Have you been thinking about asking your boss for a raise? Now could be the time to ask, thanks to really low unemployment nationwide.
Employers across the country are struggling to fill open positions, because of the low employment rate.
"You have more bargaining power right now, and that's whether you are currently employed or whether you are looking for a new opportunity," says Andrew Murtagh, who works at the top staffing firm Robert Half.
Before you go and ask for more money, Murtagh says you need to ask yourself a question first.
"You got to understand what you are worth,” he says. “Just because it is a hot market right now doesn't give you a hall pass to go around and start dictating what you want, because that may hurt you."
If you're not wanting to push the limits and ask for a raise, Murtagh says you can still ask for other perks.
"You can be very, very creative and the employer doesn't have to invest huge amounts of money to get a return," he says.
Maybe those perks include a parking spot right in front, a free meal once a week, or maybe flexible work hours so you don't have to sit in rush hour traffic.
"What I always encourage is to have active communication in the work place,” Murtagh suggests. “So, I think if you have a good relationship with your boss, then nothing should come as a surprise.”
Just remember, to know your worth.
