[Libby Huffman]

We all want more from our jobs, but how do we go about getting it? Some organizations offer raises on an annual basis just for being at your desk each day. Others require a little persuasion. Explore the art of negotiation and how to use it to get what you deserve.
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[jord0205]

I think that having the ability to judge how much you should make is awesome. However, my job has so many different details that don't consume a majority of my time on just one. And whenever I try to find out what these details are all 'worth' I have a hard time. One example is managing the company card system. I can't find any kind of a job description that includes that, therefore I don't know how much a person should be paid for that. And if my time is split up between these jobs, how do i calculate time spent on what and so on. does anyone have any suggestions? Does all of these small but responsible tasks go into the title, Admin Asst.?

[MrsHovey]

jord0205:
In my current position, as well as my last one, I frequently find myself doing all kinds of various duties that really don't fit well into one specific category. I have heard the same from many other administrative assistants. One thing that has helped me get a better idea of how much I should be asking for is to just keep track of basic duties I have taken care. For example, when I began this job 7 months ago, I started a Word document with simple bullet points that say things like "Set up new computer--spent 15 hours on the phone with technical support" (nightmare!) or "Create and maintain profiles of pharmaceutical companies" or "Edit and modify (i.e. overhaul) powerpoint presentations for potential investors" or "Communicate with investors re: company updates". This is a list that only I will see in it's draft form, but I can then reference that when someone asks what I have been. I include duties that require 5 minutes and others that require 5 days. This also allows me to remember that I really can do my job on the days when I am lacking confidence.
While none of these items on their own determine my "worth", I can use this list when I go in to ask for a raise (which, incidently may be this week...yikes!)
I hope that helps at least a little!
K.

[jcabbott]

The timing for this article is excellent! I read your article, reviewed my pay scale report and have been told by a perspective employer that I would be receiving an offer letter this week. I have never 'negotiated' my salary before and am looking forward to being more prepared to do so, should I not be 'jumping with joy' when I see the numbers. I am more confident having confirmed that what I want and what I should be receiving are alined. Now, we will see if my perspective employer has done their homework.

I'll let you know how it turns out.

[Cheryl]

Why would you do the same job as someone else and earn less money? That’s an important question for many administrative professionals.

As the job has evolved, pay, titles and responsibilities have become more fluid. Some admins have lucked out. Others have not. The difference comes in understanding your value and knowing something about the field.

Numerous factors are in play. Industry and geography make a difference. Ambition is important. Skills are key. Another big factor: the evolution of administrative jobs over the past few decades. At one time, administrators were mostly secretaries who typed, filed, answered the phone and took orders.

Now, many administrative professionals play a key role in information management and other critical functions. They command more respect and have opportunities to move up. But there’s also a chance they won’t be adequately compensated for their contributions. Here are four tips to help administrative professionals get the job and the paycheck they deserve.

[Jodith]

Ahhh...The Idiot's Guide to the Perfect Resume is a great book. Her suggestions for negotiating salary are fabulous. They helped me to get a $10,000 raise over my previous job when I first read her book.

The one piece of advice that helped the most? Put your counter offer on the table and then don't say anything else. If they ask why you should make more, tell them why. But if they don't say anything, just sit there and wait them out. Silence is a tactic often used in negotiations to get the other side to break. People don't like silence and will often throw something in to fill the void.

In this particular instance, I was only making about $24,000 (I was at a non-profit). When I interviewed for a new job at a big multi-national corporation, I knew the corporate salary range in our area was much higher.

When the interviewer offered me $30,000, I looked at him very steadily and said, "Would you consider making it $34,000". And then I sat there and didn't say another word. He looked at me. I looked at him. He looked at me. I looked at him. For a while I thought we were going to stalemate, but he broke first. First he hedged, "I don't know if I can do that based on what you were previously making." I didn't reply. We had already talked about the fact that they paid substantially higher than the non-profit industry. After another moment, he finally broke down and offered me the 34K. I think it was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life.

These days, I don't hesitate to negotiate salary, but that first time was really tough. It's worth it, though, when you come up with something fair to everyone.