The IDC forecasted that the Salesforce economy would create 3.3. million jobs by 2022. And whilst this predicted success is undoubtedly positive news for Salesforce professionals – who wouldn’t want to be part of an ecosystem that is powering innovation across the globe – it also gives rise to a new challenge: how do you compete with new talent and stand out from the crowd. We discuss some of the best ways to increase your earning potential in Salesforce.
If you’re looking to excel in your career, and increase your salary whilst you’re at it, there are a few things you can do to help you on your way. Whether you’re just starting out, or you’re already a seasoned expert, there is always some way you can boost your professional standing. Here are a few of our tips:
Get certified
One sure-fire way to stand out as an expert Salesforce professional is to, quite literally, get it in writing. Certifications prove to potential employers that you really do possess the skills that you’re claiming to have and show that you have invested time and effort in becoming the best in your field.
But with all the different Salesforce certifications out there, knowing which one to do can be half the battle. There are two approaches you can take. First, you can start by looking for gaps in your resume; if you don’t have experience in a particular product, take the initiative and make yourself a fully rounded threat by closing the gap and completing a course. Alternatively, pick an area of expertise and rack up as many certifications in that specific niche as possible; doing so will make you a highly in demand talent for businesses looking to hire in that area.
It’s simple logic that being an expert, or all-rounder, in your area will enable you to raise your price tag. But for those dubious readers, the data actually shows that the average salary of a Salesforce expert with no certifications, and those with just one, differ by an average of $17,000.
Carve out a niche
As touched on above, making yourself an expert in a niche field will only increase your demand for work. And with increased demand, comes the increased ability to charge more for your time. Whilst Salesforce itself is already a niche skill, having tailored experience in a specific industry or product will make you the go-to guy – or girl – for businesses’ operating in that space. If you’ve already gained experience in the financial sector leading on cloud implementation, make that your thing – there’s going to be financial services businesses about to do the same thing who will pay top-grade to get an expert on board.
Location, location, location
They say that location key, and never has this been truer than in regard to increasing your earning potential. Indeed, San Francisco has been shown to boast the highest average Salesforce salary. With Salesforce Admins expecting to earn around 6% more there than Austin, Texas. Whilst it isn’t practical for everyone to consider packing up and moving cities. If it’s something you’re open to, you’ll find that people are willing to pay more in certain areas.
Another thing to consider if your willingness to travel. Again, whilst it’s not for everyone, consultants do tend to make more money overall because they’re putting in extra time traveling to clients and are, literally, going the extra mile for their work.
Keep up to date with technology
Having experience with a legacy system is all well and good, but what’s going to make you stand out, is having experience with the newer products. Almost every business wants to be the first to do something. But in order to do that they need to hire people that have those skills.
Grow your personal brand
When it comes to making yourself a precious commodity in the world of Salesforce, personal branding is a must-do. There’s a lot of ways you can do this; LinkedIn, Trailhead badges, training, your resume, and in interviews.
LinkedIn is the tool that every employer, in every company, will use to find you. Recruiters are constantly trying to find people like yourself. However, if your LinkedIn isn’t a true representation of your capabilities then there’s a strong chance you will be overlooked. Make sure to include all of your certifications and Trailhead badges. As well as what cloud you use, what technologies and applications you’ve integrated, or how big your user base is. These details will help you stand out and land the niche, high paying jobs that you’re looking for.
Make sure you highlight all of these things on your resume as well and bring them up in interviews with potential employers. The more you can do to publicise your skillset and brand yourself as a world-class Salesforce professional, the better.
Keep moving forward
This stands true for almost all industries, but you should always be looking out for opportunities to evolve and grow. Showing professional development in your role indicates to employers that you are someone that is worth investing in. It also validates putting a higher price tag on your head.
If you’re a Salesforce professional looking to land your dream job, get in touch with one of our specialised Salesforce consultants.
