Salary negotiation tips?

calindi · December 2011

So I just found out accidentally that my coworker - who was hired after me, and has sales bonuses on top of her salary - makes significantly more than me. I have been meaning to ask for a raise sooner, but because I got sick when all the partners were in town (and couldn't exactly be like, "So I just missed two weeks of work, let's talk about paying me more!"). And then I was waiting for us to get a project as I know it was hard to justify paying more when the office hasn't started making a profit yet. But.... yeah, that sympathy went out the window when I found out she was making a LOT more than me in salary. I did a LOT of work to set up this company and keep things rolling as my stupid boss failed at everything. I've helped with EVERYTHING, well beyond my job description, and have had a major title promotion without a salary raise. It's time to discuss a raise.

I'm really nervous, though. Have any of you asked for significant salary raises? How'd you bring it up, or how would you bring it up in this situation? Anything I should keep in mind, or a strategy? I'm afraid they're just going to be like, "No" and I won't have anything else to say because it's not like I have another job lined up.

amh04 · December 2011

I can't really offer advice, because the one time I did ask for a raise I didn't really get one in return. But I just wanted to say that I'm sorry that happened, you've worked so hard for them and they really should be paying you in conjunction with that.
Just maybe make a list of some of the big projects you've helped with and how you've improved the company and in certain area's you may have saved them money. Good luck!!

Irishcurls · December 2011

I'm currently sort of in the process of this, but getting no where--for me though, I'd prefer the title change and whatever money comes with it is gravy so its not really the same. However, I think you have to be prepared for them to say no, but they're not going to offer it without you asking.

So prepare a bulleted list of all your new responsibilities that came with the title change, concrete examples of figures, project progress, goals etc that you've acheived and say how much you enjoy the work you do and love to excell but you would like to discuss compensation for the new responsibilty. I'm not sure if you throw out a number though--that's where I can't help ya. But I hope it works out!!! Good work deserves recognition.

kyrgyzstan · December 2011

I did the bullet list (do not include cw compensation though). However, he knew I was going to ask, so he gave me 5% more than I was going to ask for before the meeting. You can have my raise dust!

DarrahDoo · December 2011

Numbers! You need to prove to them you bring them enough money to justify your salary, regardless of what they pay anyone else. I agree, bullet points of your work, things you have accomplished, what you have done above and beyond your job description works, but you need the numbers to back it up. They want to make money, as all businesses do, and if you can't prove to them you can make them money and yet they can afford to pay you more at the same time you may not get anywhere.
Have a number in mind and expect them to low ball it by at least 5%. Ask for what you think is fair, but on the high end so when they do low ball you it isn't a slap in the face piddly little raise.

Good Luck!

Edit: Wait for them to ask you the number, don't throw it out to them. Let them offer to you first or ask you for your number first.

AmandaSC1988 · December 2011

I agree with the other ladies, but I also think confidence goes a long way. I have found that no matter what you say if you say it with confidence people will eat it up. ((But don't be cocky, no one likes that). If they say no, it isn't a big deal. Also, do not disclose that you know anything about CW's salary, that could be a terribly messy situation.

When I was going full time, they asked me for a number, I told them a number (lower than industry average) telling them that I would like more than the number, but I understood that I was only temp until April. Their counteroffer was a bit higher than what I originally said. They said they liked my honesty and upfrontness so they wanted to reward that.

Good luck!

LuluP82 · December 2011

I haven't read the replies yet, so sorry if it's repetitive.

I asked for a raise and title change at the same time. Like you, I felt like I had gone above and beyond my job description. I also felt silly for not negotiating my salary upfront when they offered me the job (it was more than I was expecting, so I accepted it; I quickly realized I should have asked for more money!)

Anyway, so at my annual review, when I asked for a title change, I also asked for a raise to match. I had a figure in my head that would make me happy, and luckily my boss came out with that figure (I wanted her to throw out the first number, since I think I tend to short-change myself).

For you, since you already got the title change, I'd give it a bit of time with the title change, then ask for a meeting. At the meeting, say how you feel the new title/responsibilities calls for a raise.Have something in mind in case they ask you what you want.

Good luck!

Salary negotiation tips?

Re: Salary negotiation tips?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards