*

Log In
Create Account

Article:

7 Job Search Tips You Can Learn from Pro Athletes

Job Hunt Like a Superstar Athlete to Get Ahead

5. Bobby Orr, Hall of Fame Hockey Player

Lesson Learned: It pays to negotiate your salary.

In 1966, the Boston Bruins offered rookie hockey player Bobby Orr a salary of $9,000. In an unprecedented move—rookies simply did not negotiate their salaries—Orr turned them down and hired an agent. He knew how talented he was, he knew how much the Bruins needed him, and he knew how much he was worth. As a result, he became the highest paid player in the NHL.

We know jobs are scarce and individual circumstances vary, but you should ALWAYS negotiate. Always. Never accept the initial offer and take a page out of Orr's book, because it really does pay to hold out for what you’re worth. You can start with research and knowing what you're worth, using Salary.com's free Salary Wizard.

 

  • Dawn Dugan

    Dawn Dugan specializes in writing books, articles, white papers, reports and special communications for the human resources industry. She is the co-author of Effective Executive Compensation, which was published by AMACOM in 2008. Read more...