My department hired a new employee that makes $25K more than me and has only two years of experience.

Anonymous

May 10,2022 at 3:10AM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

My department hired a new employee that makes $25K more than me and has only two years of experience. I was sent his resume during the hiring process so I know his background. I actually suggested hiring him after meeting as although he didn't have a lot of experience, I thought he would be a good fit for the team.

The only reason I know about his salary as the official offer and signed contract was mistakenly sent to me instead of our VP as our email address are similar.

I have managerial experience plus a master's degree and the new employee has a BA not even in our company's field. How can I bring up the subject as I wasn't suppose to be privy to the conversation?

I don't begrudge the employee as good for him for negotiating a good deal. I work in a male-dominated company but I feel that as a senior staff member with more experience, I should at least make what a junior employee makes. Does anyone have any advice regarding how to deal with this slippery slope? Thank you!

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

6 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

6 Comments

Join the conversation

AnonymousMay 11,2022 at 11:02AM UTC
IT knows they sent the e-mail to the wrong address anyway; that's all logged. It's their mistake, not yours, and it's a lucky one for you. Ask for a raise. Be prepared to walk if they don't pony up. I'd do it after I already had another job lined up. That gives you more bargaining power.
AnonymousMay 12,2022 at 2:48AM UTC
Thank you Anonymous. After receiving that email and recently been denied for a raise that was previous promised due to the department didn't 'having' the money, I've started job searching. I'm going to try but I have a feeling that after I find another position, it's time to leave.
AnonymousMay 11,2022 at 1:42PM UTC
You have evidence and I think it's a useful piece of the conversation, but I think your raise ask should more speak to your market value. Show that you're being underpaid and the value you bring rather than comparing at first, then use the email in your toolkit.
AnonymousMay 12,2022 at 2:45AM UTC
Thank you, Anonymous. I agree that it should be focused on my contributions and value. My concern is that I wasn't supposed to receive that information so I feel in one way it's not my business but on the otherhand, it does affect me.
Audrey CarlMay 12,2022 at 3:58PM UTC
Just curious, were you promoted internally in the past, hence the lower salary than a new external candidate? Regardless, so unfair.
AnonymousMay 13,2022 at 2:46AM UTC
I was promoted previously to an internal role so that could be a factor. That being said, I was promised a promotion last year and then they pulled a fast one hiring someone with only a few years out of college experience for over the amount I quoted previously. I'm looking elsewhere but I'm discouraged. I thought I found a career position and now I feel devalued and that it's time to leave.