7 Lessons I Wish I Knew Before Getting A Job: The Beginner's All-In-One Career Guide

By Social Hire Contributor

As of 2020, approximately 155 million people are employed in the United States, making up nearly half of the country's population. By 2023, an increase of almost 2 million employed people is expected. 

With this large number of competitors looking for their dream careers, navigating the job market can be a daunting experience  – especially for those just starting.

This guide will provide seven lessons to help you make the most of your job search and get the career for you. Read on to learn the lessons I wish I had known before getting a job.

Lesson 1: Determining Your Ideal Career Path and Setting Realistic Goals 

"Set goals with your passions and career in mind, and success will follow suit." 

- By Gjorge Stinikliev, Lead Recruiter at Road Legends 

What is a career path?

Before you get started on deciding where to go and setting goals, it’s important to understand what a career path is. A career path is a long-term plan for your professional life. It involves taking deliberate steps toward achieving your desired career goals. A well-defined career path can help you stay motivated, focus on essential tasks, and build a high-impact career with growth. 

It also helps to provide structure and direction to your professional life, allowing you to make the most of your skills and abilities. A career path can help you stay on track despite difficult times or setbacks. 

What are the different types of career paths?

Career paths can be categorized as either linear or non-linear.

1. A linear career path follows a more traditional pattern, with promotions and job changes occurring in the same field over time. This type of path allows for more stability and increased opportunities for advancement. The downside of this approach is that it can lead to stagnation if there are not enough growth opportunities.
2. A non-linear career path involves switching fields or job roles multiple times. This path allows for more flexibility and the ability to explore different areas of interest. It can also provide a unique perspective on various industries, enabling you to gain invaluable insights into your chosen field. The downside of this approach is that it can take time to find job opportunities or achieve success when changing areas frequently.

Both linear and non-linear career paths have advantages and disadvantages, so weighing your options carefully before deciding which direction is right for you is crucial. 

Once you determine the career path you're interested in pursuing, you have several ways to get ahead on the dream job you’ve been searching for. 

Here's a step-by-step guide to getting started on each career path:

1. Linear Career Path: 

• Research the education and experience necessary for success in your chosen field. 

• Build up relevant skills that employers value.

• Secure a job in the area and gain as much experience as possible, ideally at different companies or organizations.

• Network with other professionals to gain more insight into the industry. 

• Aim for promotions and higher-level positions as you build experience in your chosen field.

2. Non-Linear Career Path:

• Identify industries that interest you and research the skills, experience, and education needed for success in each.

• Try out different roles within different industries to better understand the field. 

• Use your network to find potential opportunities for switching roles or industries.

• Take advantage of any educational experiences available in the new field. 

• Focus on developing transferable skills across multiple fields and job roles, such as communication, problem-solving, and time management. 

Now that you know how to start, here are helpful online tools for determining your ideal career path.

• Skillshare: Skillshare is an online learning platform offering over 20,000 classes in various niches. It offers a range of courses to help you determine your ideal career path and set realistic goals. 

Students can watch video tutorials at their own pace and interact with instructors through self-paced projects and discussion boards. The advantage of Skillshare over its competition is that it offers professional-level courses at an affordable price.

• LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning is a library of online courses and videos to help you build your career skills. It features content from industry-leading professionals, with topics ranging from job search strategies to skill-building tips. 

With LinkedIn Learning, you can gain new skills and insights to help you determine your ideal career path and set realistic goals. The advantage of LinkedIn Learning over its competition is that it is linked to the world's largest professional network, making it easy to connect with other professionals in your field.

• CareerShifters: Careershifters is a platform that helps you explore and transition into new career paths. It offers personalized activities, such as resume reviews, job search strategies, and guided career coaching sessions.

• CareerOneStop: CareerOneStop is a free online resource providing career exploration tools, job search assistance, and education resources for job seekers. It offers an interactive career explorer tool that helps you choose the right job for you.

CareerOneStop has a comprehensive list of resources and tools to help job seekers make more informed career decisions compared to other sites.

