SherpasForLife.com

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Seal Your Salary in Six Steps

Sherpa Sense:

Get paid what you are worth!

Let’s Yak:

You got the job offer! Congratulations! You know they want you. Pay is a big deal for any job and is the primary driver for why we work.  Nobody is going to look out for you….but you. #bringinghomemorebacon #moneymatters #dreambig

The Whole Package, Total Compensation: Salary + Benefits

Don’t just focus on your salary/wage, be sure to look at the entire offer. What does it include besides your salary/wage? Health insurance, 401k, retirement benefits, vacation, sick time, personal leave, education allowance, can you work from home (no commute and lower wardrobe costs), or a flexible schedule, are there perks of the position, such as a gym membership. If it includes health insurance – what is YOUR cost for health insurance? This can vary widely from company to company and can be significant part of your offer. A lower salary with excellent health care and low employee cost can make a huge difference in your disposable income.

Tips

You can negotiate… And it demonstrates initiative and leadership skills – however it requires that you pay attention to the body language and know when to stop. Negotiating is a learned skill and takes confidence and practice to perfect. But even increasing the base offer by 5% is a raise to cheer about… after work.

Your current salary plays a role in what you will make in the future. So getting a higher wage to start provides a larger base for future increases.

Have a range in mind based on doing your homework. Check out Glassdoor.com, Salary.com, or Payscale.com for salary comparisons. Don’t forget salaries vary by location. If you end up below this, you may not be happy. Are there advancement opportunities? Are there any performance raises available in 6 months? Ask!

Look at the whole package. Receiving a lower salary, but with other benefits may result in more take home pay. #totalcompensation

Silence is powerful. Make your request and then let them respond. Remember, it is a negotiation, so they will probably come back with a counter offer.

Once you get an offer, ask for it in writing, as it should include the finer details.  Ask for 24 hours to think about it… Giving you time to discuss with others. #Dadhelp

Take a Hike:

You can negotiate! Let them know that you are excited to join their team, but would like to see if they can offer a little more pay, or additional vacation days, or relocation assistance (if the job is located in a different town), etc.

Decide what is most important to you. Don’t be unreasonable and ask nicely. It helps if you link your request to a good reason (e.g. I would like to make a higher salary/wage than my last job or I would like 3 weeks of paid vacation instead of 2 to match what I previously had).

Learn more by visiting https://sherpasforlife.com/2018/09/17/seal-your-salary-in-six-steps/

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10 Tips For Acing The Job Interview

Sherpa Sense:

Get your game face on. These interview tips will help you get the job offer!

Let’s Yak:

Make your first impression count. How you look, introduce yourself, speak, and treat others all go into that first impression. Remember that everyone you meet is part of the interview process. Even the person at the front desk checking you in.

Dress to impress. Simple with clean, pressed, conservative clothing and minimal jewelry. A good rule is to dress a step above what the employees are wearing. #dressmatters

Leave your phone in the car so you won’t be tempted….also any drinks. You are there to interview.

Arrive early. Check out where you are going ahead of time and be there 10 mins early. Don’t let getting to the interview stress you out.

Be confident. You may not feel it but you can appear confident. This is your chance to promote yourself! Be aware of your body language. Give a firm handshake, make eye contact, sit up straight, don’t cross your arms or fidget, use minimal hand gestures (unless going to work for an Italian).  Avoid using “um”.

Answer questions honestly, but think about your responses so they make you look good. It is OK to pause before answering. #Nailedit. If you don’t know an answer to a question, say “I don’t know, but can find out”. #dontfakeit

Don’t complain. Never complain about a former position or person you worked with if asked why you are looking for a new job. Focus on wanting to grow yourself and contribute more to the new company.

Leave salary/wage for later.  If it isn’t brought up in the interview avoid asking until an offer is made. #waitforit

Lunch is part of the interview. Employers use the casual environment to learn more about you. Stay professional in what you say and how you act. #theinterviewisnotover #istherelettuceinmyteeth

Send a “thank you” note. A written thank you note makes a lasting impression and gives you another opportunity to tell them why you would be a good fit and how you can help them meet their objectives. #finishstrong

Take a Hike::

Dress, speak, and act professionally. Be respectful, don’t interrupt the interviewer, and answer their questions honestly, but always with a hint of how you can help them or the company. Employers know applicants are nervous. Be your most confident self.  

Yakety Yak:

Popular interview questions – be prepared to answer these!

Why do you want the job?

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

Tell me about a conflict you had with someone you worked with, how you resolved the conflict, and what you learned from the experience?

What do you think your challenges are for coming up to speed and being productive in the new job?

