How should I ask for a raiseI have worked for a smaller company for the past two years as their secretary et. all. I was hired to basically answer phones and pick up slack, but I have evolved the position into more of an administrative position than basic secretarial. A year ago I received a $1 raise to $10.00. Minimum wage in Oregon is $7.80, so I' m above that, but looking at job offerings that fit what I am doing now, it seems to be the average hourly starting rate is right around $13, so I' m already making less than the area average for my job. Unfortunately, this would be the first time I' ve ever gone to my employer to ask for a raise. I would like to see $14, but am wiling to take $12.50. I have compiled a list showing what I was hired to do two years ago and what I am doing now, including two new on-going projects I have been asked to take over. 1.) What is the best way to approach my employer? (the person I would ask would be the owner of the company) 2.) What is the best way to haggle a raise to my advantage with out settling for less than what I' m worth? 3.) What steps should I take if they flat out tell me ' no' . My biggest problem is that I love my job. But, due to cost of living increases, I' m finding it hard to stay at my current pay rate, especially when I could probably go somewhere else and make more starting than what I am at now after two years. Thank you for your help! Sounds like you' re all set to me! 1) Ask your employer for a performance and salary review. Make two copies of what your duties were, what they are now, and what you' ve achieved and what you' re currently doing. Take both copies to you meeting with the owner. One for the owner and one for you, so you' ll both be looking at the same information. Highlight how your job has grown and evolved along with your responsibilities and achievements. Sounds like you' ve only had a $1.00 raise in two years, so it' s entirely appropriate to say that you feel that asking for an increase is a timely request. If you' re asked how much increase you have in mind, I' d state it as a range. Say something like, "Based on what we' ve discussed, I' m anticipating an increase in the two to four dollars an hour range," and see what happens. 2) It isn' t really a matter of haggling, but stating your case in a clear, calm, and concise manner and politely but firmly stating what your anticipated salary range is. 3) If the answer is a flat "no," I think you smile, say, "thank you very much for considering my request," and you quietly start a job search, keeping in mind that it' s always easier to find a job when you have one. Who' s to say that when the right employment opportunity comes along you won' t love it just as much? Hope this helps. Thank you! I talked to the owner last night about the raise, and was told that I would receive one in June and that we would talk about the amount then. So I will probably be in there June first to ask where I' m at! Thank you again for all your advice! | |
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