• Udemy: Udemy is an online learning platform featuring over 100,000 courses in business, technology, design, and more. It offers a range of techniques that can help you learn the right skills for the career you choose.

Lesson 2: The Benefits of Networking and Making Connections

After setting your goals and career path choice comes networking. Networking connects people with shared interests and goals to exchange information, resources, and ideas. It involves connecting with individuals or groups to build relationships and expand knowledge and contacts. This will help you further in your goals and find people who can help you get to your path.

Networking can be done online, through social media, at events such as conferences or seminars, or even just by meeting people in your day-to-day activities. Don’t shy away from sending emails or messages to connect with interesting people.

Networking is also essential to any successful career or business venture. It can help develop a strong network of contacts, gain access to resources, brand engagement, and explore new opportunities. That’s why lead management software is on the rise.

The types of social connections you need for your career can vary depending on your goals and industry. Generally, the four main types include Professional Contacts, Mentors, Colleagues, and Industry Contacts. 

1. Professional Contacts are those who have a direct impact on your professional growth, such as hiring managers or recruiters.
2. Mentors are individuals who can provide helpful advice and guidance in your career.
3. Colleagues are current or former coworkers who share similar work experiences and knowledge.
4. Industry Contacts are other professionals within the same field or industry, such as alumni from the same school or conference attendees.

The pros of having these different types of social connections can be significant. They can offer you valuable advice, provide job opportunities, introduce you to new contacts, and potentially open doors for your career advancement. 

However, creating these social connections can be overwhelming, especially when finding the correct type of connection in the beginning and making many requests to connect online. Regardless, networking and connections are unique tools in any professional's arsenal.

Here's a guide on how to find and develop each social connection:

1. Professional Contacts: Make sure to attend relevant events and conferences related to your industry, do a search on LinkedIn for people in your field who have similar interests and experiences, or offer to volunteer with organizations related to the career you're pursuing.
2. Mentors: Begin by searching online for mentors in your field or attending networking events and conferences. Ask people you already know if they can recommend someone who could mentor you.
3.  Colleagues: If you haven’t connected with colleagues in your current job, make sure to do so while you’re still in your present role. This makes it easier to reach out to them on social media or email once you’ve moved on to another career. Even if they’ve moved on to another role first, staying in contact with them can give you access to the career paths they’ve moved into.
4. Industry Contacts: Attend relevant industry events, join organizations related to your field, and become active on social media. Make sure to follow people in your industry and engage with their content. Offer to help other professionals where possible and be friendly when you meet them. 

Finally, remember to follow up with each contact after meeting them. This will keep the connection alive and could generate new leads in the future. 

Here are just some tools to get you started with your networking: 

• LinkedIn: This is a powerful tool for making professional connections. It has an extensive network of professionals, companies, and recruiters that you can connect with to find job opportunities, get advice, and build relationships. 

• Meetup: This app allows you to find local events and meetings related to your field or interests. You can meet like-minded people, build your network, and learn about different industries. 

• Twitter: With its large user base, Twitter is an excellent platform for networking. You can follow industry leaders and other professionals to stay up to date on the latest news and trends within your field. Additionally, you can use trending Twitter hashtags to find conversations related to your interests. 

• Facebook Groups: These are great for networking with similar interests and goals. You can find groups related to your industry, join conversations, and potentially make valuable connections. 

• Networking Events: There are a variety of local and online events that you can attend to meet new people and build relationships in your industry. 

• Networking Apps: There are a variety of apps that you can use to make connections, such as Bumble Bizz. These apps focus on helping people build meaningful relationships rather than just making casual acquaintances.

Lesson 3: Crafting a Standout Resume and Cover Letter

"Your resume and cover letter are like your calling card - the first impression you make with a potential employer.” 

- By Neal Taparia, at Cribbage Online.

Beyond networking comes the actual preparation for your interviews and applications. Part of the process includes preparing a resume and cover letter.

Resumes and cover letters are documents to introduce yourself to potential employers when applying for a job. The resume is a detailed summary of your educational background, professional experience, and skills. It should be tailored to the job you are applying for and demonstrate why you are the best fit for the role. 