Tell me about a time when you had to juggle several projects at the same time. How did you organize your time? What was the result?

Why should I hire you?

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Learn more by visiting https://sherpasforlife.com/2018/08/28/10-tips-for-acing-the-job-interview/

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Pivotal Points for Preparing for the Interview

Sherpa Sense:

So you’ve got the interview. The one you’ve been hoping for. Preparation is critical. Follow these 6 tips to get your interview swag on. #nailtheinterview

Let’s Yak:

Do your homework about the company you are applying to. Be proactive. Know what they do, what their business is, who their customers are. Figure out how to include some of what you learn in the interview so they know that you have researched the company.

Leverage any contacts you may have with the company. Ask about the interview process, what to expect, and determine what the company looks for in a strong candidate. Find out if there are any current areas of focus for the company (ie. increasing customer satisfaction, incorporating sustainable initiatives, or improving quality).

Be prepared with questions! Don’t just answer their questions, but also have a set of questions that demonstrate your interest in the company and job.

Be aware of your social media presence. If you are seriously being considered for the job, assume that they will check your social media platforms. Make sure you are representing yourself well. #delete

Practice makes perfect: Grab a friend and conduct a mock interview. Think about questions that you would ask if you were the hiring manager (See Acing the Interview). The current trend is to ask behavioral or experience related questions. Think of examples that you can use for the interview.

Review your resume. Be ready to expand on your work experiences and to emphasize how they could be of value in the new job. Think of examples where you made contributions, learned something new, took a leadership role, or demonstrated initiative that helped your previous employer.

Take a Hike:

To shine in the interview, remember that practice makes perfect. Find a friend or a mirror and go through questions that the interviewer may ask. Consider recording yourself; this let’s you hear your responses. Can you eliminate “um”and “like”? It’s hard to motivate yourself when you are anxious, but it does pay off. Now go get ‘em. You’ve got this.

Learn more by visiting https://sherpasforlife.com/2018/08/09/pivotal-points-for-preparing-for-the-interview/

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Takin’ Names: Landing An Interview For The Job You Want

Sherpa Sense:

5 tips for finding a job and getting an interview! Get your foot in the job market door!

Let’s Yak:

Have you been looking for a job but can’t seem to get past the electronic application process? Not sure where to look for your first job? Try these Sherpa tips for getting your foot in the interview door.

Write a GOOD resume.  Google examples of resumes in your career field. It takes time but it is necessary and worth it. Be sure it covers relevant experience and highlights your skills. Incorporate key words (ie. skills and qualifications) from the job listing  – it will help get your resume pass the HR screening software. Include achievements, accomplishments and hobbies. Be sure to write a cover letter that highlights why you would be a good fit for the job and what you can do for the company.

Job Postings: Check out sites like Indeed.com, Glassdoor.com, Craigslist, or the website of companies that you are interested in working for.  

It’s all about connections. Be sure to build your network of contacts. Utilize family, friends, and previous teachers/professors. Talk to people and let them know you are looking for a job and the type of work you are interested in. Join LinkedIn and grow your network of contacts.

Check local universities or community colleges for events or speakers or participate in a conference in your area of interest. Establish new relationships with other attendees.

Job fairs.  Bring your resume, look professional, and remember networking is critical. There is always someone who knows someone.  Make a point of talking to the recruiters and exchanging business cards. What, you don’t have a business card? Have some made with your contact information and what type of work you are looking for. Make it easy to share your information. Be sure to include your LinkedIn profile link on the card.

Take a Hike:

The Sherpas #1 tip is to network with people. Don’t be hesitant to tell others you are looking for a job.  Even the lady waiting on your table at lunch hears about opportunities.  She just might know where there is job opening or company that is hiring. Start spreading the news today!

Yakety Yak:

Read/listen to the local news and listen for companies that are growing. Growth=jobs.

Volunteer at events in your community and let other volunteers know you are looking for work. You never know who you are working next to!

Learn more by visiting https://sherpasforlife.com/2018/07/23/takin-names-landing-an-interview-for-the-job-you-want/

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Understanding Car Insurance … for those “Oh Sh!#!!!” moments

Sherpa Sense:

Correct auto insurance coverage is critical….. Because you will need it!

Let’s Yak:

Know your insurance terminology.

There are several types of coverage (liability, collision, comprehensive, etc.) that your car insurance policy could include – some required, others are optional. See below.

Coverage amount: How much the insurance company will pay.

Deductible: Amount YOU pay before the insurance company pays anything.

There are other car insurance add-ons like roadside assistance, car rental and travel expenses, etc. Decide if you need or want them. While not expensive, it does add to your monthly payment.

