Ways to respond when HR says your market salary range research isn't correct?
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I'm negotiating a raise at my job (entry-level job; I've been at the company for 1+ years).
For a lot of reasons (primarily my skill set, accomplishments, & performance), I believe that I'm getting severely underpaid.
I did a lot of research: At first, looking online (glassdoor, linkedin, payscale, etc) and then by talking to people. I spoke to 2 current colleagues at my company, 2 former coworkers, a family-friend recruiter in the industry, and a big manager from a different company (again, a friend).
Those people were able to give me solid ranges for what they felt is my competitive market value in my city, especially for those who know what type of work I do on a day-to-day basis.
However, based on non-negotiation conversations that I've had with my manager and with HR, I know that they will likely not believe the numbers I'm hearing (they're majorly higher than what I'm getting now).
I'm at the point where I'm ready to leave the job because of this, but I want to give this December raise conversation my best shot since I do enjoy my job and would like to stay (if I'm compensated better).
My question is: I am fairly certain that HR will hear my salary request and tell me my numbers are totally off-base compared to the company's research. What is a productive way to reply to that?
Is there a productive way to reply?
My goal is to find a response which won't end the the negotiation even after they bring up that argument.
EDIT: This is not a duplicate of this question, which asks about "should I give a range". My question is "how to reply when HR rejects the range".
communication negotiation raise
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I'm negotiating a raise at my job (entry-level job; I've been at the company for 1+ years).
For a lot of reasons (primarily my skill set, accomplishments, & performance), I believe that I'm getting severely underpaid.
I did a lot of research: At first, looking online (glassdoor, linkedin, payscale, etc) and then by talking to people. I spoke to 2 current colleagues at my company, 2 former coworkers, a family-friend recruiter in the industry, and a big manager from a different company (again, a friend).
Those people were able to give me solid ranges for what they felt is my competitive market value in my city, especially for those who know what type of work I do on a day-to-day basis.
However, based on non-negotiation conversations that I've had with my manager and with HR, I know that they will likely not believe the numbers I'm hearing (they're majorly higher than what I'm getting now).
I'm at the point where I'm ready to leave the job because of this, but I want to give this December raise conversation my best shot since I do enjoy my job and would like to stay (if I'm compensated better).
My question is: I am fairly certain that HR will hear my salary request and tell me my numbers are totally off-base compared to the company's research. What is a productive way to reply to that?
Is there a productive way to reply?
My goal is to find a response which won't end the the negotiation even after they bring up that argument.
EDIT: This is not a duplicate of this question, which asks about "should I give a range". My question is "how to reply when HR rejects the range".
communication negotiation raise
3
Possible duplicate of Negotiating salary using range
– solarflare
2 days ago
54
@solarflare I really don't see how it's a duplicate. My question isn't "should I give a range". I'm asking what to reply when HR rejects the range.
– c36
2 days ago
5
However the initial conversation goes, don't quit on the spot, even if it's obvious you intend to leave and you don't feel you can stay at the salary offered. Find a new job first, then quit if you feel it is the right move.
– AdamV
yesterday
3
This has probably been said, but just to be clear. If your research is right, you should be able to find a job to pay you more highly. If you're incorrect, that could be a terrible experience. Both you and your employer are banking on you wanting to stay put and avoid the disruption involved in finding a new job.
– AJFaraday
yesterday
22
Re duplicate votes: The linked question contains the lineI want to renegotiate my salary but I have no clue how to give an ideal range
. This is not a duplicate.
– rath
yesterday
|
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up vote
97
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up vote
97
down vote
favorite
I'm negotiating a raise at my job (entry-level job; I've been at the company for 1+ years).
For a lot of reasons (primarily my skill set, accomplishments, & performance), I believe that I'm getting severely underpaid.
I did a lot of research: At first, looking online (glassdoor, linkedin, payscale, etc) and then by talking to people. I spoke to 2 current colleagues at my company, 2 former coworkers, a family-friend recruiter in the industry, and a big manager from a different company (again, a friend).
Those people were able to give me solid ranges for what they felt is my competitive market value in my city, especially for those who know what type of work I do on a day-to-day basis.
