NGKUR: Asking for a Raise

[mill23]

So, I'm going in to ask my director for a raise today and have been up all morning with a case of the nerves. I've been there for three years (with no increase), we're doing my performance evaluation, they just gave me a new title + more responsibility but we haven't talked about compensation. I'm hoping to get at least some sort of increase since my job has changed so much.

I'm not sure how to start the conversation. I've never asked for a raise before - I've only ever been given them naturally or switched positions.

TL:DR = Any advice on asking for a raise? 

[SubtleGrandeur]

I have no advice, but good luck!!!

[teraiin]

No real advice because I've never really had a job where someone would have the power to give me a raise. (Mostly subbing and stuff).

However, best of luck! Let us know how it goes.

[mrsp]

Have you researched to see what the average salary is for this position in the area you live? If not, I'd do a little bit of that prior to your meeting so you can throw out an attainable figure. I'd also wait to see how the conversation goes with your performance review. At my company, we get our merit increase during performance reviews so is it likely that you won't even have to bring it up?

ETA: It really does sound like you are deserving of a raise. Good luck to you! 

[Ray]

Also just here to say good luck. I'm on an annual salary grid and before was working for minimum wage so I've never been in the situation of asking before. You go girl!

[notthedroids]

Mar 26, 2015 7:04:39 GMT -5 mistabinx said:

I think outlining what you just said, including specifics, and reviewing/recapping important contributions you've made in the past 6 months-year are a really important base to start from in the conversation.
I haven't done this before, other posters may have a better way to word this, but I think I'd start with, "I would like to discuss the possibility of a salary increase because..." and then go into the points above.
Good luck!

+1. Definitely bring up specific examples of important contributions/successful projects/etc. Good luck!!

[Ruca]

I asked for a raise recently, I told my boss now that I've taken on more responsibilities that I'd like to propose a raise. I made a spreadsheet of my old duties compared to my new duties and showed it to my boss.

[13liza]

Mar 26, 2015 7:04:39 GMT -5 mistabinx said:

I think outlining what you just said, including specifics, and reviewing/recapping important contributions you've made in the past 6 months-year are a really important base to start from in the conversation.
I haven't done this before, other posters may have a better way to word this, but I think I'd start with, "I would like to discuss the possibility of a salary increase because..." and then go into the points above.
Good luck!

This is exactly what I would do. I was in this situation and it helped to just be confident in knowing that my new responsibilities/title warranted a salary increase.

Good luck!

[mill23]

Thanks everyone! I'll do some research - and hope that the performance eval brings it up naturally. I've had glowing performance evals with no increase over the last three years.

I work for a non-profit so raises aren't assumed, and the salary isn't exactly equivalent to other places I could work. But that's a great point to at least have some reference on what is average. I like the work so I've dealt with the lesser salary, but I'm feeling like it's time for some increase at least.

I was worried about diving right into reasons why I deserve it and coming off as defensive or too demanding, but I like the way you put it mistabinx is a good way to launch into it.

Thanks for all the good luck wishes! I'll let you know how it goes.

[Deleted]

Good luck! I have never been at a job long enough to ask for a raise (stupid temp work) but I agree with what everyone else suggested.

[mrsp]

Mar 26, 2015 7:09:26 GMT -5 mill23 said:

Thanks everyone! I'll do some research - and hope that the performance eval brings it up naturally. I've had glowing performance evals with no increase over the last three years.

I work for a non-profit so raises aren't assumed, and the salary isn't exactly equivalent to other places I could work. But that's a great point to at least have some reference on what is average. I like the work so I've dealt with the lesser salary, but I'm feeling like it's time for some increase at least.

I was worried about diving right into reasons why I deserve it and coming off as defensive or too demanding, but I like the way you put it mistabinx is a good way to launch into it.

Thanks for all the good luck wishes! I'll let you know how it goes.

I think if you start out by saying it how mistabinx mentioned, it doesn't come off as defensive. Saying you "deserve" a raise does come off as demanding or like you're entitled to one.

[FrancesHouseman]

Good luck!

Just be matter of fact about it - try not to build it up in your head - it's a normal discussion in the world of working - you and your employer should both feel that your compensation is fair

You know - easy breezy

[ohinvrtedworld]

mistabinx has good phrasing to me. You go, girl! A lot of the time, you don't know until you ask, and if you express yourself confidently but humbly, I feel it will go over well no matter the outcome. But FX that you get your raise!

[Deleted]

GL! Let us know how it goes!

