How much are you worth?
Unemployment figures in Northern Ireland have plummeted by 1,700 since the start of this year, the biggest monthly fall since May 1999. The numbers of those claiming benefits has also fallen consistently over the last 25 months.
In fact, figures from the Northern Ireland Labour Market Statistics for February 2015 revealed that only 5.7% of the working population are currently claiming unemployment benefits. Optimistically, this is 10,300 less than this time last year.
The recent increase in employment in Northern Ireland is a result of both temporary and permanent jobs being secured across the province. If you have an IT qualification and experience you’re in luck as the sector is expected to grow at around 5.7% in 2015 according to Danske Bank’s December 2014 Report.
The same report noted that growth will not stop at the rising employment rate, but the average wage is also expected to rise throughout 2015. Candidates can therefore begin to expect more financial rewards from employers which is particularly beneficial to those seeking new employment. But only if they know their worth before interviewing!
Ensure your skills and experience are suitably rewarded by asking yourself the following questions before attending an interview.
1. What does the role actually pay? Understanding what the actual pay of someone in that position equips you with realistic expectations. The biggest mistake candidates make is misunderstanding the actual pay for the role they are applying for, and instead keep their focus based on their own existing pay and increase they want to make.
It is important to remember that most organisations will have pay ranges for each job, try and gauge an idea of what the range is the role you are applying for and negotiate carefully.
2. What will your impact be on the company’s bottom line? An organisation wants someone who will not only ‘pay for themselves’ but who also has the potential to bring in business. These individuals who are likely to have a direct impact on the company’s profits usually have favourable bargaining power. However, companies will be more willing to negotiate with a candidate who can articulate what they can bring to the business and prove their worth in the interview.
3. What is your worth outside the job market? Do your research. Whether you are an internal candidate or an external recruit, knowing your worth to the wider market is an extremely valuable tool when discussing salary.
For more information on how you can avail of our outplacement services, please contact us on: 0845 456 2269
