Advice on timing of asking fur a raise and an elevated job title.

Advice on timing of asking fur a raise and an elevated job title.

I just had my initial three month review. It was as a glowing review with above expectations. I know my boss really values the work I do and all the past experience I bring to their organization. However, the pay was far below what I had been earning but I had been looking for a job for six months and took it quickly. I still don’t regret doing that as the six other leads I had going at the time just disappeared. Also, the title is not a Director level. I brought thar issue up during my final six person zoom interview in which the HR head attended. Her answer was preposterous and decided to let it slide as I knew challenging her would cost me the job. So when I took the job my plan was to ask for a raise and title change after six months. Should I ask for the title change now, and then ask for a raise at the six month mark? Or just wait to do both at six months!

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24 Comments

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  1. Anonymous

    You were hired for job X which as you state was not a director level position, you’ve been with organization for 3 months and want a promotion and a raise.

    Not being rude or callus, but I don’t think your expectations are realistic in today’s economy. HR response during the interview process was obvious

  2. Anonymous

    It sounds like there was no understanding you'd be on a fast track for interview or promotion, regardless of whether this is a lower title/salary than what you had previously. Three months is also EXTREMELY early to ask for a promotion/raise in the current environment. I would start not by asking for that to happen now, but rather asking your manager what you would need to do to get a promotion and raise, and state that you are very eager to work towards that.

  3. Anonymous

    Unless there was a discussion about the lower wage and title being upgraded during the interview, what you accepted was what you got. Three months is entirely too early to ask for an upgrade. Given your stellar review, I agree with the one who said your best course of action is to have a 1:1 with your manager to discuss your career goals and the best way to reach them. A good manager will help you achieve those goals because the best way for them to move up in the organization is to groom their replacement constantly. Timing for the next ask would depend on the results of that conversation. Unless someone is being fast-tracked or you were promised a raise after completing the probationary period, these seldom happen before you have been there a full year.

  4. Wanda

    Agreed

  5. Anonymous

    Given the fact that you wholeheartedly accepted a role that was beneath your skill level and pay, I would honor that agreement and perform the job until the end of the year. It's not the company's fault that you now want to change the terms of your offer.

    If you need extra $, I would suggest a side hustle to augment your financial situation until you can grow your current position (which takes time and effort) or find a more fitting position elsewhere.

  6. Anonymous

    I would suggest having both done at the 6 month mark (if that is the review cycle). Start documenting your value to the company so you can give a good sales pitch on why you should be promoted / pay raise. Also, think about your response if they say no to one or both items you are requesting.

  7. Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career Coach

    I would bring up the conversation with your current manager so they are essentially "expecting" it in 6 months.

    -Get a clear understanding of how the company promotes/gives raises

    -Get specific details of what he/she needs to see from you to merit a title and compensation increase

    Then, this is what you bring to the conversation in 6 months.

  8. Cautious

    Thank you for your input.

  9. Cautious

    Thank you all for your honest feedback.

  10. Anonymous

    Doing your job well for 90 days is great but that was the probationary period. Now is the time you can start EARNING a raise. By your 1 year anniversary you'll have enough of a contribution to have that conversation.

  11. Cautious

    Thank you. Good advice.

  12. GirlBossanova934974

    As a business owner myself, I like to keep to "company policy" when it comes to raises, bonuses, and other forms of compensation. In the vast majority of companies, they give out raises after ANNUAL review time which means one year. This is company policy. I would stick to company policy here. Yes sure! If someone really brings the company some big bucks, I will make an exemption but making exceptions for NEW employees is a very bad ideas as the existing employees are likely to get very upset. One does not need that.........

  13. Joann S. Lublin

    You might also want to seek some guidance from the acquaintance who recommended you join this organization. Even though you work in a different area than one he knew, he might have good tips about whether your work/life imbalance might change by having a frank chat with your direct supervisor -- or whether the corporate culture in your area is fairly fixed. Also suggest you check out my first book, "Earning It" for some tips from highly successful women about dealing with difficult career challenges . Let us know how things go!

  14. Cautious

    Thank you for making me re-think this.

  15. Anonymous

    Most companies decide within the first 90 days if you are going to be a viable long term employee. That is kind of the break in period. Wait out 6 months and see what happens then. I don't think doing good work within your first 3 months means you deserve to be promoted. Not sure why you would think what someone in HR told you about not giving you a Director title gave you a bad reply, clearly they were setting expectations, which you might not be aligned with but they gave you information which you should take to heart. If you think the role is beneath you keep looking and go for the money and title you think you deserve somewhere else.

    If instead you like the manager, the location, your co-workers and the work you are doing and you don't want another long search stick it out keep doing good work and the rewards will come to you there!

  16. Anonymous

    If I were your boss, asking for a raise so soon would be off putting. There is a reason for the title and pay you received which very likely connects to the budget. Wait at least to six months. Then the conversation should be about expectations for the year-mark.

    It sounds like you are overqualified but this is the job you accepted. Just because you are good doesn’t mean they can pay more any time soon.

    Consider looking for a job more in line with your expectations, even as you work towards your hoped for salary at this job. If she gave you a preposterous answer 3 months ago it likely hasn’t changed much.

  17. Anonymous

    You are presenting a bait and switch. We accuse companies of doing this but employees can do this as well. You can certainly work with your manager to create some career goals but honestly I would give the company some time to measure your performance. Maybe have the discussion at you 1 year mark.

  18. Anonymous

    Girl, Its now or never. Worse that can happen is they say no. Set up and practice your approach, get your credentials and achievements in order and GO FOR IT.

  19. Tami L Cannizzaro

    Agree with others here; asking for a raise during a probationary period is far too soon! At least wait until annual review time and be prepared that you *may* not receive much of an increase if you have not been with the organization for a full year.

    Remember: you accepted this position with full knowledge of the pay and responsibilities. If this is not what you wanted, you should have declined the offer. Look at this long-term; it's a great resume builder and may lead to a much better position either within this firm or at another in the future.

    The philosophy of the first company I worked for, who believed in relatively quick advancement and didn't want people lingering in a role: The 1st year in a role was not my work, it was me continuing the groundwork laid by the previous person. Year 2 was fully my work - that's where my success (or failure) would be evident. Yet it was still not promotion time - they wanted to see if I could repeat it. THEN it was promotion time.

    I've seen this philosophy play out in other organizations as well, and using this - even after the 2 year mark - gives you a serious argument for a raise/promotion.

  20. Lea Beatrice

    I agree with others, it's far too soon to ask for a raise and title change. What you've done in past positions at other companies is what got you this job, it is not relevant to getting a raise or promotion. What you do at this job is what will get you promoted and 3 months is not enough time. You're still learning.

  21. Anonymous

    In my opinion you must ask for both your raise and a little change right now. If you feel that way, that means that you deserve it.

    However, be prepared for the rejection. What are you going to do next?

    Are you going to continue working for them , or, you want to leave that job?

    If you want to leave that job, you have to have another job opening ready for you.

    Good luck!

  22. Cautious

    Thank you. I do not have anything next lined up, so perhaps I better sit tight :(

  23. Cautious

    Best to wait another nine months.

  24. Anonymous

    Truth

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