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Advice On How To Earn A Higher Salary

By Perminus Wainaina

Would you like to earn more money this year? Do you think you are fairly compensated for your output? We are always looking to earn more, so the answer is probably a big yes. In this article, I will highlight some of the steps you can take to earn a higher salary.

You can implement some and start seeing results right away, but some may take a bit of time. Some involve becoming very good at your job such that others can’t ignore you and thus ensuring you get promotions and salary increment or going back to school for further training. Another step is by deciding to take additional duties. If all else fails or doesn’t work with current employer then looking elsewhere is another winning strategy.

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Determine Your Value in the Job Market
But before we discuss on what you need to do to earn a higher salary, have you considered your value in the job market? As a product in the market there’s a price for what you have to offer. And the price is dependent on many factors. For example, years of experience and skills gained in that period. A fresh graduate does not have a lot in bargaining power as compared to someone with 5 years experience. It will also depend on how saturated your profession is. If you are in a profession that has a lot of people, there’s stiff competition for jobs and this makes an employer have an upper hand. A good example is Admin, Accounting, Customer service, Journalism and sometimes the Sales profession. There are so many candidates chasing the few opportunities and employers take advantage by paying poorly. The easiest way to find out how much people with your skills and education earn is to refer to job adverts.

If you don’t earn a salary equivalent to someone of your level then you need to identify the reasons. Is it because you lack certain skills? Do you need to take a short course? Is it because you are working for a small organization that does not have the resources? If it’s because of the organization, then it’s as simple as changing jobs. However, if it’s a matter of qualification and experience you need to realize that it will take you time and resources to get the skills and only then will you be ready to earn more.

Your Job Is To Be Awesome
One of the easiest ways to earn a higher salary is by becoming very good at what you do. Look at the roles listed on your JD and identify the most important. After this, evaluate your level of competence. In essence ask yourself whether you are good at your job. Identify areas that you are struggling with. Changing employers will not help if you are not good at what you do or if you face a similar Job description.

It might be easy for you to sell yourself in an interview but can you realistically deliver on the job? And excelling at your job requires you to specialize and only handle those tasks that you are good at. An example is that of a finance and admin Manager struggling with the admin function. As long as management is not happy with what they are doing in admin, there’s a lesser probability the individual will be considered for a salary raise or a promotion. The logical step is to ask them to hire someone to do admin duties and you concentrate on what you are good at. You can only shine at what you excel.

In business it’s results that tell. I have met candidates who are highly qualified but underpaid. On the other hand I am sure you know candidates with no papers/certificates to show but are earning seemingly well. The difference is with the level of skills and experience. Employers and candidates alike are in the market place and looking for specific things. And sometimes there’s a misunderstanding.

Employers are interested with hiring someone who can get the job done well the first time and at an affordable cost. And they will pay a premium regardless of your age, education and skills if you can demonstrate value beyond what is expected of you. That is why I insist on professionals learning as much skills as possible. With enough skills and experience you will be at a position to negotiate for a better package.

Job Hopping: It’s Not As Bad As You Think

Sometimes staying in one place can work against you. That’s why I recommend changing jobs after every three years. If your current organization is big enough, there should be room for growth and in three years you should be in a different grade. However, if it’s a small organization, three years should be the maximum time you give to the company. By the third year you should be ready to make a move. Apart from the usual problem of familiarity where the employer thinks you don’t have much else to offer or you getting comfortable, staying in one place for long will only make potential employers wonder why others haven’t identified your great potential. It’s also easy to lose track of what’s current in the job market and therefore rendering your skills obsolete. In some sectors i.e. banking, it’s normal for someone to quit, join a competitor and come back after two years with three times the salary. Job hopping has its advantages more so when done strategically.

There you have it. You can earn a higher pay this year. Start by being very good at what you do as no sane employer can afford to lose a staff who adds value. If you are missing on some skills then going back to class is an option you need to consider. You also need to focus on learning on the job and not getting more and more certificates. Lastly, if you are not appreciated where you are then it’s time to start looking. I wish you a healthy bank balance this year.

Perminus Wainaina is the Managing Partner & Head of Recruitment at Corporate Staffing Services Ltd.

65 Comments

  11. Thats great. It even becomes boring doing the same job same routine 3years are enough. Thanks for the article

  16. What can I do if my employer is against my exit. Yet he not paying you well.

  19. Very good insights there, a good document to read and internalize.
    Keep up the good work.

  23. Good job Sir..Your articles have always inspired me to aim higher. Keep it up

  26. Thanks Perminus.
    I am facing a similar situation and working on it. I need to change my employer the soonest.

  35. Wow that’s amazing.

    I have ever been called for an interview twice in your Company, that was in the year 2015 but has never get employed. what could be the reason for that? I had applied for a job in two positions (Admin and Dental Assistance).

  36. I think you guys are great in what you are writing. I agree with your sentiments but on the other hand job scarcity should also be put in mind while giving such advice. No one wants to be working with one employer for a long time. Otherwise keep it up.

  38. kudos! Mr. Premiums…every day u really gives mi something grt to help mi in thiz life.

  39. PERMINUS WAINANA
    WOW i like the concept in your mind i a have liked the article its very educative there is something i have learnt on staying too long in the same org and the value of the size of company
    thanks a lot

  49. Thanks for the advice and wish many read this for what it takes while looking for a job.

  50. I like what I have read, good advise to start the year with.
    May God bless you with enough for you and for sharing.

  53. This helps alot. Thank you guys for sharing. We all need positive thinking to help focus more and achieve more. Good stuff.

  56. I can see am in the right track
    ..don’t like staying at one place for more than 3years….am determined to getting a new job come next year… Kudos wainaina

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