Negotiating a higher salary at current job

Question

About 7 months ago my career at my job changed, for the better. I have taken on more responsibility but am essentially doing manager level work at a non-manager salary. I spoke to my boss and manager is off the table (at least right now due to politics, etc). What's the best advice you'd give to someone who is looking to be higher compensated in their current role?

Anonymous · Answer

Write down all of the extra responsibilities you've taken on & schedule a meeting with your boss to discuss a raise! If the responsibilities are outside of your initial scope of work you deserve to be compensated for that and clearly outlining that for your boss will help them make the case to their boss (and get you that raise!)

Jackie Ruka · Answer

Keep a work diary of all the new responsibilities and tasks you are doing along with results. Keep a timeline on having your next talk with your manager with your compiled list from your work diary. In the meantime, it can’t hurt to go on Glassdoor to see the salary ranges for the manager role you are doing but without the title. Be proactive, get the raise along with the promotion! Do not allow your company to compromise your talent and efforts . I realize  it’s not always about the money however, in this case if they trust you enough to handle new responsibilities then they should value you enough to give you a bump in pay. Policies and politics gets old and I would hate to see you become resentful.

Cyndi Peterson Hash · Answer

Give your boss the detail they will need to get a raise approved for you - how your job has gotten larger, how your responsibilities have increased, how you are contributing more or at a higher level, etc.

Kimberly Buonomo · Answer

I would recommend many of the other tips provided above especially with documenting to justify the increase in salary. If you are able to figure out a way to quantify your metrics it will help paint a picture of your actual versus above and beyond responsibilities.  Something else I would recommend is doing research on the market rates for your current job to find out what other companies are paying for the same job. Initially to have the conversation definitely bring the documentation together to better paint a picture of your responsibilities.

Sue DeRosier · Answer

In addition to the recommendations listed here, I would consult a recruiter or wage specialist to get some competitive data on salaries for your current role. I did this about 30 years ago when I accepted a marketing communications manager position with Oral-B Laboratories. After my first year, I knew I was underpaid so I did my homework before meeting with my boss during annual performance reviews. The result was a 25% increase. It helped that my boss knew he got me 'cheap,' as he would say. Maybe it was a way to see if I was really worth the money. Whatever the reason, I proved myself and it paid off. Don't ever accept being paid less than what you deserve, at least not for long.

Lisa Leslie Hefter · Answer

I would start the conversation by saying you understand that a manager role is not available right now, but you would appreciate advice on what you can do to help move toward that role in the future.    You want to make sure you know if something is holding you back from that promotion.

Then I would start the conversation
about the additional responsibility you’ve taken on and how that relates to your pay.  Be prepared for that conversation, but give your manager time to respond.  In my experience, you are better if you present your case and then give your manager time to think, research and consult HR before responding.  Good luck!

Lisa Holmes HR Expert · Answer

I would suggest that you do these 4 things to validate the request for an increase.

1. Document the additional work 
2. Quantify your success ie. what's the impact on the business. 
3. Benchmark salary in your area for the same role
4. Create a documented SMART strategy to show that your on the continued path of success

Put this in a nicely written presentation for your leader.  Schedule a time for a conversation. Be open to receiving any feedback that will be offered.

Six Figure Salary Coach · Answer

Hey! I love that you are seeking advice here. I actually have a good guide on how to request a pay increase that I can share with you if you are interested.

You can grab it here

http://bit.ly/GetARaiseToday

My best advice for anyone talking about a pay increase is linking your contributions back to the business.  Extra responsibilities are a great way to show how you should be paid more, but the real icing on the cake is how you have contributed to the bottom line. I just did a free challenge my my FB group last week on this specifically. Everyone can tie their contributions back to the businesses success, sometimes we just nee a bit of help doing so..... That's where I can come in to help.....

When you can communicate your contributions in terms of dollars and cents, AND add on your extra responsibilities, AND what you will be bringing to the table as you grow - you can easily advocate for quite a bit more money.

I also strongly advocate that you ask for a specific amount first. Don't let them decide what your pay increase should be. I always suggest saying that you are wanting $1M more (that's my placeholder salary haha) backed by your justification so you have something to talk about. A lot of times we say 'I would like to discuss a raise' but the discussion is rarely about EXACTLY what the raise should be. Then you end up leaving it for other people to talk about, and you may be happy or may be disappointed.

Next week I am actually offering free coaching sessions in my FB group if that's something you are interested in as well.

Shoot me an email at melissa@sixfiguresalarycoaching.com and we can flush out some of this support

GOOD LUCK! I am excited for you - this is HUGE. I am excited for you!

Negotiating a higher salary at current job

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