Just found out that my company is posting for an additional person. I am one of several in the same role in my company and we do need additional people. However, the lowest range salary offered is several thousand dollars more than I make after three years. Plus the years of experience listed is at least 8 and I have 30... Do I ask my manager is I need to apply for the new job posting?

39 Comments

1. AnonymousMay 29,2024 at 3:56PM UTC

   By all means, ask your manager. What I've noticed is nothing will be done (because, quite often, people are brought in at higher salaries than current employees and companies are not typically very proactive in bringing current employees up in salary), until it's addressed head on. What I would also say is that this is one reason why people change jobs more frequently these days - because it increases their earnings.

2. AnonymousMay 29,2024 at 4:18PM UTC

   Really? Apply? How about a conversation first, before you jump to a sophmoric mindset. If it's the same, that would come off to your manager as petty, instead of addressing the situation and being about to focus on your ask. Stay professional. IMO.

3. AnonymousMay 29,2024 at 5:13PM UTC

   What is your problem? Do you think you are being helpful by being a jerk? Just stop it. Either maintain your own professionalism or stop commenting on posts.

4. AnonymousMay 29,2024 at 5:49PM UTC

   I think the responder is reflecting on how the poster presented their view to be honest. Does the poster really think they would need to apply? I would suggest ALL to be careful with any name calling. Maybe it's a matter of vocabulary.

5. AnonymousMay 29,2024 at 9:24PM UTC

   I've noticed a lot of "mean girl" behavior here. It's a shame.

6. AnonymousMay 29,2024 at 11:49PM UTC

   That was totally out of line. "Sophomoric mindset? Petty? No...she's not only making a point, but looking to for not only more income but impact as she's been there for a long while.

7. surfnwriteMay 30,2024 at 12:12PM UTC

   I would be direct and ask. The new position is listed at a higher salary than you are making and appears to be for the same tasks.

8. AnonymousMay 30,2024 at 12:16PM UTC

   Yes but be prepared to have to leave to get the raise you should be getting.

9. AnonymousMay 30,2024 at 1:30PM UTC

   Having an offer in hand could be leverage. They know OP would face ageism in the marketplace, so they can get away with this as long as they're not violating a law (and even if they are, filing a claim is a risk many wonthave the stomach for).

10. GirlBossanova934974May 30,2024 at 1:39PM UTC

    Having done 2 intercompany transfers in my time, you should first contact your HR Department and find out the procedure for intercompany transfer. Usually, you NEED to apply for the position, you have to have a satisfactory level of performance, and your manager has to be informed, somewhere along the hiring process. Every company has its rules but you NEED to apply. Many companies provide an EMPLOYEE PORTAL for these applications but every company is different. I was able to get a 25% raise in my last intercompany transfer.

11. Sarah BordersMay 30,2024 at 1:42PM UTC

    This is so common. People with longer tenure in an organization are often earning considerably less than recent hires, and how your organization handles this issue says a lot about its culture.

    The first thing I would do is save a copy of the job posting, so you have a reference of what someone just coming into your position is paid.

    Then, I would conduct my own independent salary research. Find out what you should be earning in your role and location with your experience, education, credentials, etc. I like Payscale.com for this, but I definitely recommend consulting a few different sites because the ranges will vary.

    Next, look up your companies policies and procedures with respect to compensation, and see if you can find an existing mechanism to address this issue. If you do, great! If not, it might more difficult to have the conversation, but you should still have it.

    Approach the discussion with your boss from an angle of curiosity. Tell them how the job posting sparked the idea that you should evaluate your own salary and what you’re worth, and present them with your findings.

    It may very well turn out that, in order to get a pay increase, you have to look for a role elsewhere. If that’s the result, then at least you know. Good luck to you!

12. AnonymousMay 30,2024 at 1:48PM UTC

    It's called salary compression, and unfortunately, it happens all the time at a company unless you are proactive about adjusting market rates. For example, someone gets hired in at 50k a year after a market study for comp ranges. They work there 5 years and get the standard 3% wage increase every year. If no one is looking at market rates every 1-3 years (standard, 3 being more unusual), you don't know what is happening with the market and this position. Then, you go to post that same role 5 years later and you either: a) Don't get any takers on the role at first, then have to look at market rate and adjust, or b) Immediately look at market rates for the role so you get traction on the role. Either way, you are probably going to have to look at it. Hence, posting at a higher rate.