A cover letter is an accompanying document that introduces you to the employer and explains why you are the best candidate for the job. It should include an introduction, a summary of qualifications, and a conclusion. Both documents should be written in a professional tone and edited for typos or grammatical errors.

A resume is also a place where you need to stand out from the crowd. Since most job seekers do not consider the possibility of displaying their personal brand through their resume, you must capitalize on that. Identify a logo creator tool to build your personal brand — something that represents who you are, and make it part of your resume for maximum impact. 

There are three main types of resumes: chronological, functional, and combination. 

1. A chronological resume is a traditional style that highlights your work experience in reverse-chronological order. It shows employers your progression through the years and how you've used different skills in different roles. 
2. A functional resume highlights the skills used in various positions rather than the job titles. This type of resume is best for those with limited work experience, gaps in employment, or transitioning to a new career.
3. A combination resume combines aspects of both chronological and functional resumes. It begins with an overview of the applicant's qualifications followed by a summary of their work experience arranged in reverse chronology. 

Meanwhile, cover letters can be tailored to the employer, the job, or a combination. 

1. A general cover letter is suitable for an unsolicited application and is used when you don't have a specific job in mind but want to send your resume to many employers. 
2. An employer-specific cover letter highlights the skills and qualifications that you have which are relevant to the job at hand. 
3. A job-specific cover letter is tailored to a specific position. It should be written with the company's needs in mind. Each type of resume and cover letter has pros and cons, so you must consider your goals carefully before deciding which type to use.

Get a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your resume and cover letter:

1. Research the position and company you are applying for. Ensure that your resume is tailored to the job. Read through the job description thoroughly, noting any skills or qualifications mentioned. You can also review the company's website and social media to better understand its culture and values. 
2. Create a draft of your resume and cover letter. Use a template to ensure the document is organized and professional. Include relevant information, such as employment history, education, certifications, or volunteer experience. Use action words to emphasize your accomplishments and abilities, such as "developed" or "achieved." 
3. Personalize your resume and cover letter. Research the person you are addressing your documents to. Use keywords from the job posting to ensure that your experience matches what the company is looking for. 
4. Proofread and edit your resume and cover letter. Have a friend or family member review the documents to catch any typos or errors. Make sure all information is up-to-date and accurate. Double-check that you included all the required information, such as contact information and education history. 
5. Submit your resume and cover letter. Attach both documents to an email directed to the hiring manager or recruiter. If they follow the best recruitment practices, then they should update you about your application. But if not, follow up on it after a few days to ensure it was received. If you need to mail physical copies of the documents, ensure they are printed on quality paper and adequately addressed.

There are a lot of online tools that can help you prepare your resume and cover letter: 

• LiveCareer: LiveCareer is a free online resume builder that allows you to easily create professional resumes and cover letters. It offers hundreds of templates to choose from and guides writing each section of your document. It also features an ATS optimization tool that optimizes your resume for applicant tracking systems. 

Learn more: List of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) in 2023

• VisualCV: VisualCV is an intuitive resume builder that allows you to create professional resumes easily. It offers hundreds of templates, a drag-and-drop editor, and numerous customization options so that your document looks unique. It also has a powerful ATS optimization tool which helps ensure that your resume gets noticed by employers. 

• Novorésumé: Novorésumé is an easy-to-use resume builder which allows you to create standout resumes and cover letters in minutes. It offers a selection of modern templates and uses intelligent algorithms to match your skills to the job description. It also has a keyword optimization tool that helps ensure that your resume gets noticed. 

• Enhancv: Enhancv is a powerful resume builder that allows you to create standout resumes easily. It offers hundreds of templates, an intuitive editor, and multiple customization options. It also has an ATS optimization tool that ensures that your resume passes through applicant tracking systems without issues.
  
  Read More: How to Build a Resume Website, 

 Lesson 4: Preparing for the Interview Process

"The best preparation for an interview comes from understanding what the company values and how you can demonstrate those values through your answers." 

- By Irene McConnell, the MD of Arielle Executive 

If you present a good resume and cover letter, a job interview usually comes next. This is a conversation between an employer and a potential employee to assess the applicant's ability to do the job. Job interviews can be conducted in person, over the phone, or through video conferencing. This is a pivotal part of getting into the role you want. 

