Q. How do I go about requesting a 'fair' base salary when the company knows I'm happy with my overall compensation?I receive a salary of $36,000 in my position as a branch sales manager. My total compensation in 2000 exceeded $62,000, thanks to the bonus plan, and I'm quite satisfied with this amount.The problem is my base salary. My position pays between $35,000 and $55,000. Although I have only been the branch manager for one year, I believe my talent and results should be reflected in an above-average salary. I expect a salary increase this April, but 3 to 5 percent won't get me to $45,000 ... view article details

Be Sure to Consider Your Entire Compensation Package When Negotiating Employer Won't Budge on Base Pay? Try Elsewhere You’ve gone through several rounds of interviews and have finally landed the job of your dreams. The problem is; your dream job doesn’t come with a dream salary. But before you pass on the position, there are many non-salary benefits that you can negotiate. Combined, they might make your potential position seem quite palatable. The good news is these benefits come at a low -- or no -- cost to your company. Here are the top ten benefits that you can and should ask for during ... view article details

Benefits can significantly increase the value of the compensation package. The costs for providing benefits such as health insurance, retirement , training, vacation and personal days, and other perks could be a significant percentage of each employee's salary.      Beyond Compensation  Compensation is more than just base pay. It is a total package that should address your overall well-being - financial, physical, emotional, even spiritual. As companies compete for talent in tight labor markets, many are rolling out better benefits to attract and retain the best workers. Companies often strive... view article details

When Timothy Cook was named CEO of Apple in August 2011, he got more than just a promotion: He was awarded 1 million shares of Apple stock, valued at $376 million. And a few months later, the company decided to raise his base pay from $900,000 to $1.4 million. All told, Cook’s 2011 compensation package was valued at $378 million, according to documents filed with the Securities Exchange Commission last week.Commentators were quick to draw a contrast between Cook’s pay package and that of his predecessor, the late Steve Jobs, who famously received compensation of just $1 per year. But executive... view article details

Do Your Homework For our entire childhood, homework seemed like a chore or even punishment. 'OK class, take out your homework!''Go upstairs and do your homework!''You’re not watching any TV until you’ve finished your homework!'Aw, mom. But there’s a reason your parents and teachers insisted on this extra activity. When taken seriously, the extra work and practice prepares you to excel in a given task, be it algebra or literature.'Do your homework' is also the first thing any expert will tell you when preparing for a job interview or salary negotiation. Unfortunately, like an antsy tee... view article details

Your Values and What You Value Are Always Changing Christmastime is rife with financial responsibilities, so along with that new gym bag and must-have designer shoes, you’re probably thinking about looking for a new job, too. And a big, shiny paycheck to go with it!The biggest compensation boosts come when you leave an employer for greener pastures (there’s a reason they call 'em that). How much of a bump depends on your ability to negotiate, market demand for your skills, and flexibility. In other words, are you willing to relocate to make the really big dollars? (Why, yes…yes, I am.... view article details

As your own agent, you've done some salary research, you've visited Salary.com, and you know what you’re worth. You know what combination of compensation elements will make a prospective position your dream job. Now you need to negotiate to get those compensation goals and nail down your dream deal.Your Dream DealWhat’s in a dream deal? It’s that combination of statistics and characteristics that, taken together, make up your dream job.Learn the typical range of base compensation for your dream position in your industry, in your area.Find your fabulousness factor: where your compensation ought... view article details

Just like an interview, a job offer can tell you a great deal about a potential employer. An offer can reveal how serious the employer is about the offer, how valuable you are to the company, and most importantly, whether you should make the move. Jobs are customarily offered over the telephone or in person. The employer should offer more than just, 'Congratulations, you've got the job.' He or she should explain the offer in detail and answer your questions. It is appropriate to respond to a job offer within two to four days, so in the meantime, check out Salary.com’s Job Assessor tool, which ... view article details

It's time to start negotiating again. We know it's not easy and we know it's uncomfortable. Years of layoffs and a faltering economy made salary negotiation an afterthought for many people who felt lucky to simply have a job in the first place. That's why 41% of American workers did not negotiate for the position they currently hold. But the economy is slowly recovering. Hiring is once again on the rise. Which means it's time. Time to ask for more during the job interview. Time to ask for that pay increase you haven't gotten in five years. Time to stop leaving money on the table. And Salary.c... view article details

You've just been notified of your last day of employment. Your supervisor hands you a severance agreement and release and your mind is flooded with questions. How can this happen? Can they do that? Unfortunately, if you are an employee at will your employer can terminate you at any time, without notice and with or without severance. After the shock, here are a few things you should consider when reviewing a severance agreement and managing the transition from one company to your next opportunity. 1. Last Paycheck vs. Severance Package For most, the first questions that come to mind are "what's... view article details