Job seekers need to spend time researching salaries in their industry in order to successfully negotiate the salary
Research Salaries
It's important to note that the employer is paying you for your qualifications and for the job you will do. With that in mind you will need to be able to support your negotiations with information on what the job is worth at a fair market rate with consideration of your salary history. They aren't going to be willing to pay you more just because you are you. If relocation is a possibility, spend some time researching what your current or potential salary is worth in a new location. The cost of living varies widely from city to city, so, it is important to know the purchasing power of your paycheck.
Be Patient
Now that you are armed with all the facts, patience is in order. When interviewing for a new position it is very important not to bring up the topic of compensation until the employer makes a job offer. Let the employer make the first move. If you are asked what your salary requirements are, say that they are flexible, based upon the position and the total compensation package, including benefits. An alternative is to tell the employer you would like to know more about the job respon-sibilities prior to discussing salary. Another option is to give the employer a salary range based upon salary research you have just completed and cite the research you have done. Keep in mind that there may not be much flexibility. If the employer has a budget or an established salary structure, the best you might get is the top of the range for that particular position. In that case, don't limit yourself to salary alone. If the employer can't afford to pay more, ask about the possibility of salary reviews sooner rather than later, extra vacation, or even a bonus based on performance.
Be Discreet
Never let an employer know you need the money. It definitely will not help and it might make you look desperate. However, always be honest about your past salary history and other job offers that are on the table. Lies have a strange way of coming back to haunt the person who didn't tell the truth. Once you have received the offer, plan on taking some time to think about it. There is no need to accept or reject it right away. A simple ‘I need to think it over’ may get you an increase in the original offer. One candidate, who had decided that he really didn't want the job after all, said ‘no’ three times only to get three higher offers! Be mindful that this could also have the opposite effect because the employer could decide that you are asking more than he is willing to pay and accept the ‘no’ as final. So, it is important to fully know what your bottom line is for each position you apply for. If the salary isn't enough for you to live on be prepared to pass on the job.
stay positive
Regardless of whatever stage of negotiations you may be in, remember to remain positive and continue to reiterate your interest in the position. Let the employer know that the only issue is the salary and you are really excited about the job and the company. Then, if the position does sound like the perfect job, consider whe-ther the company culture, including the benefits and flexibility, as well as the job itself are really worth it – regardless of the salary. If they are, it might just be worth accepting the position and taking a chance that the salary increases will follow.
Mind alert
Here are a few tips to keep your brain healthy and sharp as you age.
1) Play Games
Games are a wonderful way to tease and challenge your brain. Suduko, crosswords and electronic games can all improve your brain's speed and memory. Spend 15 minutes or so, not hours.
2) Meditation
Daily meditation is perhaps the single greatest thing you can do for your mind/body health. Meditation not only relaxes you, it gives your brain a workout.
3) Eat for Your Brain
Your brain needs you to eat healthy fats. Focus on fish oils from wild salmon, nuts such as walnuts, seeds such as flax seed and olive oil.
4) Tell Good Stories
Stories are a way that we solidify memories, interpret events and share moments. Practice telling your stories, both new and old, so that they are interesting, compelling and fun.
5) Turn Off Your Television
The average person watches more than four hours of television everyday. Turn off your TV and spend more time living and exercising your mind and body.
6) Exercise Your Body To Exercise Your Brain
Physical exercise is great brain exercise too. By moving your body, your brain has to learn new muscle skills, estimate distance and practice balance. Choose a variety of exercises to challenge your brain.
7) Read Something Different
Branch out from familiar reading topics. If you usually read history, try a contemporary novel. Read foreign authors and random books.
8) Learn a New Skill
Learning a new skill works multiple areas of the brain. Your memory comes into play, you learn new movements and you associate things differently. Learning to cook and building an airplane out of toothpicks all will challenge your brain and give you something to think about.
9) Make Simple Changes
The more something is 'second nature,' the less our brains have to work to do it. To really help your brain stay young, challenge it.
10) Train Your Brain
Brain training is becoming a trend. There are formal courses, websites and books on how to train your brain to work better and faster.
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