Seven Great Questions to Ask at a Job Interview

If you are going for an interview as a prospective employee then you should do some research. 

 Read the job description and requirements carefully. Browse the web site to see how the organization presents itself.  Search for news items and comments about the company on news sites and blogs.

For the interview itself you should dress smartly and appropriately.  It is important to have some questions prepared and here are a few that could really help:

1.       What exactly would my day-to-day responsibilities be? It is essential that you clearly understand your role and the tasks that you would be expected to undertake.  It is easy to make assumptions and get the wrong impression of what the work would be so it is vital for both sides that there is clarity in what is expected of you.  If the interviewer cannot give a clear answer then this is a worrying sign, so politely follow up with more questions.  Some people even ask to see exactly where they will sit.

2.  What are the opportunities for training and career advancement? This question serves two purposes.  It helps you to understand where the job might lead and what skills you might acquire.  It also signals that you are ambitious and thinking ahead.

3.  What is the biggest challenge facing the organization today? This sort of question takes the interview away from the detail and towards strategic issues.  It allows to you see and discuss the bigger picture.  It proves that you are interested in more than just the 9 to 5 aspects of the job.  It can lead to interesting discussions that can show you in a good light – especially if you have done some intelligent preparation.  If appropriate you can follow up this question with some questions about the objectives of the department and the manager who is interviewing you.

4.  When did you join? After the interviewer has asked a number of questions about you it can make a good change to ask a gentle question about them.  People often like talking about themselves and if you can get them talking about their progress in the company you can learn useful and interesting things.

5.  What are the criteria that you are looking for in the successful candidate for this position? The job advertisement may have listed what was wanted in a candidate but it is very useful to hear the criteria directly from the interviewer.  The more that you can discover about what they want and how they will make the decision the better placed you are to influence that decision.

6.  How do you feel that I measure up to your requirements for this position? This follows on naturally from the previous questions.  It may seem a little pushy but it is a perfectly fair thing to ask.  In sales parlance this is a ‘trial close’.  If they say that you are a good fit then you can ask whether there is any reason you might not be offered the job.  If they say that you are lacking in some key skill or attribute then you can move into objection handling mode and point out some relevant experience or a countervailing strength.

7.  Would you like to hear what I could do to really help your department? If you want the job then this is a great question to ask at the end of the interview.  Most interviewers will reply, ‘Yes.’  Drawing on what you have learnt in the conversation, you can give a short sales pitch on why you fit the criteria and why your strengths and ideas will siginficantly assist the boss to meet their objectives.  Make it short, direct and clear with the emphasis on the benefits for them of having you in the team.  At the end ask something like, ‘how does that sound?’

Many candidates take a passive role at the interview.  They competently answer the questions that are put to them but they never take the initiative by asking intelligent questions that steer the interview in a helpful direction.  If you are a proactive candidate who asks the sorts of questions given above then you will be seen as more dynamic and you will significantly increase your chances of being offered the job.

10 Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

When you decide to launch a job search, chances are one of the first things you'll do is write or update your resume. But what about your cover letter?

 Before a hiring manager even glances at your resume, he or she will assess your cover letter and form an impression of you and your qualifications. A well-written cover letter can earn you a call for an interview, so it's important to take this document seriously.

For many administrative job seekers, however, cover letters are an afterthought and are quickly written at the last minute; others don't even bother to include them, assuming their resumes will speak for themselves. Following are some cover letter mistakes to avoid:

1.     Failing to personalize. Avoid saying, "Dear Sir or Madam" and take the initiative to find out the appropriate contact name. Often a quick phone call to the company can help you fill in the blank. You'll show that you're resourceful and truly interested in the job.

2.     Starting off weak. Your opening paragraph should capture the reader's attention. So, rather than simply saying, "I am applying for the receptionist position posted at AnytownPaper.com," follow up with, "Your need for an experienced professional is a good match for my five years of experience in publishing and extensive background as a receptionist. "If you've been referred to the hiring manager, be sure to point out the mutual contact in your lead. This may encourage the person to read further.

3.     Making it too short/long. E-mailed cover letters should be included within the body of the e-mail and be limited to two paragraphs, while those faxed or mailed should be three to five paragraphs.

