Asking for a raise (NSR)

[hev]

I am aproaching my anual review shortly (3 months overdue ) at a company I have been working at for 3 years and my first job since college. I feel I have done a lot for them, and they have not given me any significant raise to my starting salary. There excuse has always been a slow economy and a tight budget for the company, but I know that's BS since we have been hiring new employees consistently for the past 2 years. I also have some knowledge of some of my peers salary, and know that I am underpaid compared to some of my teamates make (altough I am not supposed to know this and can't let on that I do). I know I am talented and a valuable member of our team when it comes to getting things done, and I'd like some advise on how specifically to present myself to management on this topic. I tend to keep to myself and get my work done, but I feel that employee treatment where I work has become somewhat poor, but don't want to come off bitter or pissed abuot it. Any advice from the 9-5 mags out there?

[Below Zero]

Buy a book! Not trying to be sarcastic but I bought a book called "Negotiating your Salary" and it was the best $20 I have ever spent.

Good tips in that book

[rossibandit]

look for another job. When you get an offer they might give you a raise to keep you around, but seriously they are going to probably give you the run and around just because they can. I have had this happen to myself. But I would take the new job and screw your present employer, because they don't value you to give you a raise or to put you at the small level as your co workers.

Welcome to our great capitlist society.

Anyways, just my 2 cents worth.

[Below Zero]

look for another job. When you get an offer they might give you a raise to keep you around, but seriously they are going to probably give you the run and around just because they can. I have had this happen to myself. But I would take the new job and screw your present employer, because they don't value you to give you a raise or to put you at the small level as your co workers.

Welcome to our great capitlist society.

Anyways, just my 2 cents worth.

Bad idea! Never burn bridges, no matter how much you hate your present employer! Let it build up and take it out on the mountain! It will bite you in the ass in the long run!

[Buzzworthy]

I know I am talented and a valuable member of our team when it comes to getting things done,

Elaborate on this and sell yourself. It really is as easy as that.

Why do you think (or know) you are talented? Site examples. Are you a valuable team memeber? If I was your boss, how do think I feel about that one? Again, examples of your value to the company.

Site accomplishments. Have you done anything outstanding in the last 3 years to bring up again? Soemtime the reward comes a while after the act.

Stress your good qualities, site examples of work performed above and beyond, show contiued interest in learning and being a valuable member to the "team", oh the love the "team" word. Develop a longer term plan for yourself and where you see going in the company (even if you plan to move on at some point), this shows that you are "psychologically invested" in the company.



No offense BZ, but screw buying a damn book. They need to see YOU and what YOU do for them to keep them in business and continued success. A book wont have YOUR information.


Raises are about performance and you need to show that. Raises are NEVER based on need and I would advise you to NEVER even say that word during the performance review.

I just went through one. PM me if you would like. And yes, I got the raise I was looking for.

[Buzzworthy]

Bad idea! Never burn bridges, no matter how much you hate your present employer! Let it build up and take it out on the mountain! It will bite you in the ass in the long run!

Completely with BZ on this one though!!!

[Below Zero]

No offense BZ, but screw buying a damn book. They need to see YOU and what YOU do for them to keep them in business and continued success. A book wont have YOUR information.

Of course they need to see you. I understand that! The book just laid out how to ask for a raise, how to present yourself, how to develop a letter outlining your accomplishments before your review, and just want kind of language to use when negiotaing. Of course you need to think for yourself! The book is just an outline of how to achieve your salary goals.

In summary, I think you should buy this book!

[rossibandit]

I agree about not burning brigdes. You can in a professional manner, look for a new job and leave your old employers on a good note. You are allowed to make professional and financial advancements in your carreer. I just know that from what you describe, your present employer will try to avoid giving you a raise. If you are happy with your present employer and don't mind the wage then stay. They might give you a raise if you honesty state that this is the reason that you are leaving, but be prepared to move to a new job, because they will make your life hell. I guess Below Zero is right in a way. This position sucks, because it puts you between and rock and a hard place.

Just don't think that your are ereplaceble in your company, because from my experience, everyone is replaceable.

Anyways, again just my 2 cents.