[LadyNymeria]

Good luck!

[Daikoku]

Good luck. I negotiated my contract/salary for the first time about a year ago. I found this article and the podcast attached to it to be very helpful.

leanin.org/news-inspiration/stuff-mom-never-told-you-how-to-negotiate-like-a-woman/

[zombiesquad]

Simply make sure you outline why you feel you deserve a raise. Is there anything significant you feel you've done that's added value to your company and the position? Leverage that. Be clear and concise. It's an awkward but normal conversation to have. Good luck!!!

[♪♫choppinbroccoli♫♪]

Mar 26, 2015 7:08:51 GMT -5 Ruca said:

I asked for a raise recently, I told my boss now that I've taken on more responsibilities that I'd like to propose a raise. I made a spreadsheet of my old duties compared to my new duties and showed it to my boss.

I like this. It's clear, but not pushy.

[anonymouseliza]

Just seeing this.

Have ready: Average salaries for equivalent positions (in as much as possible), list of new responsbilities/other changes in job, highlights of your performance in the past six months.

Go in and discuss performance evaluation and take the opportunity to say, "I appreciate the confidence you've shown me in increasing my job responsibilities and giving me a new title, but we haven't yet discussed additional compensation for those responsibilities."

See where it goes from there. I would be prepared with a % figure in mind that is commensurate with increased duties/responsibilities. I have no idea how much negotiation room is available to you at a non-profit - there is very little where I work.

Be firm about it. If it's not possible right now - which is sometimes legitimately the case - ask when this will be reviewed again. Three months? Six months? Don't let more than that go by without a review. Don't get emotional - it's not personal. It's about fair compensation for the work you are producing. Get promises in writing - promise for increase, date of increase, promise to discuss again next quarter, whatever it is, get it in writing. And finally, don't be like me, who did none of these things and did an entire second job for a full fucking year without a dime of compensation and who foolishly believed someone when they said they'd take care of me (which ended up fucking up our entire budget post-baby and three years later we are beginning to emerge from the disaster it created). It happened again, twice - doing the work without compensation on the promise of reclassification. The bitterness I've had over that is one of the reasons my job became entirely unbearable. Don't be like me.

[anonymouseliza]

And, of course, good luck!

[lemoncupcake]

Do it! A change in responsibilities is the perfect time for a discussion like this. Good luck!

[joy]

Mar 26, 2015 8:32:52 GMT -5 Daikoku said:

Good luck. I negotiated my contract/salary for the first time about a year ago. I found this article and the podcast attached to it to be very helpful.

leanin.org/news-inspiration/stuff-mom-never-told-you-how-to-negotiate-like-a-woman/

I wondered who would be the first to mention "lean in."

[Daikoku]

Mar 26, 2015 10:47:20 GMT -5 joy said:

Mar 26, 2015 8:32:52 GMT -5 Daikoku said:

Good luck. I negotiated my contract/salary for the first time about a year ago. I found this article and the podcast attached to it to be very helpful.

leanin.org/news-inspiration/stuff-mom-never-told-you-how-to-negotiate-like-a-woman/

I wondered who would be the first to mention "lean in."

I had a feeling you'd be the first to respond to this. I feel like we've had a similar discussion before.

[joy]

Mar 26, 2015 10:48:43 GMT -5 Daikoku said:

Mar 26, 2015 10:47:20 GMT -5 joy said:

I wondered who would be the first to mention "lean in."

I had a feeling you'd be the first to respond to this. I feel like we've had a similar discussion before.

Hahaha!  I just read the OP and was like "This is a lean-in moment!" 

[lilsneezy]

No advice, just wanted to say good luck!

[mill23]

Thanks for all the good luck and advice! You guys are the best.

It was definitely a lean in moment for me - and I think there will be more discussions - but it did not go well. Basically my CEO doesn't see the value in what I've been doing, even though I've been holding down our department in so many ways and am only being asked to do more. It was a learning experience, at least that's how I'm trying to see it. And now I know where I stand.

Overall I'm feeling very frustrated and demotivated. I'll be drowning my frustrations in a fancy bottle of wine + the drinking thread tonight.

Thanks again everyone!

[anonymouseliza]

Shit.

All my sympathies and all the alcohols.

[Deleted]

I'm sorry, mill23. That sucks.

[thechickencoop]

Ugh sorry to read the update. What a bummer. There's nothing like your boss not feeling like you're worth what you are.

[SubtleGrandeur]

Sorry it didn't go well.