4.     Being generic. Don't send the same cover letter to all companies. Take the time to do some basic research of prospective employers so you can customize them. In a survey by our company, only 44 percent of executives polled said it's common for applicants to use their cover letters to show they've learned more about the job; so if you make the effort, you'll already be ahead of half your competition.

5.     Rehashing the resume. Instead, focus on aspects of your background that relate directly to the job opportunity and note any relevant accomplishments, training, classes or certifications. The cover letter also allows you to explain anything that might be unclear or questionable on your resume, such as a gap in employment or change in career paths.

6.     Underselling your talents. Give hiring managers a compelling reason to call you in for an interview. Instead of saying you have strong communication skills, provide examples: "I recently led a training session on a new database application and received significant praise for my ability to relay complex information to a non-tech-oriented audience."

7.     Trying to be witty or humorous. This can backfire, so it's best to stick with a business letter format, even with e-mailed cover letters. A professional yet conversational tone and salutations such as "Mr." and "Ms." will help you be taken seriously.

8.     Focusing too much on yourself. While you want to sell your qualifications, don't forget to explain how you would add value to the company. If your cover letter is dominated with "I," chances are you need to focus more of your content on the prospective employer.

9.     Omitting contact information. It's easy for cover letters and resumes to become separated, so make sure hiring managers can reach you should they only have your cover letter. Close your letter by mentioning that you'll call the individual soon to follow up and include a current phone number and e-mail address where you can be reached should the person want to contact you first.

10.   Failing to proofread. As qualified as you may be for the opening, you're likely to fall out of contention if your cover letter is full of typos, misspellings and grammatical errors. Ask friends and family to review your document to make sure there are no mistakes. The following examples from real cover letters prove just how important this can be: "I'm attacking my resume for you to review." "I prefer a fast-paste environment." "I never take anything for granite."

10 reasons you're not getting hired

You don't understand. You updated your CV, you're applying to jobs every day, you've cleaned up your digital dirt and you network. Yet here you still are on the unemployment list. What is wrong with employers?

Unfortunately, many job seekers don't stop to consider that the problem might not be employers but themselves. It's a hard concept that most job seekers have trouble wrapping their heads around, but applicants frequently (and inadvertently) display signs that tell an employer that they're not the best fit for the job.

Finding qualified applicants is one of the biggest hiring challenges for employers. Do you lack what they want? Yes, there are fewer jobs and there is more competition, but are you doing everything you can?

Here are 10 reasons why employers might have passed you by.

1. You lie
Any lies you tell in your job search, whether on your CV or in an interview, will come back to haunt you. Everything you tell an employer can be discovered, so it behooves you to be honest from the get-go. If you're concerned about something in your past, invention is not the answer. Use your cover letter to tell your story, focusing on your strengths and accomplishments and explaining any areas of concern if needed.

2. You have a potty mouth
It's certainly tempting to tell anyone who will listen how big of a (insert expletive here) your current boss is, but a hiring manager for a new job is not that person. A recent CareerBuilder survey showed that 32 percent of employers said that talking negatively about current or previous employers was one of the most detrimental mistakes a candidate can make. Find a way to turn those negative things job into positives. If you can't get along with your co-workers, for example, tell the prospective employer that you're looking for a work environment where you feel like you're part of a team and your current position doesn't allow for that kind of atmosphere.

3. You didn't -- or can't -- give examples
Hiring managers want people who can prove that they will increase the organisation's revenues, decrease its costs or help it succeed in some way. If all you give to an employer is a bunch of empty words about your accomplishments, you don't demonstrate how you can help the company. In fact, 57 percent of employers said that the most detrimental mistake candidates make is not providing specific examples in the interview. The more you can quantify your work, the better.

4. You came unprepared
More than half of the employers (51 percent) said that not asking good questions cost candidates a job offer, according to the survey. Plain and simple, do your homework before an interview. Explore the company online, prepare answers to questions and have someone give you a mock interview. The more prepared you are, the more employers will take you seriously.

5. You don't show long-term potential
Employers want people in their organisation to work their way up, so it's best to show that you want to and can grow with the company. If you were asked where you see yourself in five years and you gave an answer that wasn't related to the position or company you're interviewing with, kiss your chances goodbye. Ask questions like, "What type of career movement do you envision for the most successful candidate in this role?" It shows that you have envisioned your future at the company.