Different types of job interviews include one-on-one interviews, behavioral interviews, skills assessment tests, panel interviews, and group interviews. Depending on the job, employers may use one or a combination of these interview types to assess a candidate's qualifications. 

1. One-on-one interviews allow employers to get to know a candidate in more depth and ask questions about the job. However, they can be time-consuming and difficult to schedule if multiple candidates need to be interviewed.
   
2. Behavioral interviews assess a candidate's behavior in certain situations relevant to the job. However, some candidates may need help accurately recollecting past experiences or describing the job's relevance.
3. Skills assessment tests provide employers with a quantifiable way of measuring a candidate's abilities and technical knowledge. However, these tests may only be helpful for certain positions that require specific skills or expertise, such as programming or accounting.
4. Panel interviews can help employers assess how a candidate interacts with different people. However, this type of interview can be intimidating if many people are present.
5. Group interviews allow employers to observe how candidates interact and work together in a team environment. On the other hand, it can be difficult for an employer to adequately evaluate each candidate's skills and qualities when conducting a group interview.

Prepare for your interview process in this step-by-step guide:

1. Research the Company and Position: Take some time to learn as much as you can about the company and position you're interviewing for, including their mission statement, values, culture, products or services they offer, recent news articles, etc. 

BONUS TIP: go for the company with the best culture; it’s where you’ll be happier to stay in. A telltale sign is usually teambuilding efforts like escape room puzzles and such.

2. Practice Interview Questions: Prepare answers to common questions so that you are prepared and comfortable when asked.

3. Prepare Your Questions: Think of meaningful questions to ask the hiring manager that showcase your interest in the position and demonstrate your knowledge.

4. Rehearse: Practice with a friend or family member, or even record yourself answering interview questions to get an idea of how you appear on camera or in person.

5. Dress for Success: Choose professionally appropriate clothes that reflect the company's culture.

6. Arrive Early: Get to your interview location at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time and make sure you have all the necessary documents, such as a copy of your resume, references, portfolio, etc.

7. Follow-Up: Thank the interviewer for their time and express your interest in the position after the interview. You should also follow up with a personalized thank you note or email within 24 hours of the discussion. This will show that you remain enthusiastic about the job and demonstrate professionalism.

8. Evaluate Your Performance: Reflect on how the interview went and consider what you could have done better or differently. This will help you become more prepared for future discussions.

Here are online tools to help you prepare:

• InterviewBit: This online platform offers a comprehensive collection of interview prep resources, including questions to expect in an interview, sample answers for common questions, and tips on how to stand out from the competition. 

The benefits of using InterviewBits are that it provides an extensive library of resources tailored to your specific job search needs and goals. It also offers personalized guidance throughout the interview process.

• Interview Zen: This online platform provides various resources to help you prepare for an upcoming job interview, including tips on answering tricky questions and techniques to overcome nervousness.

 The advantages of using Interview Zen over other platforms are that it is easy to use and offers comprehensive support with personalized feedback.

• My Interview Practice: This online platform provides various resources to help you prepare for an upcoming job interview, including sample questions and answers, tips on how to present yourself professionally during the interview process, and advice on how to stand out from the competition. 

The advantages of using an Interview Simulator are that it provides an interactive platform to practice and simulate the interview process with personalized feedback.

Lesson 5: Understanding Different Types of Compensation Packages

A compensation package is the total sum of rewards an employer offers an employee in exchange for their services. It typically includes a combination of salary and benefits, though additional perks or incentives may also be offered. 

The compensation packages vary depending on the job position, industry, and organization size. For instance, for sales roles, your sales compensation will likely include both base pay and variable pay. Each type of compensation package has its own advantages and drawbacks that should be weighed carefully before making a decision. 

Standard components of a compensation package include: 

1. Base Salary: This is an annual payment to an employee for their services. It often includes a salary increase based on performance reviews or merit increases. The base salary provides employees with a stable, consistent income to help them plan for their future. However, base salaries are often lower than other types of compensation packages and do not always account for inflation.
2. Merit Pay: This is an additional financial compensation given to employees who exceed expectations in their roles or take on extra responsibilities. It is typically offered in addition to the base salary. 

