Lifestyle

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I was offered a job with $35,000/year as the starting salary. I have a B.S. in marketing and an M.A. in mass media communications, and my thesis won national honors; I’ve interned at NBC and BWR, worked as an office and research assistant for two years and spent another year freelancing. Given my background, do you think that is a fair salary? Is there any way I can negotiate a higher salary?

Fair? What’s fair is what the market will bear. There are plenty of people with lots of letters after their names with honors and experience who can’t even find a job. And, no offense, but it’s not like an M.A. in mass media communications is a degree that satisfies a huge talent drought in the job market. That said, the salary does seem entry-level which is fine if you’re a recent college grad. There is no harm in trying to negotiate. Point out your experience and education and ask them if there is any flexibility on the salary. Do so professionally and thoughtfully so as not to put the offer in jeopardy.

I started a new job six months ago, and my boss isn’t great at giving feedback. I actually don’t know whether or not she thinks I am doing a good job. Any advice?

Ummm . . . ask? Many employees seem to avoid asking their boss for feedback. Some fear projecting that they are insecure or needy. Others default to “no news is good news” — while some are just afraid of the response and grateful to avoid the conversation altogether. Why be in the dark? If your boss isn’t a great communicator, take the initiative. Schedule time to have a conversation and take the burden off your boss. Say that you’ve been in the role six months and that you want to make sure that you are performing in a way that meets her expectations. Offer a self-assessment and suggest ways that you can be even more effective. When you aren’t getting what you need from your boss, you have two choices — accept it or take some ownership. It’s your career. Take the initiative.