“There’s no way I could ask my boss for a raise – I’d blow it for sure, and then where would I be?” Sound familiar? In the last few years, many Americans have seen their salaries stagnate or even decline.

Getting a raise is not as simple as it may appear. A recent USA Today survey reported that 20% of all male employees and 24% of all female employees went to their bosses and asked for a raise. But lots of them failed! 59% of the women got a “NO” and 41% of men did, so learning the success formula before you talk to your boss can greatly improve your chances of achieving your goal.

So exactly what critical mistakes did people make when talking to employers about a raise? Here are the major ones:

#1 – Assuming longevity entitles you to a raise
#2 – Needing a raise because you bought a new house, car or had a baby
#3 – Threatening to quit or refusing to do the project
#4 – Stating that some other employee got a raise so you want one too

Even in a tough economy you can land a raise if you:

Select the “buy now” button for package that best meets your hiring needs to get started. Pre-purchasing job packs, or becoming a featured employer can cut your costs if you regularly list new positions.

If you are interested in becoming a featured employer or purchasing banner ads on our site, our sales team will provide you with more information when you select the “e-mail us” button.

2. Create an account

You will be asked to create an account if this is the first time you have visited the site, or you are not currently logged in. If you all ready have an account, please log in before selecting a package.

To register, you will be asked a few basic questions, and asked to supply an e-mail address and six digit password to log in when you return to the site.

Creating an account will allow you to visit the site later to edit, remove or renew your postings, as well as view and manage candidates that have applied to any of your postings. When you log in to buy new postings, you will be able to re-use your contact information instead of re-entering it for every job.

3. Enter & post jobs

You can upload a word document, or directly enter your job in the form for posting a job. If you have any questions during the process, click on the help icon . Please fill in as many fields as possible and write a detailed description of the job duties and skills required. This will help the most qualified candidates find you. Remember there is no text limit for online only postings – so be descriptive.

4. Edit jobs and manage candidates

When you return to the site, you will visit the same post a job/login page – simply login with the e-mail address and six-digit password at the top of the page under “Returning employers”.

• To edit or remove jobs, select the “Job manager” tab.
• To view candidates that have applied for your jobs: Select the “My candidates” tab.
• To buy additional postings click on the “Job manager” tab, then “post a job.” Select any of the options from the dropdown under “Individual postings” heading. Or, click on the “Our products” tab to view all postings and packages available to purchase self-service.

More questions

If you have questions about how to use your account, please contact us.

If you are interested in finding out more about featured employer packages, please e-mail sales@arkansasonline.com

Is it time to revise my job description and ask for more money?

Q. I have been working as a human resources assistant for the last two and a half years. Although I had no human resources experience when I started, I have now learned almost every aspect of my job (at least according to my job description) and have acquired even more responsibilities. I have attended numerous HR seminars and have taken a few evening business courses on my own.

I’m also the unofficial supervisor for a two-person department. Technically, my manager is the manager for this department, but because I am bilingual I have become responsible for hiring, firing, and daily management. I have expressed a strong interest in learning more about the compensation aspect of HR, since I prepare and track all company reviews. I’m interested in learning how salaries are calculated and how they compare to the market.

My current salary is just under $29,000, and many other positions, including customer service and accounting clerks are now earning up to $2,000 more than I am. I don’t think this is fair. Would I be justified in asking for a raise, even though I just got a 3 percent raise a few months ago? If so, how should I go about doing this?

A. I commend you for taking it upon yourself to increase your skills and knowledge in HR. Based on some of the tasks you’ve listed, it does seem as though your current scope and responsibilities exceed those of a human resources assistant. Typically, an HR assistant would not be responsible for hiring and firing employees.

Prepare for a meeting with your supervisor by reviewing the job description that applied to you when you were hired. Using that same document, add the responsibilities you have taken on. Then, discuss the before-and-after versions of the job description with your supervisor. This way your supervisor can see the evolution of your responsibilities since you were hired into the position.

Once you and your supervisor agree on your new responsibilities, rewrite the job description accordingly. With an accurate picture of your job, find out the market rate using the Salary Wizard or by purchasing a Personal Salary Report. If the increase you received a few months ago doesn’t bring you between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range, then negotiate an increase that puts you within that range. By defining the role and determining the pay, you put yourself in a good position to ask your supervisor for an appropriate increase to your salary.

