Pay rise lower than expected

Monkeyhat

Hi. I'm looking for some advice. I've just had my annual review at work and been offered a 2% pay increase when I was expecting something in the region of 15-20%. I've been studying for a Masters part time while working for the last few years and graduated late last year. A 15-20% pay rise would take my pay up to standard graduate starting salaries for my role. My performance last year was good, I'm no longer out the office to attend uni (I paid for my own tuition but got 4-6 weeks off each year to attend) and I'm taking on a lot more responsibility. I've been told that the firm had a bad year last year and that it's a flat 2% increase across the board.

I'm thinking of writing a letter asking for a further review on my pay and benefits and requesting reduced hours (35 hours per week instead of 37.5) or some additional holiday if the budget really isn't there for a pay increase. Is this a sensible move or should I just accept the 2% offer and not rock the boat?

jobbingmusician

You surely know the first question we're going to ask you.... how long have you been there?

[Deleted User]

If you cut your hours, or have more days off, assuming they agree, you're going to be earning even less.

2% is a standard pay rise for a 'good performance'.

Ask what you need to do to move up and develop.

TBagpuss

How long have you been there, what other job options do you have?
Has the job you will be doing actually changed?

Simply having graduated doesn't necessarily justify a pay rise. If the change in your status measn that your role will change, or that your employer will be billing their clients at a higher rate for your work, then it may be legitimate to ask for a raise, but you need to be able to justofy the business case for them paying you more.

You could also ask for other options- for instnace, you could request that they review your pay again sooner than would normally be the case ( particualrly if you are argung that you are going to be bringing in more / doing more complex tasks, and they are unconvinced)

You could ask for some additional holiday time but only negotiate for that if you actually want it and would be happy with it.

getmore4less

I would not do it in writing

This is one where you test if your chain of command is batting for you.

Express serious disappointment in the salary increase in light of ...(list of achievements, responsibilities etc.).
If the company is not performing and nt paying market rate it will have difficulty recruiting and retaining quality staff etc.


Without actually saying it you make it clear you will be reviewing your future with the company if corrective action is not taken.

ReadingTim

Monkeyhat wrote: »

I've been told that the firm had a bad year last year and that it's a flat 2% increase across the board.

If that's the case, where's the extra money going to come from to fund your 15-20% increase, and why are you any more special or deserving than everyone else in the firm?!?

If you think you're paid far less than a standard graduate starting salary for your role, I suggest you find one of those roles rather than sticking with your current employer.

Ozzuk

In your position I'd look at the market, get examples of similar jobs and compare salaries (don't forget the benefits element), then see if it is worth putting a case together showing these market examples and what EXTRA you are doing, above and beyond the role you started on.

However, you've only just qualified, what have you implemented from your learning? How much of an impact have you had? If you can't honestly answer that with strong examples of how you've improved the bottom line, or increased efficiencies then you haven't a hope in hell of securing that type of rise and will come across as thinking you are entitled to it just because you completed a course (not saying that is the case).

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth

Q Have you got legs?

A Use them, walk!

ACG

When you say you were expecting a 15% pay rise - were you lead to believe this would happen? I can not believe any company would offer a 15% pay rise in one year unless there was a promotion/change of role involved. Getting some additional qualifications I would assume gives you room to request a slightly higher pay rise but not 15% unless you have gone from being a trainee to fully qualified professional of some description.

Ultimately, you can only ask and put your reasoning across and they will either accept or reject it.

I am not sure I would ask for the new pay rise for reduced hours as that looks quite shallow to me, to the point of not really having any interest for the company.

Monkeyhat

I've been there three years. Some further information: I made 2.5 times my wage in fees last year and my charge out rate went up 40% when I graduated. I am on the lookout for other options but fairly limited locally.

gettingtheresometime

Monkeyhat wrote: »

I've been there three years. Some further information: I made 2.5 times my wage in fees last year and my charge out rate went up 40% when I graduated. I am on the lookout for other options but fairly limited locally.

I know this may come across as blunt (so apologies in advance) but it doesn't matter what you were charged out at or what you made.


When you had the extra time off were you paid? If so then then there was a cost to the employer, even if they didn't pay your tuition fees.


Sounds as if the only way you'll get the payrise you want is to threaten to move - they may up it to keep you but bare in mind you can do this once