Sometimes, there is harm in asking

A couple generations ago employees and candidates thought twice before asking. The mindset of "There is no harm in asking" is prevalent amongst the workforce and it may have reached a point of almost recklessness. Communication is an essential job requirement and today's employers are less flexible in that regard. Knowing how and when to ask makes all the difference.

There are two critical times when asking could hinder or progress your career: negotiating terms for an offer or asking for a promotion/ raise. Let's look at what to do when negotiating for an offer.

When does the negotiation begin? It's, actually, at the moment you submit your application or resume and if you are working with your recruiter it's at the moment you begin the process. With or without a recruiter, the most important aspect of the negotiation is the truth. You must always negotiate from a position of fact and never be dishonest or speculate. Do not jundize the negotiation. Preparation is key and here are five things you must know prior.

Why are looking for new job? Ask yourself a simple question,"In your current role do you see yourself achieving the professional, development and monetary goals that you are seeking within the next two years?" if yes then stay put, if no, then seek a better opportunity. This opportunity could still be at you current organization.

Your base salary. What you earn before bonus and commission.

The three numbers. If they offer a cent less than a certain number you will not regret walking away from the opportunity. That number or less where you will need a day or two to consider. That number which will make you drop everything and start tomorrow.

Where you are interviewing and at what stage. If you have other offers on the table don't beat around the bush. The only reason you should ever hold off accepting an offer within your salary expectations it is because it is not the opportunity you are looking for. Do NOT accept offer letters to weigh out your options. You will end up choosing an opportunity for the wrong reasons.

To work or not work with a recruiter. There are advantages to engaging a recruiter's expertise and service. First you don't actually negotiate with you're future employer and it separates what could be an uncomfortable experience from the relationship you might have with a future employer. Most importantly a recruiter has a wealth of knowledge regarding the process, salaries, your competition and offer negotiations as a whole. The best recruiters may have done this successfully hundreds of times and you may have only negotiated a handful at most.

This job is not what I signed up for!

"The recruiter prevaricated about the real working environment at this place. Had I known I would never taken the job."

Don't always blame the recruiter but learn to ask the right questions. Not every job is a great match and, unfortunately, many hiring managers will say whatever they need to in order to bring on the best and the brightest. As a recruiter I have been down that road an, believe me, it's not a happy for any party involved.

There is a story of a company that years ago was an incredible place to work. Great people, fantastic leadership and a wonderfully collegiate environment. However, the recession hit, finances were brutalized and the tension exploded. A rapid series of lay-offs brought the company down to a skeleton crew, staff was overworked, the quality of work dropped significantly and there was an overall sense of paranoia coming from the leadership. As we all know any sense of negativity coming from the top is intensely magnified by the time it reaches those on the "work-floor". In short this company was a nightmare to work in.

When I was first introduced to this organization, it was a great place to work. At least that's what it appeared to be. On my part, this experience has been a lesson learned and I now know the right questions to ask and what signs to look out for. As with any once happy and proud family, this company was no different. They always presented a happy and smiling front and there was absolutely no-one in the organization who would say anything negative.

I placed five people in rapid succession but I noticed things were a little out of wack after the second placement.

The lesson learned? Even as Recruiter I have to ask the tough questions. How is business? What does your turnover look like? What do you offer a potential employee?  What impact do you expect the employee to have in this role? How is adding this employee going to make life easier for you and your team? No work place is perfect and if it seems that way then do some investigating. If an agency ever says that they have a great work/life balance.....believe that to be a lie because for an agency, that just does not make good business sense. Look into the companies financials and check out the social commentary. You'll be surprised what you can learn.

If your dream turns out be a nightmare do not hesitate to look into other options. Call your recruiter.

Preparing for the Interview

You have just been notified that you are scheduled to meet with the hiring manager for a face to face interview.  Understand now that your interview has just begun.

Preparing yourself for this moment is as important as what you say and do during the meeting with the hiring manager. Being prepared means that you will be composed and informed thereby presenting yourself in the best light. Here are a couple of pointers.

1.       Understand the company. Know what it does and produces. Know where its offices are located, who makes up the leadership and what are their most recent news making events.

2.       Understand who will be speaking with. Be sure to ask who will be meeting with and in what format. Find out if it will be a series of one-one interviews, will it be a panel interview and how long.

3.       Prepare your story and stop seeing this as an interview but more so a conversation. A conversation you will be having with people who are also participating.

4.       Be prepared to answer any questions related to your resume and the job description.

5.       Write down your answers on paper and review them. Speak them allowed.

6.       Gather questions to ask during the interview.

7.       If you are interested in the position thank them for their time and let them know you are excited about the opportunity.

8.       Get business cards and send your thank you letter within 24 hours.

These pointers are great to adhere to but they will amount to nothing if you are not dressed appropriately.  Regardless of the standard dress code always dress professionally. Keep it simple, keep it sharp.