Good luck.

It’s all negotiable. Every new job – every performance review, in fact – is an opportunity to negotiate base salary, various kinds of bonuses, benefits, stock options, and other incentives that add to job satisfaction and provide financial security. Taking control of your job search and conducting a smart search that takes into account more than just financial considerations can also lead to that elusive condition called happiness. Are you prepared to negotiate for happiness?

The negotiation process is an opportunity to define, communicate, and achieve what you want. But to get the right job that pays what you deserve, you’ll need to do your homework. The first step in the negotiation clinic is to understand the negotiation basics.

Negotiation requires gathering information, planning your approach, considering different alternatives and viewpoints, communicating clearly and specifically, and making decisions to reach your goal. In her book, Job Offer! A How-to Negotiation Guide, author Maryanne L. Wegerbauer describes how each party in a negotiation can fulfill specific needs and wants of the other party, a concept called “relative power.” According to Wegerbauer, understanding your strengths and resources; being able to respond to the needs of the other party; and knowing your competition enable you to assess your bargaining position more accurately.

Learn the power factors
What is your power over the other side of the table? Relative power, Wegerbauer says, is a function of the following.

Business climate factors · Overall state of the economy and the industry in which you compete
· Overall unemployment rate and the general employment picture
· Demand for industry- and profession-specific knowledge and skills
Company factors · Profitability
· Position in the business cycle (startup, growing, stable, turnaround)
Hiring manager factors · Urgency of the company’s need to fill the position
· Decision-making authority
· Staffing budget
Applicant factors · Other opportunities
· Technical expertise, unique knowledge/skill set
· Resources (financial depth, networks, etc.)
· Level of competition/availability of other candidates
· Career risk
Plan and communicate
A negotiation is composed of two major steps: planning (research and strategy) and communication (information exchange and agreement). In the planning step, get as much information as you can up front and, using both the company’s written and unwritten signals, map your skills against what the company values.

Give it time
Timing is also important. Remember that the best time to negotiate is after a serious job offer has been made and before you have accepted it. Once you are clear about the initial offer, you can express interest and even enthusiasm, but ask for more time to consider the job offer. Wegerbauer suggests that this request is made “in light of the importance of the decision.” Sometimes you can split up the negotiating session into two meetings: one to firm up the job design and responsibilities and the second to go over compensation and benefits. The key message here is not to make an impulsive decision. If they really want you, there’s time.

Consider the alternatives
You should be prepared with a rationale for everything to strengthen your position. Counteroffers are an expected part of many negotiations, so be sure to remain flexible. Keep in mind that different companies can give negotiations more or less latitude. Smaller companies may be more flexible than large, bureaucratic companies. Unionized companies usually have very little room for individual negotiations.

Negotiate for a win-win
Remember that the negotiation is not about strong-arm tactics or win/lose. It is a two-way process where you and your prospective employer are each trying to get something you need. In a negotiation, you’re both designing the terms of a transaction so that each of you will receive the maximum benefit from the final agreement.

Just like an interview, a job offer can tell you a great deal about a potential employer. An offer can reveal how serious the employer is about the offer, how valuable you are to the company, and most importantly, whether you should make the move.

Jobs are customarily offered over the telephone or in person. The employer should offer more than just, “Congratulations, you’ve got the job.” He or she should explain the offer in detail and answer your questions.

It is appropriate to respond to a job offer within two to four days. Rarely would an employer expect you to accept a position on the spot. While you’re thinking it over, here’s what to look for.

Titles
The most basic information is your title. Titles are more than names; they are a short, strategic, and functional explanation of your job and its responsibilities. You need to be clear on your duties so that you know what is expected of you, which can help minimize surprises after you start working.

The names and titles of your immediate supervisors also should be mentioned in the offer. Most likely, you have already met your supervisors during your interview and have gotten acquainted with them. You’ll be working with your supervisors every day, so it’s important to feel comfortable around them. Knowing how many supervisors you have also will give you a better idea of the amount of work involved in your job.