However, based on non-negotiation conversations that I've had with my manager and with HR, I know that they will likely not believe the numbers I'm hearing (they're majorly higher than what I'm getting now).
I'm at the point where I'm ready to leave the job because of this, but I want to give this December raise conversation my best shot since I do enjoy my job and would like to stay (if I'm compensated better).
My question is: I am fairly certain that HR will hear my salary request and tell me my numbers are totally off-base compared to the company's research. What is a productive way to reply to that?
Is there a productive way to reply?
My goal is to find a response which won't end the the negotiation even after they bring up that argument.
EDIT: This is not a duplicate of this question, which asks about "should I give a range". My question is "how to reply when HR rejects the range".
communication negotiation raise
I'm negotiating a raise at my job (entry-level job; I've been at the company for 1+ years).
For a lot of reasons (primarily my skill set, accomplishments, & performance), I believe that I'm getting severely underpaid.
I did a lot of research: At first, looking online (glassdoor, linkedin, payscale, etc) and then by talking to people. I spoke to 2 current colleagues at my company, 2 former coworkers, a family-friend recruiter in the industry, and a big manager from a different company (again, a friend).
Those people were able to give me solid ranges for what they felt is my competitive market value in my city, especially for those who know what type of work I do on a day-to-day basis.
However, based on non-negotiation conversations that I've had with my manager and with HR, I know that they will likely not believe the numbers I'm hearing (they're majorly higher than what I'm getting now).
I'm at the point where I'm ready to leave the job because of this, but I want to give this December raise conversation my best shot since I do enjoy my job and would like to stay (if I'm compensated better).
My question is: I am fairly certain that HR will hear my salary request and tell me my numbers are totally off-base compared to the company's research. What is a productive way to reply to that?
Is there a productive way to reply?
My goal is to find a response which won't end the the negotiation even after they bring up that argument.
EDIT: This is not a duplicate of this question, which asks about "should I give a range". My question is "how to reply when HR rejects the range".
communication negotiation raise
communication negotiation raise
edited 2 days ago
asked 2 days ago
c36
560127
560127
3
Possible duplicate of Negotiating salary using range
– solarflare
2 days ago
54
@solarflare I really don't see how it's a duplicate. My question isn't "should I give a range". I'm asking what to reply when HR rejects the range.
– c36
2 days ago
5
However the initial conversation goes, don't quit on the spot, even if it's obvious you intend to leave and you don't feel you can stay at the salary offered. Find a new job first, then quit if you feel it is the right move.
– AdamV
yesterday
3
This has probably been said, but just to be clear. If your research is right, you should be able to find a job to pay you more highly. If you're incorrect, that could be a terrible experience. Both you and your employer are banking on you wanting to stay put and avoid the disruption involved in finding a new job.
– AJFaraday
yesterday
22
Re duplicate votes: The linked question contains the lineI want to renegotiate my salary but I have no clue how to give an ideal range
. This is not a duplicate.
– rath
yesterday
|
show 11 more comments
3
Possible duplicate of Negotiating salary using range
– solarflare
2 days ago
54
@solarflare I really don't see how it's a duplicate. My question isn't "should I give a range". I'm asking what to reply when HR rejects the range.
– c36
2 days ago
5
However the initial conversation goes, don't quit on the spot, even if it's obvious you intend to leave and you don't feel you can stay at the salary offered. Find a new job first, then quit if you feel it is the right move.
– AdamV
yesterday
3
This has probably been said, but just to be clear. If your research is right, you should be able to find a job to pay you more highly. If you're incorrect, that could be a terrible experience. Both you and your employer are banking on you wanting to stay put and avoid the disruption involved in finding a new job.
– AJFaraday
yesterday
22
Re duplicate votes: The linked question contains the lineI want to renegotiate my salary but I have no clue how to give an ideal range
. This is not a duplicate.
– rath
yesterday
3
3
Possible duplicate of Negotiating salary using range
– solarflare
2 days ago
Possible duplicate of Negotiating salary using range
– solarflare
2 days ago
54
54
@solarflare I really don't see how it's a duplicate. My question isn't "should I give a range". I'm asking what to reply when HR rejects the range.
– c36
2 days ago
@solarflare I really don't see how it's a duplicate. My question isn't "should I give a range". I'm asking what to reply when HR rejects the range.
