How would you ask for a payrise after having just received ?

[ben922]

Hi all,

I have a question, I've just received an annual pay increase, however I was disappointed with the amount, I've been with the company for a number of years and they put me through the majority of university. I expected my pay to increase as we have had an good year and also this year was the first since my graduation.

I love where I work and the people who I work with, but cannot help but wonder if they still see me as the 'youngster' since I have been with them for a while and I'm still the youngest in the company.

I received a good % pay rise but a good % of a low salary is only still only a small amount.

Its acknowledged that I work very hard and I perform important roles day to day (some of which only I can do).

So my question is really how should I go about it as I do not believe I have been given a graduate salary (my younger brother is on more and still an electrical apprentice) or should I keep quiet as I know its hard times at the moment and be glad that I received a rise at all, never mind having a job.

Thanks guy

[dudleybloke]

well most people dont even get yearly rises so think yourself lucky.

you will probably find that to get on decent money you will have to change jobs.

[rog007]

Quite a complex area with no simple answers based on the short explanation given. However, I'd be tempted to graciously accept, but develop a plan for advancement, of both salary and role, over the next 3 years. I'd write this down and arrange to have a conversation about this with my line manager, forecasting both development and realistic salary expectations. No threats, but I'd be sure they knew I was looking to grow, and would prefer to grow with them; they'll get the inference of that! Good luck!

[PaulHogan]

ben922 said:

...some of which only I can do...

Don't believe your own hype. NOBODY is irreplacable.

/2p

[ben922]

Hi guys,

Rog007, thats a good way to go about it I think.

Paul, I'm fully aware that I could be replaced with others who have the same skills as me and I wouldn't dare of going in all guns blazing saying 'only I can do this...'. You have also hit the nail on the head in a way as I do not want to cause friction between myself and the company as we all get along great.

Its just looking at websites that indicate approximate salaries for my job description are a fair amount higher than what I am on. (I know that websites aren't the best/up to date in this climate however)

[BMWBen]

If that's what they think you're worth, the only way to prove otherwise is to go and get a job somewhere else for more money . That's what I did (33% rise this year).

[vescaegg]

Go in and say 'now that I've finished uni, can we have a chat about the possibility of a bit more money'.

They will be waiting for it.

It's only natural that you worked your arse off for a reward of some kind. Does not matter how much others pay went up, you are at a different level and gaining experience at a most likely much higher rate.

This is what happened to me anyway.....

[CoopR]

It's very easy for companies to fob off people about his sort of thing, especially small-ish companies.

Rog007 is right. You need to sit down with your manager and agree some specific, actionable and measurable goals over the next year or two. Put your salary exceptions on the table and figure out how you can be rewarded for hitting those goals.

[CHIEF]

PaulHogan said:

Don't believe your own hype. NOBODY is irreplacable.

/2p

Steve Jobs.