As the economy in Asia continues to heat up and employers become even more confident about their improving market positions, new employment opportunities are emerging across a variety of sectors.

Individuals with the skills and experience needed to add value to employers are finding themselves in hot demand, leading to fierce competition for top talent.

As employers aim to attract the best-equipped workers, they are offering more attractive remuneration packages – and this is giving professionals the opportunity to earn more and boost their standard of living.

Here are two questions that you should ask yourself periodically, perhaps once a year, to ensure that you’re maximising your career opportunities.

“Is it time to change jobs?”

The main question for professionals is: are you happy in your current role and with the amount you are getting paid? If you are ambitious for a new challenge, or feel you could earn more working for a new employer, it could be time to assess your options.

If you are considering switching jobs, it is always worth assessing the market for your skills and talent.

Your individual earning capacity will depend – to some extent – on your own level of ability, but external factors are equally important.

Where employers are struggling to attract individuals with your level of experience, they may be willing to make a much higher offer than you were expecting. But should there be a good supply of available candidates, then hirers are under less pressure to make generous salary offers.

“So, how much should I be earning?”

If the question has been bugging you lately, perhaps it’s time to refer to a credible source – the Robert Half Salary Guide

The Robert Half Salary Guide caters to professionals working in finance & accounting, financial services, and technology roles. On top of offering information on current rates of pay and forecasts for next year, the guide includes industry insights and information on sector-specific trends.

If you want to know how much you should be – or could be getting paid – the guide offers information specific to your job specialisation and a breakdown from region to region as well as projections for the next year.

Whether you are looking for a salary comparison or salary benchmark, to negotiate a pay rise or simply want to ensure you’re being paid accordingly, the salary guide can provide valuable insights, helping you to establish an appropriate course of action.