    The problem lies when companies don't try to then make this right. Some will only do it during raise time. If I were you, I would bring it up in your next 1:1. But, make sure you are in good standing when you do. If you have been given feedback on how to improve, make sure you have acted on it so they can't use it as a reason for why they are paying you less.

13. Krystin MorganMay 30,2024 at 5:00PM UTC

    This is fairly common. Unfortunately, based on my experience, it isn't likely there's anything you can do. If they wanted to pay you more, they'd have done so.

    That said, it definitely doesn't hurt to ask. I would not apply for the role (since you're already in the position, that would look quite odd), but instead reach out to your manager and say something like, "I saw the job posting for the additional XYZ roles we're hiring. I noticed the compensation range was XYZ. I'm currently at ABC, and I'd love to talk about what I can do to increase my compensation to XYZ."

    See what they say. Be prepared to share evidence of your success and performance as justification for an increase. Make sure you're in good performance standing. I also wouldn't recommend focusing too much on the 30 years of experience and instead on what you've done for THIS company during your three years there.

    Ultimately, you may have to accept that the best way to get an increase is to leave and go elsewhere - that's often the best way to get continually higher compensation.

14. Joanne RosenMay 30,2024 at 5:56PM UTC

    Definitely ask if you should apply for that position so you make an equivalent salary to the newbies.

    It's unfortunate that companies don't understand the value of longevity and reducing employee churn. It's so much easier to give someone a raise than to hire a new person and have to train them.

    Good luck!

15. AnonymousMay 30,2024 at 6:15PM UTC

    OP Here. I brought this to the attention of my Supervisor and asked her how we can address this. She said she'd "Look into it" So we shall see. I may very well have to job hop. Hate to do that but I will not work for a company that brings in someone with 8 years of experience at a salary higher than mine, when I have 30 years of experience.

16. AnonymousMay 30,2024 at 7:45PM UTC

    "Look into it" - did she give you an idea of a timeline? Who she will be looking into it with? Do you intend to follow up with her for updates?

17. AnonymousMay 31,2024 at 1:28PM UTC

    Most relevant post on this entire thread, hold your boss accountable.

18. AnonymousMay 30,2024 at 9:37PM UTC

    This is pretty bad HR management. We had a situation where Covid etc adjusted what we were offering, but before we made that adjustment and before it was posted, we reviewed salaries and confirmed that everyone with the same title was on par. The fact that they didn't do this here tells me they aren't great at management in general.

19. AnonymousMay 31,2024 at 12:28PM UTC

    If the job is the same title and job description as yours, you should do as you already have done and ask for a salary adjustment. If the title is higher (eg. Sr. or Lead, if you have a standard or associate title), then ask to be promoted to that position and let the new person take on your current role.

20. AnonymousMay 31,2024 at 1:00PM UTC

    Speak to your manager (and then possibly also HR) regarding the position, job description and have a conversation about the new job and your role. 1. You could ask for a salary adjustment. 2. If you want a promotion, title change , or salary bump - research relevant titles (e.g. Senior or Lead XYZ is easier to get than Manager of or Director of). Come prepared with proof of accomplishments. "I've worked here longer" or "I deserve it" statements don't typically get you the raise/title bump. ---At the very least, get the salary bump to match the new person. AND, be sure your job isn't to then train them and get no reward for it. I hope you get it. Some companies will do it. Others won't. They'll give an excuse or drag their heels. Some have tight budgets and say something like they'll review your compensation during a certain time in the future (performance review or annual budget review). It's up to you to decide if you'll stay. Whatever happens from the conversation, document it to yourself and also in an email to your boss. (Even if it's a high level thank you for the compensation discussion and you understand decisions for current employees will be decided by X date). Check in on that date. If they punt again, plan to leave (within the company or outside of it). Companies typically pay new employees more. Good luck!

21. AnonymousMay 31,2024 at 1:18PM UTC

    I would just apply and see what happens from there.

22. Maria Paula CalvoMay 31,2024 at 1:51PM UTC

    If I were you, I would certainly apply for the new posting. And if there is an internal policy that asks for your manager´s approval to apply, than conversation should happen, no doubt about it. Go for it!

