The perfect job should be rewarding, both professionally and financially – after all, it is essential to do what you love most and to get paid accordingly.
Even so, it often happens that the paycheck does not rise to our expectations. In this case, it is recommended to search for employment with a better salary for you – however, this is easier said than done, given the harsh competition.
Here are 7 steps to a higher paying job that will certainly help you climb the success ladder:
Step #1: Focus On Your Resume
The first thing you need to do is to create a top-notch resume. The resume is your business card, it is the first thing your future employer comes into contact with and this is why it must look impeccable. The perfect resume should encompass detailed information along with an extensive set of skills and relevant experience. Learn how to advertise yourself – be careful not to turn your resume into a sales pitch, though.
At the same time, grammar and spelling also play a pivotal role. Double-check your resume if you have to, and even pass it through a spellchecker to make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors.
The pattern and design of a resume are very important as well, therefore make sure to choose the one that best suits your profile. The resume must be properly organized, otherwise you will end up with a pile of generic information.
In a nutshell, there are three main types of resumes available: functional, targeted and chronological. The latter is the most commonly used layout, given the fact that it allows the candidate to display the previous experience in a clean, clear, concise and chronological manner.
Step #2: Make The Best Out Of Your Experience
When it comes to getting a higher paying job in South Africa, your employer will certainly put emphasis on your past experience. One of the most bothersome aspects of working in a corporation is that most employers refuse to hire you without a background in the field – having said that, how can one get the relevant experience if nobody is willing to hire you and help you climb the success ladder?
The answer to this question is very simple: make even your most irrelevant experience seem relevant and exciting.
It is essential to stay honest during the interview – your employer will do a background check on you anyway, therefore it is better to be safe than sorry. Making your experience more relevant is not about lying, but about phrasing the matter in such a way that it will be in your best interest.
Focus on the tasks you have performed in the past and “transfer” them to the job you are applying for, so that the employer will see that you have dealt with similar tasks and you have the necessary expertise.
Keep in mind that in this highly competitive field, you need to stand out from the rest of your competition.
Step #3: Prepare For The Interview
The golden rule of face-to-face interviews is as follows: one never gets a second chance to make a great first impression.
This is why you must act, look and speak impeccable – whether you like it or not, your first interview can determine your success and help you pursue a lucrative career, or it can lead to your utter failure.
One particularly useful tip is to read the body language and to use it in your best advantage. It often happens that the body language can express more than the words, and connecting with your employer on a non-verbal level is essential.
Avoid negative body language (restless legs, touching your face, nervous ticks, rolling eyes and such), as they show boredom and anxiety. Do your best to appear comfortable and professional, even if you are not.
Step #4: Understand The Career Skills Required By Your Future Job
There are some high paying jobs in South Africa (check some of them here), if you want one, then the chances are that your future career will require you to develop a brand new set of skills. You will, most likely, need to become more knowledgeable in a certain field. It is essential to understand these skills and to see whether you meet the requirements.
For instance, you may have to learn a certain language, get a higher degree or even attend a computer course that will help you specialize in a particular field.
Otherwise stated, do your homework: check the job description and requirements and perfect yourself before you go to the interview. Take your employer by surprise – do not rise to his expectations, exceed them!
Step #5: Avoid Discussing The Salary
One of the most common mistakes employees tend to do is that they talk about the salary at the first interview. This can significantly diminish your chances of getting the job, and for a good reason – if your financial expectations are too high, you will be immediately disqualified.
Remember that your employer has plenty of candidates to choose from. If he asks you about the salary, it is highly recommended to say that you are flexible or that you would like a competitive compensation in your field of activity.
Ask what the salary range is for the position in question – do whatever you have to do, but avoid giving a fixed number.
Step #6: Know What You’re Worth And Never Settle For Less – Dare To Negotiate!
If the employer offers you the possibility to negotiate your salary, make the best out of it. Don’t be afraid to ask for more – the worst case scenario is that your employer will say no.
Do not negotiate unless he or she asks you whether you are OK with the compensation package, otherwise your employer may think you are greedy or cheeky. Keep in mind that most employers will start low, just to give themselves enough room to negotiate.
Step #7: Take Your Time To Decide -Do Not Accept The Offer On The Spot
Even though the salary is more rewarding than you dared to hope, try not to look too excited and never commit until you think about it. Take some time to analyze the matter objectively – if you accept the offer on the spot, you will only show how desperate you are.
Document yourself about the advancement possibilities within that particular company, how and when your performance and salary will be reviewed and whether the compensation package includes any additional bonuses, like health benefits, the number of vacation days, a company car, paid holidays and such.
Conclusion
If you pay attention to these tips and hints and follow them, then you will increase your chances of getting a rewarding job that will pay off in the long run.