Ask Matt: Money Isn't Everything

By Matt Krumrie, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: August 31, 2005 - 11:00 PM

Question: Money isn't everything. How do I convince a potential employer I would rather have a new opportunity and that I would be okay with making less money?

Matt: First, make sure you are able to live the lifestyle you want with the pay offered. If you can, great. Having a job we enjoy is something we all dream about. If you have the skills for the job and the employer wants to hire you, it should be a win-win. In today's era of slashed budgets, finding a worker who has zest for a job despite a salary below market level is a perfect fit. You get what you want, and they stay within budget. Convince them by proving your skills and value, and showing them how your past background will fit in. Don't emphasize the salary, but emphasize ways you can benefit the company by being hired for this job. Then, when the time is appropriate, tell them why you are willing to take this job for less – because it fits your career passions and dreams.

Question: I wrote a resume because I can't afford to hire a professional resume writer. Who should I have look it over?

Matt: There are multiple options for this. Take your resume to a local WorkForce Center, and have one of the many job coaches or consultants available look it over. They can also offer advice and tips on how to improve it or change it. Also, many churches in the Twin Cities offer job clubs, and many networking or professional organizations have opportunities to use their resources to help go over a resume. If you feel comfortable, ask a colleague who you know in your profession to read over it. And don't forget about friends and family. They might not be able to offer critical advice about changing certain verbiage or style, but they provide another set of eyes that can proofread – and sometimes that's most important.

There are also resume writing software programs. They aren't "free," but they allow a user to format or tailor each resume to a specific employer, and often come with tips and assistance built in.

You can also search online for resume templates that you can download instantly. This is often a good place to start.

Matt Krumrie is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, MN, and has seven years of experience reporting on the employment industry. The first Sunday of each month this column will answer readers' questions. E-mail questions or subject ideas to askmatt@startribune.com.

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