Salary
Understanding the salary information – the most important piece of the job offer – can help you reach an educated career decision. Find out your base pay, which can be stated annually, monthly, or both. Make sure you know how frequently you will receive a paycheck. Most employers pay biweekly (26 times a year) or twice a month (24 times a year). If you are a nonexempt employee, you should be paid at least twice a month.

Be sure to ask about the timing of your salary review – in other words, when will you be eligible for a raise. Your salary review sometimes is tied to your performance review and is a chance for the employer to recognize and reward you for your accomplishments. Generally, the review will take place one year from your start date. Some companies conduct six-month salary reviews as well.

Bonuses
Bonuses can add money to your total compensation package. Employers should tell you about the different bonuses offered, which can be based on personal performance or be relative to the company’s profit. Sometimes a bonus simply will be a set percentage of your base pay. If you were offered a signing bonus, be sure to ask about the details, such as the date you will receive the pay.

If an employee referred you to the company, then he or she may receive a referral bonus, which is contingent upon your employment. This means you may have to be employed at the company for a specified period before the bonus is granted.

Benefits
Compensation isn’t just the cash, it’s also the benefits. The most important benefits are health and dental insurance. You should find out the name of the provider and the types of coverage you will receive. You should also be aware how much your insurance will cost each week, and how much your employer will cover. Companies offer different kinds of coverage, and if your company makes you pay more for health coverage, you have an incentive to negotiate.

Medical plans sometimes take more than a week to process, so find out whether your new medical plan will take effect on the day you start working. Your health insurance plan at your current job expires on the day you leave, but under federal COBRA laws you have the right to continue to purchase health insurance under your old plan for 18 or 36 months, depending on the plan.

If your new plan will not take effect right away and you elect to purchase your old plan, you may want to ask your new employer to pay part or all of the plan’s costs until the new one kicks in.

Remember, you want an offer that matches your current employment status. A good starting point is to use the list of benefits from your current job as a checklist for your new job. If you currently have short-term and long-term disability insurance coverage, find out whether the new employer offers comparable programs. Some other common financial benefits are pension plans, retirement plans, life insurance, travel insurance, and severance packages.

Some companies, both public and private, offer stock options as part of the compensation package. If you are offered stocks, find out how many shares you’ll receive and when they vest. Vesting in this context is the period over which an employee has the right to realize the right to exercise options (purchase and sell shares of stock). Vesting schedules vary from company to company. Be sure to ask when the vesting period begins. You may, for example, become vested in 25 percent of your stock options after each six months of employment. It’s also in your best interest to know your exercise price, the current price of public stock, and the number of shares outstanding to calculate the value of your options and get a better idea of your total package.

Perks
Traditionally, companies offer added perks to executives and some senior managers. Today, some companies also offer the same high-end incentives to other employees. These benefits could include daycare, reimbursement for parking or commuting fees, and health club memberships. Not all companies offer these services, and not all employees are granted these perks.

Employers also offer training programs, and often every employee is sent to at least one training session, regardless of industry or job title. An employer that values its staff wants to help them grow and develop professionally. Ask about the types of training you would receive. Some companies also offer tuition reimbursement to encourage employees to pursue higher education.

Vacation time
Don’t forget to ask about the all-important vacation time. Always ask when you are in doubt – and never assume – because policies differ from company to company. Generally, every employee receives two weeks of vacation time each year; the number is usually higher for senior-level positions. Vacation time also is negotiable if you are offered less time compared with what you have at your current job.

Two benefits often overlooked when evaluating a job offer are sick days and personal days (sometimes called floating holidays). These benefits should be stated in the offer letter, and you should clarify when you can access these benefits. Usually, you must wait three months before you can take a vacation day or a personal day, so if you know ahead of time about an upcoming engagement, negotiate now so that there will be no surprises later. Plus, this is proper business etiquette.

Start date
An employer will discuss your start date, which should be stated in the offer letter. If you are currently employed, the start date will be at least two weeks later, giving you enough time to notify your current employer. It could be as long as four weeks if you hold a management position or if it takes longer to find a replacement for your current position. Negotiate for more time if you feel it’s necessary to help you make a smoother transition into your new career.

