Negotiation after a year
A year ago, I accepted a Marketing Manager position at the company I worked for the past 3 years. Before accepting the position, I was an entry level graphic designer. I am pretty talented (but not full of myself) and usually move up fast in positions. Anyways... When accepted the promotion I didn't negotiate my salary because I was just pumped to be given the position. I knew that it was low but I took it. It doesnt help to notice that I found out a few months ago that the previous position holder made $25,000 more that what I am currently making. I know that I am just starting out with this and that she was there for 4-5 years, but I have done pretty much more in this one year than she accompolished the entire time she was there. The question is, I know that I am getting paid well below market average for my location, when my review comes up in a few weeks, how do I ask for a respectable salary (i just want a fair wage)? I think you have to be very careful here. They gave you a chance to do a job that no one else would have hired you for. You won't get a $25k raise. You won't get half that. In most companies, when you meet and exceed all expectations, you get 3%. Maybe 5 or even 10% for something spectacular. So the first thing to do is to adjust your expecations. Then, go in with a list of everything you've done that is above and beyond. Not above and beyond what the last one did, what is above and beyond what anyone in your job would be expected to do (recognizing that the last person in it may not have been above and beyond). Then see how things fall. If you don't like the raise you get, you can feel free to (quietly) look around and see if someone, somewhere else would hire you into a similar title with your current education and experience. If they will and will pay you what you think you're worth great! If not, stay put and be thrilled someone gave you such a big chance into such an incredibly competative field as Marketing. Tess I agree with Tess. Make a list of all that you've accomplished in this position. Make two copies, one for you and one for the person doing the review - so you'll both be looking at the same information. If you're asked what sort of increase you have in mind, I think you could say you were anticipating an increase in the 5% to 10% range and see what happens. If you're initially offered around 3%, I'd politely ask if the offer is negotiable and, if it is, counter by saying that based on your performance you were anticipating an increase in the 5% to 10% range. The "market average" for jobs like this one has absolutely nothing to do with the value this particular employer has put on this particular job. The value you bring to the job also has nothing to do with the "market value" of jobs like this. You have to build your case on what YOU'VE accomplished - not on some abstract "market value" amount. Paul W. Barada The Negotiation Expert | |
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