This compensation rewards employees for hard work and dedication to the company. However, performance assessment must be clear when setting merit pay; it can be difficult for employees to gauge their progress accurately. 

1. Benefits: This includes a variety of offerings such as health insurance costs, retirement plans, paid time off, and other incentives or benefits designed to improve employee morale. Benefits provide employees with access to additional resources that help them stay healthy, save money, and manage their finances. This may require other paperwork or bureaucracy to maintain them.
2. Incentives: These are rewards offered to employees for their performance or accomplishments above and beyond the normal expectations for their job role. Examples include bonuses, profit-sharing plans, and stock options. Incentives motivate employees to perform at their best by providing them with a financial reward for exceptional work. However, not all employees can qualify for incentives, so know if you can avail of certain incentives. 
3. Perks: These are small benefits to employees that make their work environment more enjoyable or productive. Common examples include discounted gym memberships, free food/beverages in the workplace, and flexible schedules. Understanding how your compensation package is structured can help you make the most of your earning potential. Perks help employees feel appreciated and valued by offering small benefits that make their work environment more enjoyable.

Knowing what components are included, you can better negotiate for higher salaries and more generous benefits when changing jobs or asking for a raise. It is also essential to understand your tax obligations and how they may impact the overall compensation you receive so that you can budget accordingly.

Step-by-step guide on deciding if the compensation package is worth it or not. 

1. Make a list of all the components of your current or potential compensation package, including base salary, merit pay, benefits, incentives, and perks.
2. Research each component to understand what it offers and how it might impact your overall compensation
3. Calculate the total value of the package by taking into account taxes and other related expenses. 
4. Compare the total value of your package to the current market rates for similar positions in your area. 
5. Consider how important each component is to you and if it will help you achieve your long-term financial goals. 
6. Make a decision based on all the factors considered, such as whether the compensation package is worth it for you in the long run. 
7. Consider negotiating for better terms or looking for other employment opportunities if you decide the compensation package is not worth it.
8. Understand all its components and how they may impact your current and future finances if you accept the compensation package.
9. Keep track of your compensation package over time and reevaluate if there are any changes or updates. This can help you stay informed and ensure that the package still provides the necessary value.  
10. Regularly review your financial situation to ensure you take full advantage of all the benefits and resources available through your compensation package.

Here are some online tools to ensure you get the best compensation package for you:

• Salary.com: This website offers a comprehensive salary and compensation calculator that allows users to compare their current salary to the average pay for similar positions in their area. It also provides information on benefits, bonuses, and perks employers across different industries offer. The advantage of using this tool is that it helps you understand your earning potential and make sure you are being compensated fairly.

• PayScale: This online tool provides an extensive salary database that allows users to compare their current salaries with the average for similar positions in different industries and locations.

It also offers information about benefits, bonuses, and perks from employers across various industries. The advantage of using this tool is that it is up-to-date and provides a comprehensive view of the compensation landscape. Due to its timeliness and reputation, data from PayScale can be found across the internet in various salary guides and resources.

• Glassdoor: This website offers information on salaries, benefits, bonuses, and perks offered by different employers in different industries. It also provides insight into the job market in specific locations. 

It allows users to research salaries for similar positions across multiple companies. The advantage of using this tool is that it provides an unbiased view of the compensation landscape and can help you find employment opportunities that offer better pay and benefits. 

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: The BLS publishes a database of salary information for different occupations in various geographic areas. This information helps users understand how their current salaries compare to the national average for similar positions. The benefit of using this tool is that it provides up-to-date, detailed information about salaries in different industries and locations. 

• US Department of Labor: The US DOL publishes a database of wage information for different occupations in various geographic areas. This tool helps users understand their current wages compared to the national average for similar positions.

Lesson 6: Leveraging Professional Experience to Gain New Skills 

"Experience is the best teacher. By leveraging your professional experience, you can acquire new skills that will help you succeed in any area of life." 

