Can you hit the ground running from day 1 on the job?
Fri Jul 3, 2009 | | Posted in Careers Advance
Faced with tight budgets, few companies these days are willing to spend money on training new hires. Instead, they are looking for applicants who can hit the ground running from the first day on the job. During your interviews, ask what the company is looking for and explain how you can fulfill those needs.
Training or certification programs can hone your skills or acquire new ones. The good news: Many courses are offered for free. The Department of Labor’s Career Voyages program, for example, provides educational and apprenticeship information for auto workers transitioning to careers in public safety, marketing or sales.
Many prestigious universities, including Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Yale University, post the materials that professors use to teach their regular classes on the web for free. States also receive funding from the federal government for one-stop career centers. Services vary by center but include interview preparation and training events.
Negotiate for better pay
Once you have the right know-how and experience, don’t be afraid to negotiate for better pay. Many employers won’t extend their best offer unless you negotiate. Don’t be afraid to ask for a 10% increase from your last salary – especially if you were underpaid.
In a Nutshell
Increase your know-how. Take courses and learn, especially when the courses are offered free.
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Information contained herein is general in nature, and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Talk to your financial adviser.
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