6. You acted bored, cocky or disinterested
A little enthusiasm never hurt anyone, especially when it comes to a potential new job. Thirty percent of employers said in the survey that the biggest mistake candidates made in the interview was appearing disinterested or arrogant cost applicants the job. Every business wants to put their most enthusiastic people forward with important clients and customers, so acting the opposite will get you nowhere.

7. You were a little too personal
23 percent of employers said that candidates who provided too much personal information in the interview essentially blew their chances at the job, according to the survey. Not only does personal information offend some people, but anytime you talk about topics such as your hobbies, race, age or religion, you're setting yourself up for bias. Though it's illegal for employers to discriminate against applicants because of any of these factors, some will do so, regardless.

8. You were all money, no sense
As a general rule of thumb, you should never bring up salary before the employer does. Doing so is tacky and makes the employer think that you care about the money involved, not about helping the employer succeed. If the topic does arise, however, be honest about your salary history. Employers can verify your salary in a matter of minutes these days, so lying only makes you look bad.

9. You have serious digital dirt
Social networking sites and online searches are the newest way that many employers are checking up on prospective hires. A 2009 CareerBuilder survey showed that 45 percent of employers use social networking sites to research candidates. Thirty-five percent of those employers found content that caused them to dismiss the candidate. Make sure to remove any photos, content or links that can work against you in an employer's eyes.

10. You don't have enough experience
Managers don't have as much time as they used to have to train and mentor new employees. The more experience you have, the more likely you are to hit the ground running without a lot of hand-holding. The best way to show that you know what you're doing is to give the employer concrete examples of your experience in a given job duty.

BY C.B

Are You Using the Wrong Résumé?

Many job seekers are aware of only one type of résumé format: chronological, in which your work history is presented in reverse order. But just because this style is the most popular doesn't mean it's the best option for you…

Employers prefer this type of résumé over others because it provides an easy-to-follow snapshot of your work experience. A chronological résumé is a good option if you are pursuing a position in a field in which you have a solid and consistent record of progress. Using this format, however, can be detrimental to your job search efforts if your most recent work experience does not relate to the job for which you are applying.

A chronological résumé also can be troublesome in the following situations:

·  You have worked exclusively in one field and are applying for a job in a different profession.

·  You are seeking an entry-level position and have almost no work experience.

·  You have been a chronic job hopper and held most of your jobs for less than one year.

·  Your employment history has large gaps.

If you feel a chronological résumé is not right for you, consider these other options instead:

The Functional Résumé
The functional résumé is organized around your skills, experiences and accomplishments rather than on specific jobs you've held. It omits (or only mentions in broad terms) your previous roles and dates of employment. Overall, a functional résumé warrants considerations if:

·  You are an entry-level job seeker with no significant work-related experience.

·  You are re-entering the workforce after a lengthy absence and little of your work history has bearing on the kind of job you are trying to find.

·  You have held several jobs, but those jobs do not demonstrate professional growth.

Advantages

The chief advantage of a functional résumé is that it enables you to give prominence to those aspects of your background likely to be of special interest to would-be employers, such as experience in a particular industry or time spent working overseas. This format also shifts the focus away from aspects of your background -- long periods of unemployment, for example -- that might hurt your chances of getting by the initial screening process.

Disadvantages

The major disadvantage of functional résumés is that many employers view them with suspicion. While your strengths and accomplishments are important to a potential employer, most want to know what specific job you held that enabled you to demonstrate the skills you're describing. They also want to know how recent that experience was and, if possible, see some continuity.

The Combination Résumé

The combination résumé incorporates the best features of both chronological and functional résumés. Generally, it leads with a description of your functional skills and related qualifications, followed by a reverse-chronological employment history. The combination résumé may be a good choice if:

·  You are looking to change careers and want to highlight general skills that relate to your past jobs.

·  You have had no luck in getting past the screening process with a chronological résumé.

·  You are applying for a job that interests you and that you think you can handle, but the connection between your work history and that particular job is not particularly strong.

Advantages

The principal advantage of a combination résumé is that, like a functional résumé, it enables you to establish early on what you have accomplished in your career and what skills and attributes you can offer a potential employer. But because you also will include a description of your work history, you can diffuse the suspicions that may arise when the information is omitted.

