In this post, I continue with more workplace skills.
More Interview Tips
- Dress professionally and show up on time. Do not wear clothing that is too tight or too revealing. Practice the route to the interview ahead of time if necessary so you know how long it takes to get there. Allow extra time for unforeseen circumstances like traffic accidents. Bring a sweater in case you are cold or water in case you are thirsty. Plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your appointment time so you can sit down and have a few minutes to relax before your interview.
- After the interview, write a thank you note. Email is OK, but if you really want to stand out, send your interviewer(s) a hand-written note.
Negotiation Tips
First of all, never accept a job offer on the spot. If you are offered the job, tell the employer you need some time to think about it. Give yourself a deadline to make your decision, communicate that to the employer, and be sure to follow up with your decision.
The best time to negotiate your salary is now: after they have made you an offer but before you’ve accepted it. This is when you have the most leverage. Think of any conditions or stipulations that you need, such as not working nights or weekends, and put them in writing. Then, consider the salary. If you think it is unfair based on your prior research, come up with a counter offer. Then, email the response to your employer and save a copy for yourself. To protect yourself, all salary and other job negotiations should be in writing.
In my next and final post for this series, I will discuss how to build alliances a work and how to ask for a raise.
Yours in the Joy of Knowledge,
Dr. Barb LoFrisco
