The Best (and Worst) Ways to Ask For a Raise

Asking for a raise is one of the more nerve-wracking things you can do in a job. If you phrase your request poorly, or react poorly to a denial, that can have ramifications for your position as a whole. However, if you ask for a raise in the right way, and at the right time, it can have big benefits for you. You’ll either be granted the raise you request, or you’ll make it known that you’re tuned into the company, that you’re assertive in your professional desires, and that you have the initiative to pursue your career goals. Before we dive into how to ask for a raise, however, I’d like to...

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LinkedIn Networking Tips and Tricks

One of the best resources available today to create a network in your industry is LinkedIn. There are more than 300 million LinkedIn users, and 25 million profiles get viewed every day. And it just keeps growing: on average, 3 people sign up for LinkedIn every second. It’s no wonder, then, that many employers now turn to LinkedIn to search for potential new hires. Having a well-connected LinkedIn profile can open doors for job seekers. However, LinkedIn is a tool and, just like any tool, you have to use it properly in order for it to work well for you. That means getting on regularly, having...

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How to Move Onward and Upward in Your Career

As professionals, we are all interested – for various reasons – in improving our work situation. These improvements can take a variety of forms: more responsibility, more money, an office with a door, an office with a window, flexibility to work from home, etc. I have some ideas on what you can do to improve your chances at achieving some or all of these changes. Be kind and respectful to EVERYONE. Most, maybe all, work cultures have a hierarchy. Sometimes it’s really clear who has power and who does not. Other times it may be more “flat” but power differentials are always there. However,...

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Getting Ahead – Phases and Changes

“Should I stay or should I go now? If I go there will be trouble An’ if I stay it will be double So come on and let me know…” – The Clash When thinking about career advancement, you must be aware of the things that you can control and the things that you can’t. You can control your performance on the job – carrying out tasks well, being consistent, meeting and exceeding expectations – unless your boss refuses to see your performance as outstanding. If you try and try again, yet your boss still doesn’t understand your value, it’s important...

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