Pay rise request advice

Author
Discussion

whatleytom

Original Poster:

1,272 posts

182 months

Friday 21st November 2014
quotequote all
Hi all, after some advice regarding asking for a salary increase as never really done it before.

Started a new role four weeks ago, which was a six month contract. At the time of accepting the offer I made a salary request which was undercut slightly.

Fast forward 4 weeks in the job and I have been offered a contract extension to 18-months following my managers being impressed and wanting to retain me.

I think this puts me in a good position in terms of asking for a bit of a salary increase, but what is acceptable here. Can I just go out there with something a lot higher than my original request? Or should I just go after the original amount I wanted for the role?

Any advice appreciated.

Troubleatmill

10,210 posts

158 months

Friday 21st November 2014
quotequote all
You might find that they are intending to reduce the daily rate for giving you stability wink

whatleytom

Original Poster:

1,272 posts

182 months

Friday 21st November 2014
quotequote all
Troubleatmill said:
You might find that they are intending to reduce the daily rate for giving you stability wink
The offer that was put on the table was a contract extension with no change to my current conditions. At the time of the offer being made I said I wanted to think about it. Since then they've made several comments about trying to make me extend my stay, so in my eyes the ball is in my court, and they wouldn't be reducing anything.

Just never really been in this situation before, and wanted some potential advice from somebody who has. All the guys in similar teams already in the business have recomended I take the opportunity to ask for an increase.

deckster

9,630 posts

254 months

Friday 21st November 2014
quotequote all
Why should they pay you more? Are you bringing extra value to the business? Are you currently underpaid? What has changed in the last four weeks that makes you worth more money?

If you can answer those questions, then you know how to approach the conversation. If you can't, then you're going to struggle.


Carl_Docklands

12,103 posts

261 months

Friday 21st November 2014
quotequote all
whatleytom said:
Hi all, after some advice regarding asking for a salary increase as never really done it before.

Started a new role four weeks ago, which was a six month contract. At the time of accepting the offer I made a salary request which was undercut slightly.

Fast forward 4 weeks in the job and I have been offered a contract extension to 18-months following my managers being impressed and wanting to retain me.

I think this puts me in a good position in terms of asking for a bit of a salary increase, but what is acceptable here. Can I just go out there with something a lot higher than my original request? Or should I just go after the original amount I wanted for the role?

Any advice appreciated.
I have a general rule of not asking for a raise and just finding another job.

If you like the work, people and content then keep schtum and take the 18 month extension. I would leave after 18 months anyway for tax reasons.

Its not worth kicking up a fuss for a 10% increase IMHO, assuming it is 10%. A 10% cut however....

Ynox

1,702 posts

178 months

Friday 21st November 2014
quotequote all
whatleytom said:
Started a new role four weeks ago, which was a six month contract. At the time of accepting the offer I made a salary request which was undercut slightly.

Fast forward 4 weeks in the job and I have been offered a contract extension to 18-months following my managers being impressed and wanting to retain me.

I think this puts me in a good position in terms of asking for a bit of a salary increase, but what is acceptable here. Can I just go out there with something a lot higher than my original request? Or should I just go after the original amount I wanted for the role?

Any advice appreciated.
Usually as a contract, an 18 month one would mean less on a daily rate than a 3 month one due to the increased length of the gig.

Ultimately it's up to you. What would you do if they said no? Whilst you may decide to stay, it might also ps off the client, especially if they think you're taking the piss.

What industry are you in? Is there a lot of work out there right now paying the rate that you desire? Ultimately if the market isn't willing to pay the rate then it might be worth sticking with what you've got.

dave123456

1,846 posts

146 months

Friday 21st November 2014
quotequote all
deckster said:
Why should they pay you more? Are you bringing extra value to the business? Are you currently underpaid? What has changed in the last four weeks that makes you worth more money?

If you can answer those questions, then you know how to approach the conversation. If you can't, then you're going to struggle.
Carl_Docklands said:
I have a general rule of not asking for a raise and just finding another job.

If you like the work, people and content then keep schtum and take the 18 month extension. I would leave after 18 months anyway for tax reasons.

Its not worth kicking up a fuss for a 10% increase IMHO, assuming it is 10%. A 10% cut however....
I agree with both of these responses, but, after 4 weeks and under the circumstances, I would err on the side of the former, have a think about what you have done, what you can do in the next 6 months and bullet point them to negotiate on.

if you have been in a job much longer than 18 months, I see no merit in asking for a pay rise, depending on the company you will most likely earn it twice over the moment it's agreed to.

if you are genuinely worth more then go and get it... there's always people that are paid more then they are worth in a business and they are generally the rotten wood, as both parties to the deal struggle to manage the expectation gap.