How to know your worth when looking for a job!

I often see clients that have low confidence, are exhausted and feel like they just need to change jobs to feel content again.

One thing that is impacted by feeling like this is their own sense of worth and it can be compromised which could lead to accepting a lower salary than what they deserve based on the skills and experience they bring to the role.

Unfortunately there are employers out there that will take advantage of this situation. Once you sign a contract that specifies your salary, it is very difficult to change that.

So, here are some tips:

• Start with you! Build confidence through writing down all of your achievements (big and small)! Write down all of your skills that you have utilised in working towards those achievements.

• Write down a list of your negotiables and non-negotiables related to a new job and the organisation that you work for. This helps you get clear about what you are and aren't willing to compromise on.

• Do your research! It is important to know what different sectors, industries, occupations and organisations are paying in your areas of interest. Even using the basic function of filtering the salary on Seek will help you identify what salaries are being paid even if they aren't specified in the ad.

• Be transparent about what salary you are looking for if asked in a job application or interview. Don't sell yourself short thinking it will increase your chances of getting the job. It won't help in the long run.

• Ask questions to understand exactly what the demands of the job are to adjust your salary expectations accordingly.

• Negotiate! You do not need to accept the first offer you are presented with. It can be very worthwhile opening a conversation to negotiate the terms (salary or other conditions). This is a normal part of the process and it is likely they offer a lower salary to have space for negotiations. Just make sure to do this professionally and respectfully.

If you do these things, it will be a huge confidence boaster! And you will work towards having a realistic view of your amazing self!