Lifestyle

How to get more perks out of your employer

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There are more perks at a job than a big salary. Whether you are looking for a job or currently employed, here are some great tips to get more from your employer.

Jody Roberts, with the recruiting firm Robert Half, says you can ask for flexible work hours, more vacation time, transportation reimbursement and better benefits.

But before you ask for what you want, you must know your worth.

"Coming in with confidence is the biggest thing, and ensuring they understand you know exactly what you are worth," Roberts said.

If you’re currently employed, you’ll have more leverage if you share what you’ve accomplished.

"What are the expectations of me in the first 30, 60, 90 days or 6 months 12 months? That way you can check those boxes and then come to the table to HR or your hiring manager with regards to the things you’ve accomplished or exceeded in," Roberts said.

When it comes to getting what you want, don’t demand. It’s all in the way you ask.

"You aren’t demanding, you are just asking clarifying questions," Roberts said. "You are asking about their vacation time policy. You are asking about work life balance and flexible hours and asking about career growth."

If you’re unemployed, don’t ask for what you want in the first interview. If you already have a job, Roberts said, give yourself a year before asking for more.

At the end of the day, you have more power than you think.

"There are plenty of employers out there that are willing to hire you; it’s just remembering that it’s strictly business and all you can do is ask," she said.