Not sure how to go about getting a payrise? Unclear on how your personal Internet use could affect your career? Executive PA speaks to the experts

I have been offered another job. Can I use this fact to ask for more money at my current position?
Very tempting I am sure. However, what would you do in the event that the current employer refuses to increase your salary? Presenting to your employer that someone else will pay more, is not necessarily a good platform to negotiate. If you would prefer to stay in your current role, sit down and work through clear justification for a pay increase. This may be based on increased role responsibilities or you have increased your skill base through training or continued development.

Remember it is important to stay or leave for the right reasons so weigh up the two job opportunities in terms of what they can offer you beyond the salary. Be open to the fact that the new role may differ from your current role in ways that justify the additional salary. Lastly, be confident with your decision. However, reflect on what you will do in the event of resigning if your current employer offers to match the salary.
Tricia Phillips, Regional Director, Kelly Services Australia www.kellyservices.com.au

What is the best way to convince my employers that up-to-date training will help me with my job?
In making your case to your employer for additional training, it helps to do your research. Look for opportunities for training in areas that will help to make you more productive or efficient. Employers are always more receptive to spending money on improvements that will demonstrate a measurable return on their investment. This might be investing in training in a new computer program to improve your tangible skills, or something for your more “soft” skills, such as improving your negotiation skills. We know that it costs a company anywhere between 1.5 to 3 years worth of salary cost to replace an employee. So the reality is that if investing in the personal potential of an employee keeps them engaged for longer and reduces staff turnover - the return on any training expense is huge. Your employer has a lot to gain from keeping you trained up – the number one reason that most people cite for leaving a job is “lack of challenge”. Providing regular access to training and development opportunities promotes employee loyalty, encourages new ideas, and keeps people challenged and motivated – and ultimately this all leads to improved performance.
Lorraine Christopher, Executive General Manager of Recruitment Solutions www.recruitmentsolutions.com.au

I don’t want to leave my old job on a bad note although I did not enjoy it the work, politics or the people. How can I resign gracefully?
Firstly, and most importantly, you should always deliver the resignation to your boss in person. It should not be a personal attack on individuals or the company. Focus on the positives and why you are looking for a new role and not why you are leaving your current role. Remember to explain your reasons relating to the job, money, environment and culture verbally, in terms of what you are looking for versus why you are leaving. It is imperative that you continue to maintain a high performance level in the role whilst you are on your notice period. By compromising your efforts and falling short in your performance, it could result in a poor reference. It is important to thank your boss and/or colleagues before you leave. Remember that these are the people who could be approached as referees for you, so by being professional and gracious to the end will enhance your chance of receiving a glowing reference and in turn, enhance your future employment opportunities.
Amy Klingel, Division Manager, OfficeTeam www.officeteam.com.au

Could posting personal information on the Internet, such as Facebook, potentially harm my career?
You bought the perfect suit, you updated your résumé, you were confident and articulate and really impressed your potential employer during your interview. It’s your dream job and you are pretty confident that it’s on the cards. But before conducting reference checks and putting an offer letter together, your socially-networked future employer pops on to Facebook to do some ad hoc background checks. Unfortunately at this very moment the chances of you being offered your ideal role rapidly diminish as your “formerly-potential” employer scrolls through a gallery of photos of you celebrating your recent win at Cup Day, Jimmy Choo sandals dangling off each ear and a champagne glass balancing precariously off your hat! Beneath the photos your status reads “hopelessly devoted to you” with a poll asking other Facebookers to vote whether they think you are Hot or Not! This is now the lasting impression a potential employer has of you and sadly the decision is made to go with the other candidate. So whilst you use Facebook as a way to keep in touch with friends, remember that posting personal information in the public domain means that potential employers have a right to view this and use it as part of their decision making process.
Michie Bell-Booth, General Manager Australia, Eloquent Staffing www.eloquentstaffing.com.au