3 Proven Ways to Get Paid More for Your Current Job
Are you feeling undervalued in your current position? Do you believe you deserve a higher salary for the work you're doing? You're not alone. Many professionals find themselves in this situation, but the good news is that there are concrete steps you can take to prove your worth and increase your earning potential. As a career coach with years of experience helping clients navigate salary negotiations, I'm excited to share three powerful strategies that can help you get paid more for the job you're already doing.
1. Quantify Your Achievements š
The first step in proving your value is to validate and quantify your accomplishments. This means transforming the bullet points in your resume and LinkedIn profile into powerful statements backed by numbers. Remember, it's not about how you did somethingāit's about the results you achieved and the impact you made.
For example, instead of saying "Improved customer satisfaction," try "Increased customer satisfaction ratings by 25% over six months, resulting in a 15% boost in repeat business."
Numbers are incredibly valuable on a resume because they quickly and efficiently demonstrate the depth of your expertise. They provide concrete evidence of your contributions and make it easier for employers to understand the value you bring to the table.
2. Create a Job Matching Matrix ā
The second strategy involves creating what I call a "Job Matching Matrix." This is a powerful tool we teach at Work It DAILY that helps you align your skills and experiences with the specific requirements of your current role.
Start by carefully reviewing your job description. For each requirement or responsibility listed, match it with a quantified bullet point from your resume that demonstrates how you meet or exceed that expectation. This shows that you not only understand your role but are also excelling in it.
But here's where we take it a step further: for each point, include a brief explanation of what could go wrong if the company didn't have someone with your level of expertise in the role. We call this "catastrophizing," and it's a highly effective way to illustrate your value.
For instance, if one of your responsibilities is managing the company's social media presence, you might explain how inconsistent messaging or poor engagement could lead to a decline in brand reputation and customer trust.
By doing this, you're not just proving that you can do the jobāyou're showing that you understand its importance to the company's success. Remember, companies don't hire you because they like you; they hire you because you can save or make them money, or alleviate pain points. The more you can position yourself as the solution to potential problems, the more valuable you become.
3. Develop a Targeted Strategy šÆ
The final piece of the puzzle is to adopt a targeted approach to your career advancement. This means moving away from the mindset of a desperate job seeker willing to take anything, which can make you a commodity and limit your earning potential.
Instead, create what we at Work It DAILY call an "Interview Bucket List." This is a carefully curated list of 10-20 companies that you would genuinely love to work for. Take the time to research these companies thoroughly and understand why they appeal to you.
Once you have your list, the magic happens. Instead of applying online like everyone else, use your network to back-channel into these companies. Craft a compelling "connection story" that explains why you're interested in the company and how your skills align with their needs. Use this as an introduction when reaching out to people who work at these companies.
When you make contact, wow them with your Job Matching Matrix and your quantified achievements. This approach significantly increases your chances of getting in front of decision-makers and bypassing the traditional recruitment process. More importantly, it positions you as a must-have candidateāsomeone they're willing to pay more to bring on board.
When you reach the salary negotiation stage, be clear about your motivations. Explain that you're seeking growth in your career and believe you're worth more than your current compensation. This transparency, combined with the evidence of your value that you've presented, makes a compelling case for a higher salary.
Ready to Take Your Career to the Next Level?
Implementing these strategies can be transformative for your career and earning potential. However, I understand that it can sometimes be challenging to navigate this process on your own. That's why I invite you to check out Work It DAILY's free 7-day trial. Our expert team will guide you through each step, from quantifying your achievements to creating your Job Matching Matrix and developing your targeted strategy.
Don't leave your career growth to chance. Join us at Work It DAILY and get the expert guidance and support you need to achieve the results you're looking for. Your future self will thank you!
Go get āem!
J.T. OāDonnell
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