- By Philipp Wolf, CEO of Custify.

Professional experience is the knowledge, skills, and abilities an individual has gained through work or other career-related activities. It can include job-specific skills, such as those related to a particular industry, and a more general understanding of how organizations operate and how careers progress. 

Professional experience can be obtained through formal education, hands-on training, and on-the-job experience. It can also be acquired through networking, volunteering, internships, and mentoring opportunities.

1. Formal education is the most traditional way of gaining professional experience. This type of experience is usually acquired through coursework taken at an accredited college or university.

Students learn various skills specific to their chosen fields, such as marketing, accounting, and finance. Formal education can be expensive and time-consuming to obtain. Still, it provides a foundation of knowledge that can be used to develop more advanced skills. But if it’s truly out of reach, just remember that education is more useful than a degree, and it’s attainable through online course platforms, like these product marketing courses or this SEO overview guide for no-techies.

2. Hands-on training is another form of professional experience that involves gaining practical experience in a particular field, often through workshops or internships. This type of experience is valuable as it allows individuals to understand what the job entails and how to perform the associated tasks.

3. On-the-job experience is another type of professional experience that involves working for an employer and learning the necessary skills needed to do the job. This experience is invaluable as it provides a practical understanding of how an organization functions and what to expect from the job.

4. Networking, volunteering, internships, and mentoring opportunities are all other ways to gain professional experience. Each of these opportunities allows individuals to learn more about their chosen field, meet new contacts, and gain skills they can use in their careers.

The advantages of leveraging professional experience include gaining a better understanding of the industry, learning new skills, growing relationships, and connecting with potential employers. 

However, leveraging professional experience includes the cost of obtaining formal education, the time commitment needed for hands-on training and on-the-job experience, and the uncertainty of when or if a job opportunity may arise. Regardless, leveraging professional experience can be an invaluable tool for individuals who are looking to advance their careers.  It can also help you meet investors if, in time, you end up developing a product or service and you need money to start your own business. And crafting a top-notch pitch deck becomes just as important as having a great resume. 

Here's an actionable step-by-step guide to leveraging professional experience: 

1. Identify Your Skills: Take some time to think about the skills you have acquired so far in your career, whether through formal education or other professional experiences. You can use a tool like the Skills Atlas to help you identify and map out your existing skillset.
2. Set Career Goals: Having clearly defined career goals can help you determine what skills you need to develop to reach them. Consider your current position, the experience you have gained, and where you would like to be.
3. Develop a Plan: Once you've identified your skills and set career goals, create a plan for how to use your existing skills and gain new ones. This may include enrolling in courses, signing up for workshops or conferences, joining professional associations, volunteering, seeking out mentorships or internships, or attending webinars.
4. Take Action: After you've researched and created a plan, it's time to start taking action. Take the steps necessary to gain new skills and apply your existing ones. Leveraging professional experience is a great way to accelerate your career growth. Feel free to network with potential colleagues or employers.
5. Monitor Your Progress: You must measure your progress. Make sure to track your progress and evaluate how effective your strategy has been in helping you develop new skills and reach your career goals. This can help inform future decisions and ensure that you're on the right track to success.

Here are some tools to help you get started:

• LinkedIn: This social networking platform for professionals is an excellent tool for leveraging your professional experience. It allows you to create a profile and connect with colleagues, employers, recruiters, and more. You can also join relevant groups, follow influential people in the industry, and search for job postings related to your field.

• Coursera: This online learning platform offers courses from top universities and companies. It is a great way to gain new skills in your field affordably and conveniently. It also allows you to learn from leading experts and earn professional certificates that can enhance your resume.

• Skillcrush: This career-focused online learning platform provides courses and resources on web design, coding, digital marketing, and more. It is a great way to gain new skills in an engaging and interactive environment and receive personalized guidance from experts.

• Udemy: This platform offers courses on various business and programming topics. It also has options for in-person education, so you can attend workshops and classes near you if you prefer. Udemy also allows you to access its library of content free of charge.

• Codecademy: This online learning platform offers resources for coding and programming in several languages and options for data science and computer science. It’s perfect for aspiring programmers and web developers. The experience will definitely earn you a resume that can get you hired.

