Have you ever thought about how much money you should be making? Ideally, most people want to find a good job and make a substantial income. Growing up, we are encouraged to attend school and continue our education by obtaining a degree or certificate. The first step is to figure out how much you should make and select a career that not only will you love but will also cover the cost of living according to your lifestyle. Try to envision your life and future. Do you plan to be a business owner? Do you want kids? Do you plan to travel? These are all questions to consider, and remember you have the power to change your lifestyle to determine the income you can bring to your household.
There’s a website called Texas Reality Check that will help you determine how much income you should make personalized based on your desired lifestyle. This assessment will ask you questions about your family, how often you go out to eat, and the type of health insurance you need for your household. It even calculates rent/mortgage, cable, and utility bills! I took this assessment myself, and I have to say, it is pretty accurate.
Let’s say you have your heart set on a job, and the salary meets your cost of living. The next step is to research the educational requirements to obtain that position. Do you need a certificate or degree? Workforce Solutions can help you with a scholarship if you need to begin or further your education. If you are considering applying for financial assistance, contact your local Workforce Solutions career office and speak to a career advisor.
After you determine your education, think about the hard skills and power skills you have to offer simply because they can describe your worth. You can measure a complex skill, such as a typing test, a degree, or a skill you must learn or go to school for. Power skills are also essential because they will help you advance in the company. Power skills are non-technical skills such as personality traits. Power skills include excellent communication, leadership, organization, honesty, empathy, and integrity, to name a few. Think about all the skills you offer and the type of person the company seeks to hire. Knowing what you can provide will play a big part when negotiating a salary with the hiring manager.
Once you know and understand the skills you have to offer, work on your deliverance. You can do this by practicing what you will say and confidently describing what sets you apart from the other applicants. Your tone, body language, posture, and choice of words are a big deal. Your tone must be clear and direct. Try not to fidget or place your hands in a way that people may believe you’re nervous. Last, be sure to sit up straight and maintain having good posture. These tips will help your confidence and remember to practice what you will say.
Negotiation of salary cannot be discussed during the interviewing process. It is discussed when the hiring manager makes an offer to you. They determine the amount you should get paid, but it is up to you to agree or kindly decline the offer. It might be uncomfortable or intimidating to decline an offer. Once you confidently know the skills you offer and how they are relevant to the job, it is perfectly acceptable to negotiate your salary!
Jessica Savala is a Career Navigator for Workforce Solutions. She supported in all areas of the Career office for customers, staff, and the management team. By analyzing customer needs, she has assisted in job readiness, financial aid, funding for the office, and support services for training customers and customers who have obtained employment. With over 8 years of experience in customer service, she has a passion for helping others and is proud of her career in workforce development. She plans to continue her education as she holds an Associate of Arts Degree
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