Dealing with the Industry’s Dirty Word: Money

So it’s been a while since I’ve blogged and for that, I apologize. But now I’m back. Being that I graduate from the University of Florida at the end of April, my job search continues. For those of you who are also looking for jobs, there’s one subject that’s often never discussed and feared by many: MONEY!

However, we had a great discussion in one of my classes the other day about negotiating salary, and Mike Foley, UF Master Lecturer and former editor of the St. Petersburg Times, shared some great tips.

First, he says figure out what the prevailing rate is at your potential employer. He suggests calling and asking others who work there. I also recommend looking at industry salary reports at ed2010.com or foliomag.com.

Based on what you find from other employees or industry reports, Foley says have a number in mind.

Another important tip he stresses is don’t be the first person to bring it up. As we all know money is a sensitive subject, especially these days.

Under salary requirements in any type of application, always list “negotiable.” Foley warns that if you put a number it might be lower than what the employer was going to pay and might try to get away with offering you the lower amount.

Finally, Foley says be professional and don’t demand. He recommends using the best word when you don’t get what you want: disappointed. Even though the employer is doing the hiring, Foley says they’re humans too and don’t enjoy disappointing people. It’s a cardinal rule: people like being liked.

Before giving up on a job because the pay is too low, Foley says to fight for other things if more money is not an option. Negotiate for more vacation or health benefits, such as health and dental insurance.

Even though the industry is sort of upside down right now, there ARE jobs. Job sites that I live by for journalism include ed2010.com, journalismjobs.com, foliomag.com and mediabistro.com.

Happy hunting, and negotiating. It’s good to be back!

~Mag Gab Girl

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