Need the confidence to ask for a new title and pay raise
I started a new job in November last year with a ‘start up’. I began as an order taker, which was definitely not what I wanted to do/be, and a downgrade from my previous role but came with a huge pay raise my other company couldn’t match. Then came COVID and things started rapidly changing at the company and for me. I have been moved into a new role, where I am now managing and co-managing huge projects. Just found out that my manager just got a new title, from manager to director. Yet I still have the same title, even though I am doing more work and have been instrumental on big changes/improvements. I am not sure how to start the conversation and i am not the best at fighting for myself. But I know I should have a new title now and eventually a pay raise. Help please? Thoughts/advice, suggestions?
Lynne Cogan
Career Coach for Realizing Professional Dreams
871
09/26/20 at 12:27AM UTC
Ask to have a meeting--a time specifically set aside for you to discuss a title upgrade and, maybe, a raise.
Make a list of all the accomplishments you have had. Put them into story form. Show what skills you used, including leadership. Show how you overcame obstacles. And show how you helped the company solve a problem, achieve a goal, and improve its bottom line by helping it make or save money.
You can start the conversation (after pleasantries) with something like, "Wow. Things have certainly changed since I started working here. Since COVID, I've had the opportunity to take on so many more responsibilities than are in the job description that I was hired for. That's what I'd like to discuss with you: The possibility of upleveling my title in alignment with my greater responsibilities and accomplishments.
I even put together a very brief presentation to show you all I've done, including improving the bottom line in the last six months by $________.
Kelley Shields, Career & Professional Development CoachWork shouldn't be a 4-letter word.
98
09/24/20 at 8:31PM UTC
First, good for you for recognizing and acknowledging that you deserve a new title and pay raise! Have you tried writing out a few potential introductory lines for how to start the conversation? Or practiced having it with anyone? What, specifically, about starting the conversation makes you anxious?
