What are you worth?

We know the statistics; they are clear - there is a gender wage gap in Australia. Add to these statistics; women working part time and often below their capability to allow them to juggle a family; the reality is often much worse than the statistics reveal.

So what can you do to ensure you minimize your own salary gap?

1 - Do your research and know who are the leading wage equality industries. Target them in your job searches. The attached report tells you what you need to know.

http://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrSbmLt_IhY4pcAwejpQyE5;_ylu=X3oDMTByb2lvbXVuBGNvbG8DZ3ExBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzcg--/RV=2/RE=1485401453/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.wgea.gov.au%2fsites%2fdefault%2ffiles%2fGender_Pay_Gap_Factsheet.pdf/RK=0/RS=ED4ib_deH.tHCRKZf7OrP_vDwfU-

2 - Know what you are worth. Access free salary surveys and market information. Links attached will help you assess your pay range. These are valuable sources of data.

https://www.hays.com.au/HaysSalaryGuide/index.htm?utm_source=salary-guide-page&utm_medium=hays&utm_campaign=salary-check

https://www.roberthalf.com.au/resources/salary

http://www.payscale.com/research/AU/Country=Australia/Salary

http://au.hudson.com/salary-hub/salary-calculator

3 - Never accept a "starting salary - to be reviewed after 3 months".

This is the way of an employer starting you on a lower salary; 3 months comes and goes and you will always be behind.

4 - Sell your total skill set. Do not underestimate the unique smorgasbord of skills you bring to the table. Stress in your CV AND Interview that your value is a combination of experience, achievements and workplace skills. This is what an employer is buying and they don't come cheap!

Your CV should capture your holistic value in your

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Example of professional summary.

I am a highly skilled multi-faceted professional, with hands-on experience in executive support, recruitment, HR and counselling. With a high operational focus and an acute emotional intelligence, I thrive in agile environments.

With a background in education, media, construction, non for profitsand business operations, I am able to formulate relationships with a broad range of people; from peers to internal (and external) stakeholders. Coupled with my aptitude for working in a team environment, I am instrumental in making a difference and driving change in any organisation.

5 - Don't be afraid to say no! If a role won't pay you what is acceptable, don't take it. There is another organisation out there who will pay for your skills.

6 - Decide your salary range before you go to the interview. When asked the dreaded question about salary ; mention your research and comparable roles in the market. A good line is "so given my research, an acceptable range would be from $x to $x". Ensure your minimum at what is acceptable to you, anything else is a bonus.

7 - Don't trade flexibility for dollars. If an employer wants to offer you flexibility but will not pay you what you are worth, this role is not for you! Part time, flexible and remote roles for parents should be part of an overall package, however you need to be paid what you are worth - don't accept anything less!

Finally, you know you are a 'top shelf' candidate - believe in yourself and be confident to ask for remuneration that matches your skill set - your career depends on it.