ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, August 11, 1996 TAG: 9608090020
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: 2 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: Working it out
SOURCE: CAMILLE WRIGHT MILLER
Q: I didn't go to college to start out making $19,000 a year. I've been offered jobs I really want, but the money hasn't been enough. I want at least $25,000. How do I get employers to increase the money?
A: When offered a job you want, tell the employer that you're excited about the job and consider it a perfect fit with your interests and abilities. You can then ask if the salary is negotiable. Employers usually have bargaining space and may increase the offer if you're a strong candidate. A $6,000 leap is unlikely, but you may get closer to your goal.
However, if this is your first professional job, it's unlikely employers will increase the offer. You haven't yet established a record of high performance in the work world. Employers, rightly, understand that training you to perform a specific job requires extensive time and effort on their part.
If you've been offered several jobs within the same pay range, you have solid evidence that this is the salary those entry-level positions carry. To begin in a higher range, you may need to refocus your job search on different jobs within the profession or on different geographic regions.
If you're committed to a specific kind of job in a specific area, reconsider accepting a lower salary. Many new-to-a-profession employees use their first job to gain experience. After two years, now-experienced professionals change jobs within the field to increase salaries.
Establishing goals, including desired salary, is an excellent habit; however, short-term goals sometimes must be altered to achieve more important long-term goals. Review and rank your goals. If money is most important, look for jobs or regions offering the desired salary. If job satisfaction and your chosen career path are critical, accept less money now, then work to be at the top of your field. Success will follow.
Q: We have a co-worker on medical leave. I'd like to visit, but other co-workers say visitors aren't wanted. I feel guilty for ignoring someone who probably could use moral support.
A: The best way to determine your ill co-worker's situation is to call.
When you phone, ask how the individual is feeling. Express your concern for his or her health and note that the person's been missed. Then state your desire to visit and ask if the individual feels up to visits.
Listen carefully. If the individual suggests it isn't a good time, accept the answer. Only if your request for a visit is enthusiastically met should you consider going. If you're invited and do go, keep your visit short.
You can also show concern for someone on extended medical leave by sending cards and short notes frequently. Calling occasionally to inquire after the person's health also shows concern.
Q: I've filed charges with EEOC against my - now former - employer. I've gone months without hearing from the EEOC office. How do I get them to move more quickly on my case?
A: Call the EEOC office and ask for the officer handling your case. Explain that you want to be brought up to date on the status of your case.
But before you call, make a list of questions to ask the person supervising your case. Questions could include the case manager's best estimate of your case's time frame. Ask what stages the case will go through. Ask if additional information is needed and how you can facilitate gathering that information. Ask what you can do to help move your case forward.
As with many agencies, the case load is so heavy that many complaints simply have to wait. To increase the likelihood that your case moves to the top or is resolved faster, try becoming more involved. Call frequently. Keep your questions and conversation focused. Develop a rapport with your case manager - make it clear you believe you're in this together.
Too often we hope that voicing a complaint will start the process that brings a desired resolution quickly. The reality is that most complaints take a long time to resolve. However, resolution can be hastened if we learn the process and become actively involved. Your case manager can help you understand the process, if you keep asking questions.
Camille Wright Miller, an organizational behavior sociologist who works in Lexington, answers questions from our readers about workplace issues. Please send them to her in care of The Roanoke Times, Business News Department, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke 24010.
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