Disadvantages

The disadvantage of a combination résumé is that some employers -- those who prefer chronological résumés -- may assume that you are attempting to conceal certain aspects of your background. This is not a significant disadvantage, however, as combination résumés are becoming increasingly common.

Ultimately, there is no one right format that you should use when writing your résumé. It might make sense to choose a certain layout for one prospective employer and a different one for another in order to best showcase your skills. But no matter which format you use, make sure your résumé looks professional, provides proof of real results and is targeted to the company's needs. The extra time you take to customize it will pay off by generating more interest from hiring managers.

Can Facebook really help you land a job?

While Facebook can sometimes seem like a way to simply post a few photos or let your friends know about your birthday -- there are ways it can come in handy in your professional career…

 Facebook lets job seekers tap an informal network of friends or friends of friends who can be instrumental in creating success. "The collection of friends you have through Facebook are the ones most likely to have your back," says Jenny Foss, a job search expert who blogs at JobJenny.com. With so many different options, Facebook is a good place to start if you're job hunting or just seeking to network.

Here's what to do to get started:

Customize your avatar

In an online search, your avatar is typically the first thing a potential employer sees on Facebook. So if you're in job search mode, it's important to have a professional avatar that can help you get hired. "You can create a custom avatar that includes your contact information and that you are in the job market," says Jessica Miller-Merrell, chief executive of Xceptional HR. Additionally, while your profile should be kept private, include an e-mail address and job history in the visible information so recruiters can reach out to you directly.

Use your status

Find a good way to let your Facebook friends you're looking. For example, refer them to your own site, which showcases samples of your work and a résumé, or ask them to drop you an e-mail if they know of a lead. Being specific about what type of job or company you're looking for can make it easier for people to help, Foss says. Throughout your job search use your status to update your friends on how it's going. Don't inundate friends with every little detail and make each status conversational and optimistic. "Keep it genuine, make it real," Foss says. "But don't come across as the saddest, most desperate person alive."

Take out a Facebook ad

When Marian Schembari graduated from college and wanted to land a publishing job, she took out an ad on Facebook to target publishing houses. The ad showed up for Facebook users who listed companies like Random House and HarperCollins as their employer. Once they clicked on the ad, users were referred to her personal website that contained her résumé. A person from each of the publishers e-mailed that he or she passed on her résumé to HR or wanted to meet, she recalls.

After placing her ad, others in the industry wrote about Schembari's pursuits and she was able to get her foot into the publishing world. "Facebook was the easiest and fastest way to network with a huge number of publishing people at once," she says. "It was like a networking event on steroids with an added bonus of never needing to leave my house or get out of my pajamas."

"Like" companies where you'd want to work

Since most companies have a Facebook presence these days, clicking the "like" button on that company's fan page will signal that you're interested in a job there, Foss says. Additionally, it's a simple way to learn the latest company news, which can help during an interview. Additionally, "some companies list their open jobs right on their [Facebook] pages," she says.

Keep it real

Since Facebook is a less formal network, people expect to see a more casual part of your personality so there's no need for a professional tone, points out Craig Fischer, vice president ofsales at Ajax Social Media. "I have hired many people through Facebook," he says. "Many of my customers and job candidates are people who I network with [on] there." 

BY C B

A Simple 'Thank You' Can Land the Job

Your mother told you to do it, and now a new survey shows she was right: Sending a thank-you note not only displays impeccable manners but also may give job hopefuls an edge over other applicants…

  Eighty-eight percent of executives polled by Robert Half International said sending a thank-you note following an interview can boost a job seeker's chances of landing the position.  Despite the overwhelming support for these notes, however, hiring managers estimate that almost half (49 percent) of applicants fail to send them.

A thank-you note allows you to accomplish three objectives: Express your appreciation for the opportunity; reinforce your interest in the job; and restate the value you can bring to the organization.  And, often, composing a thank-you note takes less time than you may think since this type of message should be only a few paragraphs in length. 

Here are some tips to remember the next time you compose a thank-you note following an employment interview:

Make it specific.  To give your letter a personal touch, bring up specifics points from the conversation you had with the hiring manager.  For example, if a prospective employer mentioned multiple times that the open position calls for strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel, use the thank-you note as an opportunity to remind the person that you've received a professional certification in this program.  Even an offhand remark can serve as good fodder.  If you discovered the hiring manager attended the same university as you, referencing this commonality could make for an interesting opening or close to your letter.

