and qualifications required for the position
• Don’t overlook the overall compensation package
• Know what you want

How do you go about negotiating your salary?

You should never bring up salary during the interview. Always let the employer bring it up. If a salary amount is offered take your time to consider it before accepting – 1-2 days is acceptable before approaching the negotiation process.

If you are asked your salary expectations, give a range based on your research or tell the employer you are open based on the position and the overall compensation package. Again the negotiation starts after the employer has made the offer.

During the negotiation process, you should consider the entire remuneration package, not just salary, including job related benefits, and working conditions like time off, location and other factors. If it’s a job you want but the package is not ideal, be ready to try to influence the employer to improve the offer by pointing out your skill sets and ways in which you can add value to the company. If all else fails, be prepared to say ‘No’ if your bottom line needs are not being met.