– c36
2 days ago
5
5
However the initial conversation goes, don't quit on the spot, even if it's obvious you intend to leave and you don't feel you can stay at the salary offered. Find a new job first, then quit if you feel it is the right move.
– AdamV
yesterday
However the initial conversation goes, don't quit on the spot, even if it's obvious you intend to leave and you don't feel you can stay at the salary offered. Find a new job first, then quit if you feel it is the right move.
– AdamV
yesterday
3
3
This has probably been said, but just to be clear. If your research is right, you should be able to find a job to pay you more highly. If you're incorrect, that could be a terrible experience. Both you and your employer are banking on you wanting to stay put and avoid the disruption involved in finding a new job.
– AJFaraday
yesterday
This has probably been said, but just to be clear. If your research is right, you should be able to find a job to pay you more highly. If you're incorrect, that could be a terrible experience. Both you and your employer are banking on you wanting to stay put and avoid the disruption involved in finding a new job.
– AJFaraday
yesterday
22
22
Re duplicate votes: The linked question contains the line
I want to renegotiate my salary but I have no clue how to give an ideal range
. This is not a duplicate.– rath
yesterday
Re duplicate votes: The linked question contains the line
I want to renegotiate my salary but I have no clue how to give an ideal range
. This is not a duplicate.– rath
yesterday
|
show 11 more comments
14 Answers
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My response to them saying those numbers are wrong would be to say that that's the reason I'm bringing this to their attention - their idea of the salary range and my idea of the salary range for this position are apparently at odds.
At the end of the day, you're looking for considerably more than you're getting, and you believe others are able to offer that. You're happy with where you're at, but you'd be foolish to ignore a significantly higher paying position elsewhere.
An example from my own past - There was a point where I was at odds with management over my own salary, having been promoted into a position with a small pay bump over a helpdesk job, where the position itself was 2-3x as much salary elsewhere.
My direct manager kept laying comments down that if I wanted to make any more I would need to get a bachelors degree finished, get more certs, etc, that I wasn't qualified for anything more than I was getting....
A few months later I actually ended up getting an offer somewhere else for 50% more, and I was conflicted. Happy where I was, but couldn't say no to a difference like that.
I texted my manager letting them know I had an offer for X ridiculous salary and I was going to have to take it.
They texted back a minute later saying they'd match it.
At this point... Honestly I had to go to the other place. It felt dishonest to have someone tell me I was at the top end of my pay range, only to flatly reverse when it was time for me to leave... Whereas somewhere else was willing to start me 50% higher as a base and work up from there.
If the answer is that you're at the top of your pay range, it's time to move your career elsewhere. That's them telling you that there's nowhere else for you to move up at that company doing what you're doing (absent a significant promotion or role change), and if you're good at what you do and you're not about to retire, you should be looking for ways to increase your salary either to the range that's normal for your industry, if not increase above average if you've been doing it for a while / have unique skills to that profession that others might not have.
144
+1 for the unexpected reverse of rejecting the counter-offer. I thought you were about to say "they matched the offer so I took the money and stayed!". Sorry for underestimating you.
– BittermanAndy
yesterday
20
Last paragraph is one to keep in mind, sometimes nothing can be done and the only way to get a pay raise is to move to a different company/role.
– Leon
yesterday
92
Also, had you stayed he'd be going "We just gave you 50% raise" for who knows how many years ...
– Иво Недев
yesterday
43
@ИвоНедев That, or "you're fired, we found someone closer to your old salary" after six months.
– ceejayoz
yesterday
21
Something I feel is worth pointing out WRT your current employer offering to match your new wage - if you take it then you'll always be remembered as "that guy who wanted to leave" - your lack of loyalty can and probably will be used to justify passing on you for promotion, or making you redundant, were you to accept.
– Scoots
yesterday
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I am fairly certain that HR will hear my salary request and tell me my numbers are totally off-base compared to the company's research. What is a productive way to reply to that?
Is there a productive way to reply?
Regrettably, probably not.
- If the company genuinely has research to support their position, your informal conversations with unknown others won't carry more weight than that.