Write more than one if necessary.  Many employers now involve multiple people in the hiring process to get a well-rounded view of applicants.  If you interviewed with more than one hiring manager, send a thank-you note to each person.  Address every letter to a specific individual, even if you have to do some research to uncover the spelling of someone's name or locate his or her contact information.  Also make sure the content of each letter differs, at least slightly; hiring managers often compare notes -- literally.

Send a handwritten note.  It's best to send a thank-you note within 24 hours of your interview.  Consider sending a quick e-mail message as soon as you return home in order to meet this "deadline."  But don't stop there.  Follow up with a letter sent through the regular mail.  Use high-quality stationery, and write the message by hand.  This personal touch is likely to impress the hiring manager and help you stand out from other candidates, as well as present you with another opportunity to explain why you're right for the job. 

Don't lose hope.  Even if you doubt the interview went well, it's still wise to send a thank-you note.  For one thing, the hiring manager may have felt the interview was more successful than you did.  In addition, your display of courtesy and professionalism could work in your favor if you cross paths with the person again or another opening arises within the firm.

When vying for an attractive job, anything you can do to catch a hiring manager's attention can give you the edge.  And sending a well-written thank-you note may be just the advantage you need.

10 Ways to Get Your Résumé Noticed

"Out with the old, in with the new," isn't that what they always say? The same thing applies to your résumé. Chances are you applied for hundreds of jobs during the Great Recession, only to be ignored or rejected. That means that something has to change...

"Because hiring managers are receiving large volumes of applications, job seekers have just seconds to make a lasting impression," said Jason Ferrara, senior career adviser at CareerBuilder. "55 percent of hiring managers told us they spend a minute or less reviewing a new resume, while another 29 percent spend one to two minutes reviewing one."

If you've been sending out résumés without any response, here are 10 ways to get your résumé noticed:

1. Start from scratch
A new year means a new résumé. Even though it might not sound like fun to rewrite your whole résumé (it probably won't be), give it a try. Obviously, if you didn't get any bites last year, something was a little off with your current résumé. Rearrange some sections, try a different format and use a different font. Just switch things up a little bit and see what happens.

2. Use a different format
Many job seekers don't realize that there are different formats to use when writing a résumé. The most common form is chronological, which lists each job you've had in reverse sequential order, so you start with your most recent job. This form doesn't work for all people, though. For example, if you've done a lot of job hopping in recent years or if you haven't had a job in a long time, a functional résumé is a better option.

A functional résumé focuses on your skills versus your work experience. For this, you would list a pertinent skill for the job to which you're applying, followed by a list of accomplishments that demonstrate that skill. If you don't have relevant skills or a strong work history, you could use a combination résumé, which combines elements of both a functional and a chronological format.

For a combination résumé, you should list your applicable skills and the accomplishments that demonstrate each one. Below that, you'll list your work history, starting with your most current job and working backward, but you won't list your job description. Doing this allows you the chance to play up your skills while proving your solid work history.

3. Ditch the empty words and vague phrases
Many job seekers fall prey to a common mistake that irks most employers: using cliché keywords. In a 2009 CareerBuilder survey, employers cited these common phrases as overused and often ignored by hiring managers:

• People person: 39 percent

• Go-getter: 38 percent

• Team player: 33 percent

• Hard-working: 29 percent

• Multitasker: 28 percent

• Self-starter: 27 percent

• Results- or goal-oriented: 22 percent

These words are just empty fillers that don't say anything about your achievements. For anaccountant position, for example, keywords might include "accounts payable" or "month-end reporting" -- words that actually say something about what you can do. Look over your résumé and find where you have listed generic qualities about yourself and replace them with keywords that match the job to which you are applying.

4. Make your achievements stand out
Many job seekers list their job duties on their résumés, but not their accomplishments. Although your past duties are important, employers care more about your ability to produce results. Try separating your daily functions from your achievements by first listing your job duties in a paragraph format, and then incorporating a bulleted area below that is titled "key accomplishments" to list your successes.

5. Quantify your accomplishments
Applicants often don't know the difference between quantifying results and just stating a job responsibility. A job responsibility is something that you do on a daily basis; a quantified achievement is the result of that responsibility. By quantifying results, you show employers what you can actually do for them. So, if your current résumé is a block of words and you don't have one number in there, whether it's dollars, percentages or comparative numbers, you need to make some revisions.

