People in USA Major MetroAreas (United States)

I started looking for my first Construction related job by earning a credit for an internship program. The first internship I took was looking to hire interns and turn it into a full time position. They ended up liking me and I was offered a full-time position. If this were not the case it gave me a plethra of knowledge in the field which I didn't have before and could now use it to move into another intern position or strait into a different full-time job. The internship made me more valuable for a company and also made money while I was being educated.

Just ask and wait. Do a good job and don't lose hope if at first you are denied. If you are valued, the raises will come. If not, move on.

Just work hard and learn the business inside and out.

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When I took the job I soon found out that I was earning significantly less than my internal peer group. After about 6 - 9 months of proving myself, I took a copy of the standard job description for managers in our department and agreed that it was very close to what the other managers in my division were doing.

I was also doing everything in the job description, but much much more. I edited the description to include my additional duties and presented both to my supervisor, explaining exactly how my role(s) were much more extensive and diversified than that of managers in other operations. After a short conversation, I had earned an 8% increase in salary on top of our standard 3% cost of living increase.

My first boss hired me knowing my skills and experience including background. He worked for me, as my client. He hired me, for a nice increase, current vacation time, and very fair negotiations. He left the company for a better opportunity. I was still doing a great job. I worked for this company for 2 years and was never given a raise, with the highest reviews I could possibly get. Nor did I receive any of my semi-annual bonuses as my new boss felt I was over paid and earned "too much" vacation. I never did get a bonus or raise. I was let go the day of, yet, another review. This time I was promised one month earlier that I would receive my full bonus. I was excited. Only to find out that my boss and HR were both in an office together and this was not my review, but a "General Release" termination. I found out the next day in our Large city news paper that the company was bought out. I was not told this the day before. I am really having a hard time getting my resume together and contacting people with my level of experience and I am not quite sure why I was let go. In the same sentence, I was told "you have done a GREAT job".

I do not think the 1st interview is the right time to give up your ace. You may want to counter by asking the interviewer what they are looking to pay for the position.

He who "gives it up" 1st loses!

Just list your qualifications and go for it!

Take ownership of something or many things, such as me. I own all telecom, networking and PC's; basically all the technical devises, they couldn't get rid of me if they tried.

If you do your research and compare your pay rate with other companies that have similar positions in the same job market and area. If the pay rate is higher, run that by your boss, often times they will match for fear of loosing you. It is easier to increase pay on existing employee than train a new employee.