Take a Hike!

In addition to checking with Flo, get car insurance quotes from several companies. Get quotes for the same type of coverage, coverage amounts, and deductibles so that you can accurately compare them. #bestdeal

Typical Auto Insurance Policy Summary (using the above sherpa recommendations)

Liability (bodily injury, property damage): $100k/person/$300k/accident, $50k

Collision: $500 deductible

Comprehensive: $250 deductible

Personal Injury Protection: $35k

Uninsured Motorist/Underinsured Motorist (bodily injury, property damage): $100k/person/$300k/accident, $50k

Yakety Yak

Want to reduce the cost of your insurance? Try these ideas:

Good student discount. Even if you have graduated, you may get a discount by sending them your grades.

Safe driving programs. Take a short training course get a reduced rate.

Let the insurance company track your driving by installing an “auto tracker” in your car.

Lower your coverage amounts.

Increase your deductibles (but be sure you have the $ to cover a higher deductible).

Bundle your insurance. Receive discounts due to multiple policies with one company.

Avoid traffic tickets, be accident free, and have a good credit score. #easiersaidthandone

Once your car is older and your loan is paid off, you might consider dropping collision and comprehensive coverage. Use the 10% rule of thumb – if the annual cost of collision and comprehensive insurance is more than 10% of the replacement value, you may want to drop these. #accidentfreedriving

Learn more by visiting https://sherpasforlife.com/2018/09/27/understanding-car-insurance-for-those-oh-sh-moments/

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Auto Hydration – 6 Must Have Fluids For Your Car

Sherpa Sense:

Don’t get stranded on the roadside or smacked with an expensive car repair because of fluids. #notowtrucks

Let’s Yak:

Easily maintain these 6 fluids. Cars require more than just putting gas in the tank to stay hydrated!

Oil – this is the single most important fluid under the hood as it lubricates your engine. It could easily cost you $3k – $10k to repair or replace an engine.  If you only check 1 fluid – this is the one to check!

Antifreeze – this cools your engine. If you run low on coolant your engine can overheat and leave you stranded.  Best to check this when your engine is cool. If it is hot, open it slowly. It should be filled to the top of the radiator and make sure the overflow tank is filled to the proper level. #showsomebuttcrack

Washer fluid – this is the stuff that squirts out onto your windshield when it is dirty. Don’t add water, use washer fluid as it cleans better and won’t freeze when it gets cold.

Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) – your transmission needs ATF to operate. Without it your car will not move or will shudder. It should rarely be low, if so have a mechanic check it out.

Power steering fluid – this helps you turn the steering wheel. It should rarely be low, if so have a mechanic check it out. Some newer cars don’t use power steering fluid.

Brake fluid – this enables your brakes to work. It should rarely be low, if so have a mechanic check it out. Some newer cars don’t use brake fluid.

Take a Hike:

Get some of your friends together and check the fluids in your car this weekend. Top off fluids as required.Check your car manual for specific change intervals and the proper type of fluid for your car. Using the wrong fluid can result in catastrophic failure! Only check the fluids when the car is parked on level ground. Now that your car is hydrated, pour yourself a cold one!

Learn more at https://sherpasforlife.com/2018/05/15/auto-hydration-6-must-have-fluids-for-your-car/

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5 Must Ask Questions BEFORE You Sign The Lease

Sherpa Sense:

A lease or rental agreement is a legally binding contract – meaning that anyone that signs it is legally obligated to fulfill ALL of the requirements.

Let’s Yak:

So you’ve Found Your Perfect Apartment and understand what it will cost you. Here are the next key questions that you should be sure to ask BEFORE you sign a lease and pay your rent/deposit fee.

Must Ask Questions:

What do I have to do to get ALL of my security/damage deposit back? #dinneronme

How do I pay my rent? If there are multiple tenants on the lease, can the payments be divided per person and paid individually? What is the “late rent” policy? Are there any grace period days? What is the late fee?

What if we have roommate changes? How do we add/change names on the lease, are there any fees? #dontletthedoorhityouintheass. Is there a guest policy? Can you AirBnB a room?  What if we want a pet – is it allowed and what does it cost?

What about terminating the lease early? What are fees and how much notice do I need to give? Also, once the lease term is complete do I have to move out or sign another lease?

How do I submit a request for maintenance? What if it is an emergency – like a broken pipe or the heat is no longer working?

Other Must Dos!

Get it in writing! Don’t take the landlord’s word about something that is or is not in the lease. Be sure to cross it out or write it on the lease before you sign! And keep a copy for your records. Once the unit is rented, it is easy to “forget” these things.