6. Include a summary or objective
Including a summary on your résumé is one of those steps that many job seekers forget to take -- and if they do remember, they usually include the wrong information. Employers want to know if you're a good fit for their organization, so writing something like, "To gain experience in X industry," doesn't say much about you or what you can do for the employer. Your career summary should portray your experience and emphasize how it will help the prospective employer. It should be specific and include explicit industry-related functions, quantifiable achievements or your areas of expertise.

7. Fill in the gaps
Most people will tell you to wait to explain any gaps in your work history until you get to the interview. But there's a good chance that you won't get that opportunity if there are gaps in the first place. If, for example, you were laid off at the beginning or height of the recession and are still unemployed, try using the functional résumé format we explained earlier. Or, if you feel comfortable doing so, explain what you were doing during lapses between jobs. The employer will know you aren't trying to hide a sketchy past.

8. Keep it simple
How many times do we have to tell you? Do not, by any means, format your résumé with crazy fonts or colors or print it on fluorescent paper. Find an uncommon, yet attractive and simple layout to catch the employer's eye, instead of his wastebasket.

9. Double-check for the basics
Silly as it sounds, many people get so caught up in formatting and proofreading that they don't check for the most basic information, such as an e-mail address, phone number and permanent address. Double-check that your résumé has this information -- none of your hard work will pay off if no one can get ahold of you.

10. Check for consistency
Take a look over last year's résumé and make sure there are no inconsistencies. If you decide to include periods at the end of your sentences, for example, make sure they are at the end of each one. If you chose to list your job duties, followed by an accomplishment in that duty, make sure you do so throughout your résumé. Use consistent fonts, sizes, bullets and other formatting options. Employers will notice your attention to detail and assume your work quality is of the same standard.

BY C.B

Maximize Your Salary Potential

Negotiating a salary is never easy. In fact, it's something that makes many people downright petrified. However, negotiating a fair salary and benefits package right off the bat is even more important than you might think…

          Some job candidates simply take the first package a company offers, thinking higher pay will come once they have proven themselves. Beware of this tactic, says Ron Krannich, co-author of 'Dynamite Salary Negotiations,' (Impact Publications). "Unless you somehow become very indispensable to the organization -- the employer simply can't live without you -- and threaten to quit, the initial salary you get may determine what you will receive in the long run, regardless of how well you perform on the job," he writes.

         One important area to consider in your compensation package is how you will be rewarded each year for your performance, as well as how your salary will meet cost of living increases. While many people think these are the same thing, Krannich points out that there is a difference between a raise to cover inflation, and a raise for excellent performance. For example, receiving a typical 3 percent raise each year will generally just cover inflation, and allow the company to cover its bases.

          Krannich notes that if an employee is truly excelling and deserves to be rewarded, that employee should receive a raise that goes above the inflation rate. "You want to make sure you are protected against inflation, but that's a baseline," says Krannich. "A raise should be given for performance, not inflation."

    

     The truth is, once you consider inflation, some people are not receiving a raise at all, but are just breaking even. To ensure you are being rewarded for your performance, you need to do a little extra groundwork.
   

     Think of the Future in the Job Search Process

     If you are looking for a job, Krannich says you should make the topic of salary increases a part of your negotiation process, but only after you have done your research. This means knowing what the market is paying and understanding how the organization operates. Ask about the company's compensation policies and about how raises are handled. Does the company simply establish a percentage to cover cost of living increases, or does the policy allow for flexibility to reward employees for exceptional performances? Is there an opportunity to increase your salary ahead of the typical rate? If not, does the company consider bonuses tied to goals and other achievements?
     
      Krannich suggests raising these questions at the end of your overall interview process, and doing so only if you have stressed your value along the way. The bottom line is that getting all of these factors on the table early will keep you from being stuck in a rut later.

    
     Options Once You Are in the Door

     If you are already employed but don't feel you are being compensated for your achievements, you might be able to put yourself back on the right path. If you have not been receiving at least a 3 percent annual raise, start by pointing out that your salary is not keeping pace with inflation.

