How To Get the Highest Job Offer Possible

How To Get the Highest Compensation Package Possible

1. Focus on a few industries

Why is this so beneficial?

a) Expertise - Allows the job seeker to gain specific expertise within a niche space in any given industry. Not only do companies pay more for applicants who require less training - because they have experience, some firms perceive these individuals to be less of a turnover risk. An applicant who seems to promise stability is always in higher demand than an applicant who is essentially a question mark.

b) Market Knowledge - Allows the job seeker to get a feel for the market within these industries. The more similar jobs open to that position, the more wiggle room you have if you don't like the employer's initial number.

2. If possible, be employed

a) Less Pay for Those Who Don't Have the Option to Stay - Companies are going to offer significantly less to applicants who are not currently working. It may not be right, but it is reality.

b) Anticipate - Give 4 - 5 months' job search time before you think that you are going to leave your job or potentially be laid off.

c) Never quit if you don't have something lined up.

3. Diversify your search and have employers find you

a) Always diversify your search by having a resume that is easily found on the job boards. This means writing your resume with the proper industry keywords so the job search engines consistently pull up your CV for the relevant searchers.

b) Companies that find you tend to pay more if they find you. If they are actively searching, this position is a higher priority to them than if they are passively receiving resumes.

c) You risk missing a lot of opportunities by not optimizing your resume. Not many companies post jobs because, owning a recruiting firm, I can tell you that it doesn't work.

d) Remember that there is a direct relationship between the number of job offers that you have and how much an employer is going to increase their compensation after the initial job offer.

4. If you don't get the number you want and can't negotiate, opt for future compensation

a) Companies, especially smaller firms, are more open to paying high performance-based bonuses if they can get away with a lower base salary.

b) Be Creative - knowing this, you can get a very lucrative contract if you simply postpone pay.