Do a “walkthrough” of the entire apartment and document any damage or wear. It is generally a good idea to take pictures of every room when you move in so that there are no disagreements when you move out.

Have the locks been re-keyed? You don’t want the previous tenant showing up for breakfast. #uninvited

Ask what you can change in the apt – Can you hang pictures on the wall, change curtains … or paint a room?

Take a Hike:

Grab your roomies, get your answers for the checklist above and make any changes on the lease agreement.

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5 Must Ask Questions When Looking for your 1st Apt

Rent the perfect place without getting punched in the face!

Sherpa Sense:

Ask these 5 key questions to find your perfect affordable apartment.

Let’s Yak:

Getting your first apartment is really exciting. However, besides rent, there are many other monthly costs. These can vary drastically between rentals, so be sure to ask – don’t assume anything!  Here is a short 5 question checklist you need answers to

1) What utilities do I need to pay?

2) Are there other costs? Like parking, lawn care, association dues/fees, cable or internet TV? 

3) What are my move-in costs? Costs like application fee/credit check, pet and utility deposits, starter supplies, furniture and pots and pans, and of course the cost of moving your stuff... Don’t forget renters insurance typically about $150-$200/year.

4) What can I afford? Struggling to pay your monthly bills is not fun. Typically you should not spend more than 30% of your monthly income on your total apartment costs. Some landlords will require your annual income to be 40X the monthly rent. 

5) Can you get pizza delivered? How safe does the neighborhood feel? Is there adequate parking? If it feels sketchy during the day, it will feel real sketchy at night!

Take a Hike:

If you are ready to look for your first apartment, call three different rentals and compare the costs. Answer each of the 5 questions above and build a simple table to compare each. Pick your best place. #whoskillingthespider

Additionally, online tools like Trulia (https://www.trulia.com/) provide rental listings and crime statistics for the neighborhood you are interested in. 

Learn more at https://sherpasforlife.com/2018/05/04/5-must-ask-questions-for-your-1st-apartment/

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Credit Score Essentials!

Sherpa Sense:

Make your credit score great again – credit score essentials!

Let’s Yak:

Your credit score is reported by 3 independent credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) and represents your credit worthiness as an individual.  

FICO (Fair Isaac Corp) credit scores range from 300 to 850. A lower score means you are a higher risk for not paying your bills or loans → consequently you will pay higher interest rates for loans, credit cards, and even insurance rates. “Good” credit scores are generally above 700.  Below 640 is considered “sub-prime”; think higher interest rates and/or larger down payments, more expensive car and home insurance, etc.

Items that determine your credit score: Paying your monthly bills, your current amount of debt, the length of your credit history, diversity of credit types (e.g. car loan, credit card, etc), and how many credit applications are made on your behalf. This includes anything that requires a credit check: applying for a credit card, changing cell phone plans, etc. This does not include student, auto, or home loans.

Ways to improve your credit score. Pay all of your bills on time, every time. Keep your credit utilization low, meaning only use 1/3 of your available credit limits on your CCs. Be sure to pay off old debt or collections. Build some credit diversity by getting a credit card or car loan; but make sure to make your payments on time.  

Take a Hike:

Set up automatic payments or reminders for all of your monthly bills or loans and pay them on time! Do it today! Late payments have a mega-impact on your credit score!

Learn more at https://sherpasforlife.com/2018/07/25/bbs-badass-credit-score-420-is-not-a-smokin-credit-score/

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Don’t be enslaved by CC debt

Pay your credit card balance off on time every month to avoid paying high interest rates and late fees.

Let’s Yak:

Credit card debt is one of the most expensive debts that you can have. Interest rates are extremely high – typically from 12% to 23%. The cost is even higher if you forget to pay your bill on time – tack late fees of ($27 first time or $38 for subsequent late payments) and additional penalty interest. #creditcardblues

Ask yourself do I really need this now? Is it a need or a want?

Using a CC does have advantages – many offer cash back or rewards. They also protect you if you are not happy with your purchase – you can refuse a payment to a vendor through the CC company and return the product. Also, many cards offer price protection, additional warranty on what you have purchased, etc. Use them, but pay the balance off each month. Using this approach will improve your credit score. A better credit score will help you get a lower interest rate on your car or house.

Finally, by using a CC, the issuer will cover any fraudulent charges. If you use a debit card, the funds will come out of your account and won’t be redeposited until the bank processes the fraudulent claims.

Take a Hike:

Get started on paying off that CC ASAP by increasing your payment amount and then celebrate when you have paid it off!  Learn more at  https://sherpasforlife.com/2018/04/15/enslaved-by-cc-debt/