    

     "If your salary is not being raised for inflation each year, you are really being penalized," says Krannich. If you have been excelling and receiving stellar performance reviews, ask your employer to develop a reward system that compensates you for your contributions to the company. Again, the key is preparation and research. Krannich says that you need to make your case in a way that is compelling and back up your points with real examples of your worth. Document your achievements and accomplishments, researching the market, and demonstrating goals you have met. Krannich suggests putting together a one-page paper with talking points that you can use when you go in to ask for a raise.

    
     Consider all Compensation Options

     Whether you are joining a new company or sticking with an old one, Krannich says that it is important to remember that base salary is not your only option. "Most people get preoccupied focusing on the gross salary figure," he says. He points out that a salary of $50,000 at one company might be worth $75,000 at another company once all of the other benefits and perks, bonuses and commissions are figured in.

    
     No matter which path you are on, Krannich says to stay professional, nonthreatening and focus on the bottom line. "Put yourself in the shoes of the employer," he says. Always demonstrate how you will bring value to the company and, finally, make sure you live up to your own hype. 

BY C.B

5 Worst-Case Interview Scenarios

You thought you were prepared for that interview. But sometimes even the best laid plans can't ward off unexpected disaster. Besides having a getaway car waiting to quickly whisk you away from an awkward situation, there are ways to overcome even the most embarrassing interview situations…

Certified career counselor Susan Guarneri says to keep in mind that you are only human, as are your interviewers, and everyone knows that stuff happens. When the unthinkable happens in an interview, what's most important is how you manage the situation.

Here are some suggestions on how to handle unforeseen interview mishaps.

You're Late. 
Whether you overslept or your train stalled on the tracks, either way, you know you're going to be late for your interview. 
Solution: "If you can see you're going to be late, immediately call ahead and let them know," Guarneri advises. That way you won't keep your interviewer waiting and you give them the chance to call the shots -- squeeze you in for a later appointment or reschedule for another day.

You Forgot Your Résumé Materials. 
You grabbed your briefcase, but left your portfolio stuffed with your beautifully printed résumés, letters of recommendation and work examples sitting on your kitchen table. 
Solution: "This can be easily handled if you planned ahead properly," Guarneri suggests. "Don't rely on just a paper résumé. Have your résumé available online somewhere, such as a blog, personal Web site or in your e-mail. Then it can be instantly retrieved from the interviewer's office."

You Have a Wardrobe Malfunction. 
Somewhere between your house and the interviewer's office your smartly pressed suit ends up looking stupid. This happened to one of Guarneri's clients who was splashed by a passing cab right outside the building of the company with which he was going to interview. 
Solution: Guarneri recommends continuing to your interview and briefly explaining what happened. Almost everyone has had a wardrobe malfunction occur at an inopportune time -- your interviewer will likely be empathetic to your mud speckled trousers.

You Forget the Name of the Person You're Interviewing With. 
You're nervous during an interview and it's common for your mind to go blank. 
Solution: If you didn't write it down on, don't see a nameplate on the desk, or can't read it off of certificates adorning the walls, don't fake it, Guarneri warns. Find an opportune time to ask the interviewer for his or her business card, by saying something like, "Before I forget, could have one of your business cards?"

The Interviewer is Distracted. 
Another of Guarneri's clients entered an interview only to find the interviewer sitting with his head in his hands and didn't even look up when her client entered the room and sat down. 
Solution: If they're not listening when you're talking, are they bored? Are they stressed with other projects?

"Pick up on the emotional cues the interviewer is delivering," Guarneri says. "Then recognize the situation and get their attention." In this case, her client said, "If this is a really bad time, I can come back."

It ended up the interviewer had just found out his dog had died. Although it wasn't the ideal situation, this gave her client, who has a dog, a chance to connect with the interviewer and they both began sharing dog stories. (He ended up getting the job with just that one interview.)

Guarneri says job seekers often stress when something goes wrong in an interview, but how you manage a challenging situation can say a lot about you. She had a client who flew to Buffalo, New York for an interview and was snowed in by a winter storm. He ended up arriving at the interview three days late, with a rumpled suit (the only clothes he had to wear for the three days) and mismatched shoes (he lost his shoes and had to buy new ones at a nearby thrift store). His perseverance and genuine interest in the position -- along with a healthy dose of humor about the whole situation -- landed him the job.