• Khan Academy: This nonprofit organization provides educational resources to students and learners of all ages. It offers courses in mathematics, science, computer programming, and more, as well as personalized learning plans for each user.

Lesson 7: Negotiating Salary and Perks  

A salary is a fixed amount of money an employee receives for their work. It is typically paid weekly or monthly. There are several different types of salaries: base, commission, and performance-based depending on your sales strategy.

1. Base salaries provide employees with a guaranteed amount of money for each pay period, regardless of their performance. This benefits employers because it allows them to budget for salary expenditures in advance and provides employees with some job security as long as they meet certain expectations. On the other hand, base salaries can limit employees' potential earnings since they can only be raised if the employer decides to do so.
2. Commission salaries are based on performance and typically involve a percentage of the sales an employee makes or helps make. This type of salary rewards employees for their hard work. It encourages them to perform better, which can be beneficial to employers. However, there is also a risk that if an employee fails to meet their targets, their pay will be significantly reduced.
3. Performance-based salaries are incentives paid out after an employee completes a particular task or achieves a specific goal. This type of salary can benefit employers because it rewards employees for their hard work and encourages them to take on challenging tasks. However, this type of salary is more difficult to budget since it cannot be predetermined.

When you’re looking for a job, make sure you check which salary type is the most profitable for you. For example, a plumber's salary can fall under any of those types, but a base salary may be more stable, or a commission-based salary may be more profitable in the long run; it depends. That’s why knowing your job’s rate is vital.

Then when you understand it thoroughly enough, you can negotiate the right salary and benefits is essential to securing a job. Understanding the different types of wages, their pros and cons, and researching comparable salaries in the industry can help you get the best deal.

Here's a step-by-step guide to negotiating your salary:

1. Base Salary: 

• Research comparable salaries in the industry. This will give you a better understanding of the going rate and help you determine if the wage is fair. 

• Ensure your qualifications and experience are considered when negotiating your salary. 

• Be confident and prepared with a list of reasons why you are the right person for the job and deserve the salary. 

• Negotiate any additional benefits or perks such as vacation days, health insurance, or stock options that could be included in your package.

2. Commission Salary: 

• Research the company's commission structure and understand how it works so you can determine if it is a good fit for you. 

• Negotiate specific targets or goals that will need to be met to earn your commission salary. 

• Ensure you know other incentives that could increase your earnings, such as bonuses or rewards for exceeding goals. 

• Consider negotiating for a base salary to ensure you are still paid if commission earnings are low.

3. Performance-Based Salary: 

• Research the company's policies and procedures regarding performance-based salaries to know what is expected of you. 

• Negotiate specific targets or goals that must be met to receive the performance-based salary. 

• Be aware of any additional incentives or bonuses that could increase your earnings. 

• Negotiate a timeline for the performance-based salary to ensure you are adequately compensated for your work. 

Take advantage of tools that can help you negotiate your salary:

• Payscale Salary Calculator: This online tool helps prepare you for salary negotiations by calculating the value of benefits and other perks when negotiating your salary. It allows users to enter different scenarios of what they would be willing to accept in terms of salary and benefits packages, then calculates the overall value of those options against current market values. 

• Salary.com: This online resource provides a detailed salary report for any job title, industry, and location you enter. By inputting information about your current position and experience level, it will provide an accurate estimate of the average salary in your area. It also includes additional resources such as negotiating tips and advice.  

• Glassdoor Salary Estimates: This tool provides an overview of salaries for any job title, industry, and location. It allows users to research salaries for specific companies and compare salary estimates from similar positions in the same area. 

Additionally, it includes additional information, such as reviews and insights into company culture, that can help you make a more informed decision when negotiating your salary.  

Conclusion

Getting a job is an essential milestone for anyone who is looking for career growth. Having the correct information and knowledge about preparing for a successful and satisfying experience in the working world.

The lessons above are packed with valuable knowledge, guidance, and tips to help job seekers get ahead in their careers, so share this blog with your friends and family looking to start their first job.

 

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