You’ve heard of those brain teaser questions that may well come between you and a job someday. No matter how much you may prepare yourself for a job interview, you may never be completely ready when that interviewer asks you why manhole covers are round. Even that question has been asked so often by now, it’s considered one of the easy ones. Microsoft is partly to blame.

Ever since the Seattle-based software giant made news a few years ago for asking applicants questions like “How many golfballs does it take to fill a 747?”, more and more companies have been adding their own mindbenders to the interview mix – and it’s not just at software behemoths like Microsoft, but also at consulting firms and investment banks like Goldman Sachs and Smith Barney. Don’t feel prepared just because you’ve got a bulletproof resume and have thoroughly researched the company you’re interviewing for. Be ready for something unorthodox to pop up out of the blue.

It’s how you answer, not what you answer It’s not a matter of answering the question “correctly” – in many cases there is no correct answer. The company wants to know how you think. They are interested in how and why you arrive at your answer. According to one contractor who was writing anonymously on a website devoted to Microsoft job interviews, the interviewer “wants to know what you’re like, not what you think you should be like. While it might seem obvious that authenticity is vital, many people still get the misguided impression that there is a character type they must reflect.”

These brain teasers range widely in difficulty. Some of them do have actual answers. One example is, “Calculate the number of degrees between the hour and minute hands of an analog clock that reads 3:15.” Hint: the answer is not zero. Others exist primarily to see how creatively and elegantly you can reason under pressure, for example, “How many gas stations are there in the United States?” While these may involve some math, it’s fairly simple stuff. The key is to show how flexible your mind is when figuring these things out.

Take the manhole cover question, one of the easier brain teasers out there. Why are they round? Don’t panic. Consider the question from different angles. You might answer that manhole covers are round because it makes them easier for one person to move them around by rolling them on one side. They might be round because if the manholes were, say, square – or for that matter, any shape other than a circle – they could easily drop through the hole. This is the orthodox “right” answer to the manhole question. Another popular answer to this is that the round covers don’t need to be rotated to fit over the hole they’re covering, as square ones would.

Or consider this: What’s the size of the market for disposable diapers in China? Start big and take this brain teaser one mathematical step at a time. Estimate how many people live in China and pick a percentage of that number that would represent Chinese people of child-bearing age. Divide that number in half to get the number of Chinese women of childbearing age. Assume a percentage of those women have children, a fraction of whom are under two years old. Recall that on average, Chinese families tend to have only one child. Plug in the numbers and do the math.

The number may not be the precise answer, but the logic you use to get it shows the interviewer that you know how to think. The trick is to use big, round numbers that are easy to add, subtract, multiply, and divide on the fly. By showing the interviewer that you can think on your feet, you’ll begin to demonstrate that you’ll be a solid problem-solver as an employee.

When Lynn University professor Lisa Dandeo held mock job interviews with her business administration seniors this spring, the students tripped themselves up with an obvious wardrobe gaffe.

“Open-toed shoes!” Dandeo says. “They all wore these 5-inch heels with open toes.”

Strappy sandals are more suitable to the dance floor than the sales floor, but some members of Generation Y don’t make that distinction.

“There’s something that’s definitely happening with the younger generation now,” says Joseph Rosenfeld, an image consultant based in San Jose, Calif. “There’s a lot of ‘Accept me now, accept me for who and what I am, and give me whatever I want right now.’ ”

For those students, the real world provides a harsh wake-up call. If someone’s accustomed to wearing PJs to poli-sci, is it any wonder she’d be equally laid-back at a job interview?

Denise Bober, director of human resources at a Palm Beach resort, says she’s amazed by the number of young women who show up for job interviews showing way too much skin.

“If you look in the mirror, and you look sexy,” she says, “change.”

Alas, inappropriate beach attire isn’t limited to the beach.

“We’ve had applicants come in with bare midriffs or flip-flops,” says Jennifer Loyless, spokeswoman for a public defender’s office. “This does not give us the impression that they respect the work that we do.”

And communicating respect and professionalism, through both attire and demeanor, is one of the most important components in scoring a new job.

“Grads should never delude themselves into thinking that grades trump attitude,” says Carey O’Donnell of the Carey O’Donnell PR Group.

