Hi IM's
I'm after advice on how to request a pay raise.
I'm degree qualified with 10+ years experience (marketing/communications)
I've known for a while that I'm underpaid, but I've never had the confidence to push further.
I adore my team and my job. It's very flexible and generally has a positive culture. But its disheartening to know that I'm at least $10k to potentially $20k underpaid for my role. I've done a lot of market research and it's quite clear that similar roles are offering much higher renumeration packages. I always have excellent performance reviews and my manager is a fantastic mentor (she has requested a raise for me before, but the final decision is out of her hands).
I basically want some tips as to how to put together a proposal to negotiate an increase.
Thank you!
4 Replies
Apply for other jobs, who knows you might actually enjoy the change, but if you want to stay and they value you and want to retain you then it will help you and your employer reach a more suitable package for you.
My husband did this successfully. He gathered strong evidence from advertised jobs & industry salary databases (that employers can use to estimate pay - not sure where to access those though). Make sure it's solid facts and local information. No point showing Sydney salaries if you're in regional QLD. Also make sure the jobs you use are comparable. I.e. don't require higher quals, more accountability or experience
He went in with an appointment, with a professional, positive approach to the decision makers (not manager) and presented the evidence about what he was getting paid vs industry standard & jobs advertised locally & sold himself by reminding them how he added value, extra duties etc. Be mindful not to use any language that accuses them of underpaying but how the role has changed and what it expects now vs when the salary was set. You've got to prove why the role, and you, are worth more money.
He also told his company what he reasonably expected to get salary wise, NO threats to leave if not met (backfires every time). He's not easy to replace (quals and work ethic) and wasn't asking for anything ridiculous so they gave it to him. They wouldn't have if he didn't ask. They also knew they'd have to pay more money to get a decent replacement.
If they say no, thank them for their time and go back to your desk, no complaints, no negative comments to anyone. Then quietly look for another job. I'm sure your manager will offer to be a great referee.
Have a look at your industries award, does it pay by experience? If yes, you can ask to be paid for what you're entitled to and back paid for the years you were underpaid or take it further. If it's not in the award then it really is up to the employer but you can tell them that if you're not going to get an increase then you will be looking elsewhere.
If your manager has applied on your behalf and been knocked back, your only option is to probably ask and say you're looking elsewhere if it isn't an option. You'd need to be willing to actually leave though. Depending on the policies, culture and liquidity of your workplace, a raise might just not be an option.
Food for thought though.... Lots of people miss out on their potential by getting comfortable and not taking some risk. The flip side is that many other people who get what they want end up pulling back and taking a job that pays much less but is a more enjoyable workplace. What is more important to you at this point in time? And is it likely to remain your priority? If getting a raise in your current environment isn't likely, figures aren't all there is to consider. 10-20k doesn't equate to much in your regular pay if it bumps you up a tax bracket
Also, a comment above said threatening to leave backfires. I agree with that. There is a difference between a transparent conversation and a threat. But a transparent conversation will only help get a payrise if it's a possibility and you're not expendable. If you're wonderful but a raise isn't an option, they'll probably talk to you about supporting you with references and time for interviews. I've wholeheartedly helped professionals I manage transition out of my employment because I couldn't give them what they wanted.