Increasing your earning power through your resume

19 December 2016

First impressions are really important. Infact, you don't get a second chance to make a first impression. This can't be far from the truth when it comes to your resume. A resume presents an individual background and skill(s) in a summarized form and used most notably when securing a new employment.

Therefore, it goes without saying, that most hiring managers also use your resume as a basis for salary negotiation. If you sell your skills short, then you may get a much lower offer. Increase your earning potential, first, by going back to the basics - your resume. I will focus on a few resume strategies you can use to position yourself at the top of the scale during salary negotiation.

1. Discuss your achievements

Employers are interested in what you have done and key results delivered previously. Use strong ACTION verbs that focus on your results for example " I generated X% or I achieved or closed $ " This are quantifiable results which will impress the prospective employer and you will be discussing your value and what you can do - because you have previously done it.

2. What is your USP?

What makes you unique and stand out from others. What will actually make the hiring manager drop everything he or she is doing to call you? This is your unique selling point. What value will you bring to the company? What unique skills and knowledge do you have that will meet their needs. So always figure out where your key strengths lie and make them your USP. Most companies either want to cut costs or make money - perhaps, you can work around such and deliver your sales statement more convincingly. For example, "I have a strong track record of constantly generating quality leads and last year managed to convert 800 contacts into prospective buyers which brought in $250,000 in revenues.

3. Avoid talking about salary SOON!

You have showcased your experience clearly and in the strongest language, however, talking about salary on the application letter or on your resume will not cut it. Avoid such until you get invited for an interview and from there you can provide salary information - whether that is previous compensation and/or your expectations.

4. Use salarydata.co.ke of course when the time comes!

Your resume have landed you the interview or series of interviews whatever might be the case and an offer has now been made. It is now time to NEGOTIATE on the offer presented.

Make sure you arm yourself properly with research and accurate data by comparing your position with others in the same position and/or region (s).

And there you will have increased your earning power!

Compare your salary with others!

Peter Kinyanjui

Email: [email protected]