[Below Zero]

Oh one more thing. After reading this book and having my review, I respectfully told them (as outlined in the book) that I thought the're salary increase was too low and we could discuss it the next day. Well not to go into too much detail, but I got $3000 more a year than what they were initially offering!

[Buzzworthy]

Of course they need to see you. I understand that! The book just laid out how to ask for a raise, how to present yourself, how to develop a letter outlining your accomplishments before your review, and just want kind of language to use when negiotaing. Of course you need to think for yourself! The book is just an outline of how to achieve your salary goals.

In summary, I think you should buy this book!

Might not hurt to do so. I have just gone on instinct and experience, and have learned how to properly do these. I guess there is really no right answer here. (edit: plus I read slow and am not proud of that and therefore don't care to read a whole lot, sucks)

"You get 100% of what you do not ask for" - some smart dude

Now get to work, I am leaving.

[fubar]

I agree, dont burn your bridges... that can seriously come back to bite you in the ass.

The question you have to ask yourself is, "do you really want to stay with the company you are with?" If the answer is yes then buy the book BZ mentioned, and be prepared to play hard ball.

If you are not willing to play hard ball with these people then maybe it is time to move on. Worst case scenario... you do get offered a new job, and the old job counters... if they dont, you still have the new job with the better pay, and a fresh start.

You have the experience, and there are employers out there who would be happy to have you... if these guys dont want to take care of you, there is an employer out there who will.

Good luck with your decision.

[wahama88]

Get your resume updated, I am in the same position. With a company for 4 years, first career since college. Always keep you eye out for the next opportunity. I shouldn't talk, I am looking yet I haven't updated my resume. Its better to have it and not use it than need it and not have it.

Remember, when did Noah build the Ark?
Before the Rain

[release]

(altough I am not supposed to know this and can't let on that I do)?

Who's deceiving who?

Most companies have policies for good reasons. If you are not abiding by the policies then do not expect a whole lot in return. If you disagree with the policies and choose not to abide by them, then you probably are not at the right place.

[hev]

Excellent, I apreciate the advice guys. definately keep it coming. This hopefully is a useful thread.

I probably will look into that book, as my parents also suggested doing the same. Right now location, benefits and mostly cool employees make this job worth keeping I think. I have updated my resume but haven't actually applied to any jobs out there. I am not discontent with my job, but feel my education and experience deserves better pay. I wasn't very prepared for my previous 2 annual reviews and I think I could have made more out of them. I think this is really going to help. thanx again.

[DBdude]

Bad idea! Never burn bridges, no matter how much you hate your present employer! Let it build up and take it out on the mountain! It will bite you in the ass in the long run!

bad idea - my experience is that the only way to get a good raise is to change jobs. My idea of a good raise is 20% +. That doesn't necessarily mean leaving the organization but does mean different title.

[Big Tim]

DO NOT be affraid to test your stock on the open market. You are now the guy with the degree and 3 years in the work place (same job). You will be amazed at how much your stock has risen. I know many people that have done this several tiimes at 20% increase each time. Sometimes their present company even beats the new offer. Your young, don't be afraid to leave your comfort zone............

[mr_gyptian]

Get your resume updated, I am in the same position. With a company for 4 years, first career since college. Always keep you eye out for the next opportunity. I shouldn't talk, I am looking yet I haven't updated my resume. Its better to have it and not use it than need it and not have it.

Remember, when did Noah build the Ark?
Before the Rain

Thank you, Agent Muir.

You can request a raise all you want, but you need to have leverage. The only leverage you have is an offer from somewhere else. so update the resume, test the market, and get serious with another company. This is a trick that works two, maybe three times if you plan on staying with the company long term.

[13]

Thank you, Agent Muir.

You can request a raise all you want, but you need to have leverage. The only leverage you have is an offer from somewhere else. so update the resume, test the market, and get serious with another company. This is a trick that works two, maybe three times if you plan on staying with the company long term.

I bet it's probably not a good idea to use this plan if you already have an established record of switching jobs, however.

[mr_gyptian]

I bet it's probably not a good idea to use this plan if you already have an established record of switching jobs, however.

he doesn't.

wouldn't an established record of switching jobs give your employer the idea that you are not making an idle threat?