“How you dress speaks volumes about your attitude toward life and your job. Sloppy attire says you are sloppy, even if that’s really not the case,” O’Donnell says. “Visible tattoos, flip-flops, chewing gum (oh yes, I’ve had people interview while blowing bubbles,) and too-booby cleavage are deal killers in a company like mine, where employees need to dress in a manner that’s acceptable and professional in any Fortune 500 company.

“We represent blue-chip clients in law, banking, real estate, government and consumer products. We’re not working with emerging rock groups or sandwich shops, where the culture would clearly be very casual.”

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ Job Outlook 2006 report, recent graduates will enjoy the best job market in four years.

Almost 47 percent of employers responding to the survey rated the job market for new college graduates as very good or excellent, compared with just over 29 percent in 2005.

That doesn’t mean students can be slack about dress.

“You don’t want them to say, ‘She’s the one with the tattoo or the thing in her ear,’ ” says Carole Martin, president of InterviewCoach.com. “Anything that will make them remember you in a negative way is a no-no.”

Many candidates may have similar credentials, “and that begs the question: What makes you stand out?” Rosenfeld says.

WHAT TO WEAR

Job applicants obviously want to be remembered by potential employers, but for the right reasons.

Image consultant Joseph Rosenfeld offers these interview attire tips for the Gen Y crowd:

• Look for clues beforehand. What are the recruiters at job fairs wearing? “Observe the way they look, what they are wearing, how formally or informally they are communicating,” he says.
• Do your homework. Learn about the corporate culture of the potential employers.
• Suit yourself. “If your parents insist on buying you a ‘rite of passage’ suit, let them. It’s always good to have a suit.”
• Up trumps down … “Dressing up is better than the alternative.”
• … and dark trumps light. “Lighter colors can be beautiful, but can connote a little bit more of a casual tone. … A darker color signifies a readiness to do business.” And for shoes, play it safe: black, dark brown or navy.

Hiring managers agree: Good cover letters are very influential. Many people forget about cover letters when applying online, but taking time to craft a good one is a wise job-hunting strategy to employ. What makes up a great letter? Use what I call the “Power Impact Technique” to write a strong opening paragraph highlighting the experience and accomplishments you bring to the job.

A CEO I know reiterates the importance of opening strongly. “A poor opening paragraph is why many job hunters fail,” he says. “It is usually a common, general sentence. You need to immediately establish something unique about yourself. I like to see the particular reason-background or experience-that tells me why I should hire the person at the start of the letter.”

Next, analyze the position and the skills needed to accomplish the job. “Applicants who do not address the qualifications or other information requested in the advertisement make a huge mistake,” warns Kelly Bachman, Finance Manager for a large agricultural company. “Address each specific qualification and state the experience and skills you bring to perform that task or function. The bottom line is you must show HOW you are qualified, and if you truly are not, save your time and effort and don’t apply.”

You can jump ahead of the pack by demonstrating your superior communication skills and write a cover letter to use, edit and reuse whenever you apply online at NWjobs.

Create your online cover letter: from the left menu bar on the jobs homepage click on “My jobs profile.” This stores your online resumes and cover letters and is where you will edit and control your account. Click on “Cover Letters.” Click on “Add Cover Letter.” Enter a name for your cover letter. (The name identifies each cover letter for your own use, but the name will not be sent to the employer.)

Write your cover letter in a word processing program: Begin with a strong opening such as: 10 years of proven experience�€� Next, highlight all the needed criteria and your important accomplishments. Edit, SPELLCHECK, PROOFREAD. Eliminate any italic, bold or fancy fonts as the online system won’t accept them. If you know HTML, you can use bullets, and I recommend that you do, to illustrate key points. If not, you can highlight your key points with text icons such as an asterisk or dash. Save your cover letter as a text file, then select all, copy and paste the letter online into the cover letter box. Click anywhere inside the text box and you can eliminate gaps and fix the format for easier reading. SAVE. You have now completed a cover letter you can send with your resume when applying online.

I recommend that you create more than one cover letter. It’s best to customize every letter and label it by the title of the job for which you are applying. A bit more trouble, but targeting each employer’s specific needs will result in a stronger application and yield more job interviews.

References can have a significant impact on the final hiring decision. Be ready at a moment’s notice to provide potential employers with at least three solid ones.

