Is this just random luck? No. There are clear, time tested principles that can help you stand out and get paid what you’re worth and maybe a little more. If you’re still trying to get a job and you think this doesn’t apply to you yet, click here to sign up on Flexible Staffing and put an end to your job search.

1. Know your craft: All the other advice you’ll read here is secondary to this one. Value is what people pay for and this applies to your salary as well. You’re not being paid just because you completed a degree, rather, companies will pay you for what you can do for them and how much you know and can turn that knowledge into profit for the organization. Either it’s by taking on an additional degree or an online course, or even volunteering, make sure you’re doing something to improve your ability and get better at your job. If you’re more skilled than others, you stand a higher chance of earning more than them.
2. Learn to negotiate: After searching for months, it’s understandable if you want to jump at the first offer you get and take whatever pay you’re offered. But you would be leaving a lot of money on the table that way. This post on salary expectations has a lot of excellent guides on how to negotiate and secure a payment package that is higher than even your own expectations. It’s not uncommon to see two employees at the same level getting different salaries, don’t be the person who gets paid less because you didn’t ask for more.
3. Be on the lookout for other opportunities:

   Most times, you get a higher pay raise for taking up a more senior role at another organization than when you’re promoted within the same organization. Loyalty is an admirable trait that everyone should have but you should know when to move for the sake of advancing your career. Your first loyalty is to your career, and secondarily to the company you work for. In the example we used at the beginning. If Amy is the one with the higher pay after 10 years, she would most likely have worked for more organizations than Sheryl did.

   While you’re working hard for that promotion, keep your eyes opened for other organizations that require the services of professionals at the higher level you’re aiming at. If you signal your availability on job portals and websites, HR headhunters might even reach out to you to see if you’re available. The salary negotiation skills we mentioned earlier will also come in handy at this point.

4. Benefits and pension contributions: It’s convenient to think in terms of salary alone when discussing renumeration. However, the benefits that come with the role also matter a lot and will augment your salary. From the number of days you’re eligible to go on leave to whether the company is willing to move you across the country, these little details matter and should be discussed at the negotiation stage. Eventually, you are going to retire. You should know how much of your pension contributions will come from the organization as well.