Teegan A. Bartos

Conducting thorough research on a prospective employer stands as the paramount strategy to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Gaining a deep understanding of the company's needs allows you to position yourself as the solution to their challenges. However, effective company research transcends a cursory glance at their website. It involves delving into their quarterly reports and financials to craft insightful questions about the company's future direction. Engaging with current or former employees can reveal invaluable insights into the company's internal dynamics, including its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This equips you with the knowledge to navigate the process competitively.

Gone are the days when stating 'Seasoned [insert industry] leader with 20 years of experience [doing the job description]' suffices. In the digital era, cultivating a personal brand has become a prerequisite. But what exactly is a personal brand? It encompasses who you are, the value you bring, and your unique approach to problem-solving. Yet, your personal brand extends beyond mere content—it's also reflected in the design. When transitioning your resume to a digital format, consider the psychology behind colors and typography, along with digital readability factors, to choose design elements that best represent your professional identity and strategically directs the readers eye.

Let's keep it 💯. Businesses care about results. If you want them to pay you more, you have to prove the value you provide. You can do this by identifying a business case, how you plan to contribute towards it, and how you've exceeded your KPIs recently. Being realistic in your ask is important so I also recommend you do market research to know you're "value". Once prepared, schedule a one-on-one meeting with your leader to discuss your career aspirations, including a promotion, to align your salary with the value you're creating for the organization.