Promotion for a Pay Cut? August 27, 2008

Q: I was offered an entry-level management position but it pays $1.50 per hour less than what I was getting as a secretary. Does it make sense to take it? ~Albina

A: In essence it is a promotion, even if the salary is not ideal you are being offered an opportunity to move up out of your secretarial role into management. You need to focus on working to learn instead of working just to earn. Moving into management allows you an opportunity to learn a whole new set of skills that you can cash in on in the future. The problem is you are focused on short term thinking instead of long term goals. Also, when you go back to discuss whether or not you will take the position, ask if it is possible to make a lateral move at the same salary you are making now. The worst they can say is no but it does not hurt to try and if you are happy where you are at in your career, you can always stay there.

Getting Promoted August 20, 2008

Q: What is the best way to get a promotion?  ~Jake from Florida

A: Well Jake there is no cookie cutter answer to getting a job promotion. Employers look for particular qualities in employees that go beyond salary: hard worker, polite, team player, timely, considerate, good customer service, organized, leadership skills, compassion, driven, cost conscious, etc.  Depending on how your company rates performance determines how they advance their associates. Almost every company has an annual review for employees which is when your performance will be evaluated.  If you want to get noticed, in all seriousness, do your personal best. Do not just work for a paycheck, work to learn as much as you can and take pride in your job. Someone will eventually take notice, and other employees will talk about you positively. You will also have the satisfaction of knowing you did a job well done and your reputation for being a hard worker is worth it’s weight in gold. You might even get a raise for it.