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I've never asked for a pay raise before. How should I go about doing it?

My current supervisor just told our group that she's leaving the company within the next month.

The typical cycle for annual reviews here is the July/August timeframe.

I want to ask for consideration for a promotion (which we've discussed) or a raise before my current supervisor leaves.

My concerns:

1. New supervisor doesnt know my workload, work habits, etc and may not "grade" the raises accordingly.

2. My position is one of 2 that are key to the functioning of the department. The person in the other position was promoted 2 years ago (he is senior and has more experience, so this was not unexpected or unwarranted).

3. Approximately six months ago, my supervisor mentioned that my performance was very good and that if I was being "courted" by another company, she hoped that I would come to her to discuss increasing my pay, etc.

4. My level of responsibility has increased a good deal over the last three years, but my pay has not kept pace. Most of us have not complained about the lack of raises or the very small increases because there were more than 50 positions cut a few years ago. Our finance department runs on bare bones (a total of 6 people including my supervisor the CFO in a company with over 350 employees), so cutting one person would be a huge burden on the remaining group.

ETA:

I should add that there are no companies that are "courting" me. I have not been actively looking for a new job since I enjoy working here. I do casually look to see what's available on the job market, but I have not applied for anything in over 4 years.

Thanks for your help and insight!

[This message edited by GabyBaby at 12:38 PM, May 15th (Wednesday)]

Definitely talk to your current supervisor before she leaves. Express all of the points you made here. Ask her if she will recommend a promotion and/or raise for you to her supervisor before she leaves. The worse she can do is say no.

Good luck!

I agree. It may be helpful to do some research on what the "going rate" is for someone with your experience, education, and responsibilities. The market averages differ widely by location, but many professions publish salary surveys that can be a good starting place.

Thanks Dreamboat and NIK!

I'm going to go ask her for an appointment to discuss this within the next week (before I chicken out again).

That will also give me time to outline my thoughts and do more salary research.

I know that I'm below the median for my job title in our area, but given the added things on my plate over the last three years, I dont think its unreasonable to ask for more.

If she can't do anything about a raise at this time, maybe she will write up a review from the perspective of her leaving before she would have a chance to do the formal review. Have her attach it to your personnel file if possible. If not, keep it and forward a copy to her boss.

I've done this for employees when I was leaving a company.

Thanks Sad!

That's an excellent suggestion and I'll add it to the information I'm going to bring into the meeting.

HR person here.

"sell" your value to the company as you would "sell" yourself to a prospective employer. By that- quantify the work that you do and how it supports your group/company. If you create efficientcies (especially cost savings), line those up, be specifc- "I do a good job and never call in sick" won't cut it. That is a base expectation for ANY employee. They want to hear about the over and above stuff.

Bring as many facts, (performance scores, way to go emails, etc) as you can. Bring comp information from as many sources as you can get them from.

Be confident!!

best to you-

sunandmoon

Thank you Sunandmoon!

I've got a list started, but I will definitely dig up specifics and quantify as much as possible.

UPDATE!

I had my meeting with my supervisor today.

I went in with a list of things I've accomplished over the last 5 years, salary data, and my various concerns.

She agreed with me. My pay scale is too low. She is submitting a request for a significant increase in my rate! I'll know within the next few days if it is approved, but it looks pretty good.

Thanks so much for your help/advice everyone!