Approach only your natural contacts, the people who would unquestionably offer a glowing report about you. You want people who know you well professionally and can relay information about your proficiency, skills, attitudes, and behaviors.

Consider mentors, bosses, or coworkers in positions of authority. Also look at professors, coaches, or counselors. Steer away from family and friends, who may be biased or unaware of your work habits.

Ask early and carefully
Ask for references before you leave your current job. Say something like, “If I need a reference, would you feel comfortable offering a positive recommendation?” If there is any hesitation, avoid using that person. If he or she is a solid mentor, talk about the type of position you are seeking, your hopes, and your goals. Asking for advice educates and engages your references in your efforts.

Do their work for them
Make it easy for your references to say good things about you.

• Provide an updated resume.
• Give them warning that a potential employer has asked for references.
• Describe the job you are seeking, the challenges it might provide, and your ability to meet them.
• Outline why you are the best candidate for the job.
• Ask them to let you know when/if they’ve been contacted.

How HR managers use your network
Human resource managers almost invariably ask for references when seriously considering someone. For liability reasons, if for no other, they will probably call each one. They will look for inconsistencies between information gleaned from your interview and from what your references say. They may ask about the following.

• Promptness or tardiness
• Interactions with coworkers
• Attitude
• Competency
• Weaknesses

Thank your references
After your job search is over, contact your references to let them know how their referral paid off. Ask if there is anything you can do in return.

A few years ago, Kathy met Henry in a social setting. At the time, Henry had a small business that sounded relatively intriguing to Kathy. Out of habit, Kathy made a point of getting Henry’s contact information at the end of the evening even though she was content in her job. The next day she sent him a resume and a letter recapping their conversation. Henry filed the correspondence for future reference.

A year and a half later, Henry was starting a different business that needed someone with a particular set of skills. Henry recalled meeting Kathy, who had those skills. He pulled her resume out of his file, contacted her, and pitched the new idea. The opportunity and the timing were perfect. Kathy now works for this successful, growing business, adding value as a key part of its operations.

Networking in professional, social, and other settings has become an increasingly important aspect of a job search as people now tend to move from one company to another more frequently.

Network everyday, everywhere
Follow the demand for your talent by continuous networking, making it second nature. Make your own connections and be your own agent.

There are networking opportunities every day. It’s done at parties, dinners, events, small gatherings, birthdays, volunteer activities, and ceremonies. It happens at the gym, the grocery store, and the garage. Talk to anyone and everyone including those new to an industry and old pros, those in school and those overseas. They all matter.

Try this mental game at a networking function. First, bring a stack of business cards at least a quarter inch thick. See if you can find three people who refuse to take one. Chances are, you’ll run out of business cards before you find even one person who says no.

Keep an active and pleasant communication open with past employers, being careful not to burn bridges when you leave a company. If you leave the workforce for a few years to raise children, network with other stay-at-home parents and attend your partner’s company events at the holidays.

Use resumes like personal flyers
Resumes can serve as detailed business cards, reminding contacts of you and your accomplishments. Create a version of your resume for networking alone, one that can be pulled out on short notice.

Use informational interviews
Exploit another networking staple with an informational interview – a formal chat in which you ask someone to talk about his or her work without trying to squeeze a job out of the experience. It can be a particularly useful way to get a detailed picture of the industry since you are free to ask absolutely anything and can more often expect a frank response than in a regular interview.

Ask how your contact got into the industry, and why. Ask what skills are most in demand, where the industry is headed, and where the jobs will be. Ask the best way to advance. Ask whether he or she has any regrets. Ask for the best way to find a job in the industry. Get further contacts.

Network toward a job
When you actively start to look for work, contact everyone you know. Go to your immediate and extended family, friends of the family, religious community, volunteer connections, old college buddies or clubs, past employers, and anyone you deal with including your accountant, real estate agent, or dentist. Reciprocate when they call you.

Network for your company too
Even if you are happily employed, you can network for your company and help your personal pursuits at the same time. If your company gets invited to an event, go. If someone in a salon or at a grocery store wants to talk about your company, engage them.

Put your network to use
References can have a significant impact on the final hiring decision. Be ready to provide potential employers with at least three solid ones from your network of professional contacts.