Career Tips

Annual raise negotiation question


 

Hello,

Just looking to get some advice on how to handle this situation. My annual review is coming up next week, and I have been with this company for 2 years now. In my first year, I took on a lot of extra duties that were beyond what I was hired for. During my review, I made sure I let them know I expected that to be reflected in my title and raise. They agreed that I deserved it, and they gave me a 10% raise.

It is now the second year, and things are not as dramatic, however I cited several instances in my self-review where I went above and beyond this year. One involving a situation where, had I not worked literally over 24 hours straight (no sleep), a major department of the company would have been out of commission completely meaning lost productivity, ergo, major $$$ (I work in I.T).

That said, I should mention that I realize that I am fairly well compensated (6-figures), and if they are planning to just give me the normal raise of 5%, it would put me further ahead of my peers at work. However, I know for a fact that everyone regardless of performance (except someone's so bad that they're going to be fired) gets that 5% raise. So is it OK or just not appropriate to ask for something more than the normal 5%? Throughout the year, my performance has been well regarded and have been acknowledged to go above and beyond to get things done right.

The vibe I'm getting is that they will give me the standard 5% raise... so I'm wondering if that's offered to me, if I should try to negotiate (say, 6%) , or just simply take it based on my current salary.

Thanks!

"...had I not worked literally over 24 hours straight (no sleep), a major department of the company would have been out of commission completely meaning lost productivity, ergo, major $$$ (I work in I.T)." I wouldn't focus on the time spent as it sounds too dramatic and you're doing something you're expected to do (if they pay you overtime, then you're being compensated for that extra time).

I'd focus on your accomplishments showing what you contributed in income and savings to your company. I'd also let them know this before your review comes up because it's often an involved process for a salary review so once it's decided, it's very difficult to change. This time around I'd shoot for a 7% to 8% salary increase which seems to be realistic.

Just my thoughts. 

"I wouldn't focus on the time spent as it sounds too dramatic and you're doing something you're expected to do (if they pay you overtime, then you're being compensated for that extra time)."

Overtime? I wish :) Well I'm salaried, so I don't get paid overtime. I understand what you mean about not being dramatic, but just not sure how to let them how my dedication saved a lot of money. As a matter of fact, I remember that night, I was told it was ok to let it wait till morning, but I stuck with it.

Just let them know or remind them what you did that night. Give them specifics, but I wouldn't bother to mention the time you spent on that particular project, just focus on what you accomplished and what it means to your company as far as savings and income goes.

Good luck to you. 

Hi Cronos4m

Here are some helpful articles to look through........

Ifyou've worked smart and hard all year, make sure to work smart and hardon your annual review to ensure your raise reflects your efforts.

Don't let a scrooge get the best of you. Here's how to negotiate a raise at your yearly review.

The right attitude and solid preparation will help your annual appraisal go smoothly.

Hope this helps!
MCCathy
Community Moderator
Monster



At most, I think you can ask if the proposed increase is negotiable, assuming it's 5%, and see what sort of response you get.  It it's not negotiable, I'd say "thank you very much" on my way to the bank.  If you're asked what sort of raise you have in mind, counter with a range.  If I were you, I'd be prepared to point out what I'd done above and beyond the call of duty and say I was anticipating an increase in the 6% to 8% range and see what happens.  The point is, you need to be able to cite significant accomplishments - over time - that justify the larger increase.  A one-time overnighter probably isn't going to win all that many extra points.

Paul W. Barada

The Negotiation Expert

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