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Hello, I would appreciate feedback from all, especially HR people, as I am preparing to ask for a raise for the first time in my life.

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Cautious

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Hello, I would appreciate feedback from all, especially HR people, as I am preparing to ask for a raise for the first time in my life. Some background on my present position: I have been in my current role, sole prospect management and researcher strategist, at a liberal arts university for 16 months. During the interview process they dispensed with the second interview and offered me the spot right away. It was warranted; I have worked at three other universities and I have a ton of experience. The salary was low and continues to be the same as they have not done performance reviews (!). Despite the low salary I wanted this job because for one, I needed a job, and two it was fully remote as I am in another state and am loathe to return to an in-person setting, ever. Our new VP who started in October is bringing back reviews, thankfully, and has mentioned there will be merit increases. He also pointed out my work as a demonstration of “excellence” during our staff retreat several months back. Although this leads me to believe that I will get a merit increase (beyond the staff retreat mention, early on he emailed that my work is “outstanding”), I would like to take the opportunity to reference all my achievements during my review and come out and ask for a real raise. He is not my direct supervisor but of course everything funnels through him. Does this tactic work? Advice? Thoughts? I don’t want to come on too strong but I am super proactive in my work, constantly anticipate needs, and want to be compensated accordingly. I know I will never get what I was making at my last university which is $40K more than now, but want ask for the max THEY could give, whatever that would be. Thank you in advance.

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  1. Anonymous

    Yes, this tactic can absolutely work, especially since you've already received strong praise from leadership. A performance review is the ideal moment to advocate for yourself, and you won’t come off too strong if you frame your request professionally and with evidence. Prepare a concise summary of your key achievements, metrics, and the positive impact of your work, and during the review, express appreciation for the opportunity while stating clearly that you’d like to be considered for the highest possible merit increase given your contributions. You can say something like, “I’m proud of the work I’ve done and the feedback I’ve received, and I’d really appreciate being considered for the strongest possible merit increase. I understand there are budget constraints, but recognition through compensation would make a meaningful difference and reinforce my commitment to continuing to grow in this role.” By focusing on your impact and your desire to remain a valuable, long-term team member, you make a strong, reasonable case that’s hard to dismiss.

  2. Cautious

    Thank you so much for the thoughtful and very helpful response. What a perfect thing to say!

  3. Paulla Fetzek, MSEd

    Hello!

    It's absolutely right for you to approach your supervisor regarding a raise. It's also beneficial if you have facts, examples to further substantiate your request.

    Sites like Salary.com and Glassdoor are great for researching ranges in your area. Take time to break down exactly what you do to define where you are.

    It's wonderful your VP has already recognized your work. But bring samples of it with you. Or, if you have time, create something new to show how you can expand and demonstrate forward thinking. You've shown your VP you can do fantastic work. Now show him why you should be properly PAID for said work.

    Most of all - be confident. You already know how capable you are. Some people advise to ask for the max salary your position could earn. If you fit all the parameters, and you believe your company could pay this, then ask. If not, then provide a number that you think would be the highest your company might be willing to go.

    I wish you nothing but the best!

  4. Anonymous

    I can't tell from your post if you work for a state-funded university. All state agencies have performance reviews yearly. Even if your org hasn't or is bringing it back, then ask for more work when you ask for a raise. Most do not get raises because they do a good job, they give you more money to do more. At least that is what I was told in my higher ed environment. Even though I took on more, am on point and can produce, it doesn't matter. I received a raise of only 1K which was a slap in my face. I hope you have better luck than I did.

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