A higher salary, better title or exciting opportunity can make a new role difficult to turn down. But before you move, it is worth asking what that decision will add to your career two, five or even ten years from now.

When you look at a CV, you are not simply looking at a list of jobs. You are looking at a series of decisions. Why did this person leave? What did they gain from the move? Did their responsibilities grow? Did they broaden their experience? Did they build credibility within respected organisations? Is there a clear direction to their career?

Should you accept the first offer?
Should you negotiate?
How much more can you reasonably ask for?

And perhaps the biggest concern: could negotiating cost you the job?

Salary negotiation does not need to be confrontational. Handled professionally, it is simply a conversation between a candidate and an employer about whether both parties can reach an agreement that makes sense. The important part is knowing what you are worth, understanding what is actually being offered and having a clear reason for what you are asking for.

Two finance professionals can have almost identical CVs, yet one secures multiple interviews while the other is consistently overlooked. Here’s why.

For many finance professionals, updating a CV means adding a new job title, listing responsibilities and highlighting qualifications. While all of these are important, they are rarely what determines whether a candidate progresses to interview.

After placing finance professionals across South Africa for many years, one thing has become clear. A CV is far more than a summary of someone’s employment history.

Losing your job or facing disciplinary action is one of the most stressful experiences any professional can go through. If you believe you have been treated unfairly, it is completely understandable that your first instinct may be to consider referring the matter to the CCMA.

In some situations, that may well be the right decision. However, before taking that step, it is worth considering not only the legal position but also the long-term impact on your career.