Three Ways to Fatten Your Paycheck

Once you have some interviews lined up, prepare thoroughly. Ryan recommends rehearsing a 60-second "sell" based on your top-five selling points. Combine your background, accomplishments and skills into a verbal business card that's a handy answer to many typical interview questions. For example, you might mention your years in the field, your computer expertise, unique skills and specific accomplishments, as well as the revenue you'll generate.

Once you've gotten a job offer, look for ways to boost it. Know what you should be paid in the marketplace, never tell them what you're currently making and always ask for at least a bit more than they offer. "It can be as simple as saying, 'I was expecting the offer to be a little higher than that,'" Ryan explains.

Change Careers Entirely

A total career change often involves an initial pay cut, according to Wilson. "People come to me and say they want to make more money," she says. "But a career change is more than that. It's got to be a passion. If you follow that passion, you'll grow in that new career and your paycheck will grow, too."

If you're thinking about a major switch, research the companies or fields that you're considering. As with a job search, look at sites such as jobstar.org and careerbuilder.com for industry guides that may answer your questions: Is this field growing? Can it be lucrative? What training or credentials do you need? What are the key skills? Then network. Talk to people in the field about the reality of their jobs, challenges and career paths.

If you find an opportunity that fits you, look for ways to make the move a transition rather than starting over. For example, if you have management, software or sales skills in one industry, you can likely use them to land a well-paying job in another field.

Coming up next: Lower Your Tax Bill.

Mike Woelflein, a former senior industry specialist with Standard & Poor's, writes about business and personal finance.

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