23. AnonymousMay 31,2024 at 2:20PM UTC

    No - for one lots of companies have ghost postings to make it look like they are doing far better than they truly are with no intent to hire. Some use it to to assess their current staff against the current job pool. On the other hand, maybe they are back fillling before they let someone go or maybe someone put in their notice ..:. Personally, I wouldn’t re-apply, I would print the posting and request an equity adjustment

24. Nadia Ibrahim-Taney, MS. MA. M.Ed.May 31,2024 at 2:28PM UTC

    I'm a straight shooter, I would bring it up. You could say you are seeking clarity over the role and how you might be in best service to the organization. If it is a real position, apply! If it is a "ghost position" I personally would start looking for a new job as my values do not align with a company falsely creating jobs with no intent to hire. Doesn't feel right to me!

25. AnonymousMay 31,2024 at 3:17PM UTC

    I would ask for an adjustment. Generally new hires cost more market rate than the ones who are tenured in a company. If they don't make an adjustment to the lowest range in the grade and you are the same grade level wise then it is time to consider a change or do apply to the role listed therein.

26. AnonymousMay 31,2024 at 3:33PM UTC

    The management must have realized that they will not or are not attracting the caliber of talent they are looking for. No one looks for 30 years of expertise for any position. Companies keep thar requirement lower to attract fresher and more recently trained candidates so that new hires have cutting edge training and experience.

    You should apply.

27. AnonymousJune 1,2024 at 2:12PM UTC

    Your reply positively reeks of ageism.

28. AnonymousJune 1,2024 at 6:03PM UTC

    Reality sucks.

29. AnonymousJune 3,2024 at 6:34PM UTC

    Are you agreeing with that sentiment or just stating a fact? Therein lies the difference. I’m almost 60. I’m live in reality every day. maybe if you worded it so that it didn’t sound like you were an ageist **** it wouldn’t be such an issue

30. AnonymousJune 1,2024 at 12:41PM UTC

    I would negotiate a higher pay based on your work experience, resume, and the starting pay for your same position. I hope they do work with you to raise your pay, however, if they do not make an adjustment, you can always search other jobs that you qualify for, at other companies willing to pay you for your worth and knowledge.

31. AnonymousJune 1,2024 at 1:00PM UTC

    I would absolutely have that conversation!

32. AlexisJune 1,2024 at 1:22PM UTC

    yes thats bad. I'd definitely ask.

    I would be really upset if that was me.

33. AnonymousJune 1,2024 at 1:40PM UTC

    Companies have to adjust starting salaries and ranges to align with the market. This is why new hires now start at a much higher salary rate. Review your company HR policies to see about how to request a salary adjustment. I had to do that bc every time they adjusted the salary scales, I’d get bumped to the bottom. I left a company that refused to consider a salary adjustment. So, I applied to a competitor. When I was provided an offer from the new company, I was prepared to fight for the appropriate place on their salary scale. I did not have to. They hired me in at the appropriate salary commensurate with my edcucation, skills, and experience. I’ve been promoted twice in 2 yrs. I was clear about the 3 Es I expected to be paid for: Education, Experience, and Execution.

34. Mary Mathiowetz-ShafferJune 1,2024 at 3:07PM UTC

    Yes

35. AnonymousJune 2,2024 at 5:10AM UTC

    It is a lateral move and you can check with your boss if you can apply.

36. Susie SylviaJune 3,2024 at 8:31PM UTC

    Don't ASK... Just apply. If the answer is no, start getting your resume updated!!

37. Jessica FerlandJune 2,2024 at 11:15AM UTC

    Absolutely have the conversation. It may be a salary adjustment, apply for the position, or something else. Be prepared any of those and also, the answer might be no. That would be unfortunate, but a possible reality.

38. Tracy WolfJune 3,2024 at 4:49PM UTC

    I would ask for a raise stating exactly what you just wrote.

39. Susie SylviaJune 3,2024 at 8:30PM UTC

    Wow! That would definitely have me steaming! I agree wholeheartedly with what Tracy Wolf says below. Just calm down a bit before you do it.... You are definitely entitled to that raise! Good Luck.