- If the company is only pretending to have such research, they will ignore your numbers, or claim that they are invalid or irrelevant ("oh, you think company X pays $Y? No, that's just what they put on the job advert to attract interest - they wouldn't really offer that much"). The going rate makes no difference to them - they just don't want to pay you more than they think they have to.
Even if you prove you are right (by getting an offer elsewhere but not taking it), then what? If your company says "we're still not paying that much", being right hasn't helped. Even worse, they might say "OK, we'll match that offer", then keep you only long enough to replace you with someone less demanding.
Realistically, you need to decide how much you believe you are worth - ask for that much - and be prepared to walk away if you don't get it. Whether you or they are right or wrong about what may or may not be on offer elsewhere, doesn't actually have any relevance to your situation (until you leave). It's not about facts, it's about what you're going to do.
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As with any other salary negotiation, all you can do if they disagree with your expectation is to ask them what their offer is and decide if it is sufficient to keep you there.
Yup, it's not really a negotiation at this point. If you know you're worth X+30% more then you're basically saying match it or I'm gonna leave.
– SLC
18 hours ago
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You can make this Conversation really easy, if you treat it like any other commercial transaction. You sell your manpower, which is a (hopefully) scarce good that the employers have to compete for. You have a price-estimate, mainly defined by your opportunities. They have one, based on their alternatives. If you find a range where those two match, fine! If not, you don´t have a business case, work elsewhere. It´s as simple as that - no need for hard feelings.
Now, there is a chance your employer is bluffing or misjudging the market or you are overestimating your options.
For the former, just firmly state that you believe that is your current market value and that while you really enjoy working there you can´t do it at opportunity-costs of X. If they disagree, take what little they offer and find a new job asap.
For the latter, if you really want to know your options: just get some opportunities on the table. There is nothing as effective for your negotiation position as already having a second offer in your pocket, even if you don´t show it.
Do not get into any kind of argument over the price. They will be better at playing bullshit bingo, and it does not matter if the Company just bought a new Porsche for their CEO or if your girlfriend needs new Cloth.
Just remain confident about your assessment and ask if they want to match that or not.
Also, once you found another job, I would not fall for it if they suddenly want to match the offer. In my eyes this is dishonest and experience shows that such work relationships don´t do well down the road *1. Once you decided to leave, leave.
( *1 Read a study once about that, will try to find it and add later)
Agreed with this. The only way to actually show that they're wrong about what you're worth is not to present them your own research, but to show them that someone else will actually pay you that much right now. But if it gets to that point you're almost certainly better off taking the external offer.
– Matthew Read
7 hours ago
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I'm at the point where I'm ready to leave the job because of this, but
I want to give this December raise conversation my best shot since I
do enjoy my job and would like to stay (if I'm compensated better).
So what you are essentially saying is that regardless of market research, there is a salary baseline that you require to keep working there.
If what you are saying is correct and your market value is much higher than your current job, then you shouldn't have a problem getting an offer that reflects your value. That's when I'd start a conversation with your manager and/or HR. Important: do not mention that you have an offer (to avoid any counter-offers and ultimatums). Simply tell them that you need X as a baseline for you to continue working there.
If they don't agree, move on. You said it yourself. You are ready to quit because of the lack of proper compensation. There is no reason to devalue yourself by accepting less compensation than market value. Your company wouldn't do it for their clients and you shouldn't do it for your company either.
What he said is that he set a general salary baseline based on market research, not regardless of it.
– David Thornley
yesterday
A possible statement not to yield against additional pressure on whether you have an offer is I'd rather not say and say no more, consequently
– XavierStuvw
yesterday
This answer makes a good point - It is important to ask for the raise to a given salary level beforehand; if you receive an offer at the salary level you want, you may as well leave (given it's not necessarily wise to accept a counter); You do definitely want to give them the opportunity to give you the raise first before getting an offer; if they turn it down and say you're at the top of your range, it's definitely time to shop around :)
– schizoid04
7 hours ago
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HR will hear my salary request ... and tell me my numbers are totally off-base compared to the company's research. What is a productive way to reply to that?
This really highlights the nature of negotiations. If you get in to talk-talk, unfortunately you lose!
Reasons do not win negotiations.
Is there a productive way to reply?
If you have gone down this road, yes.
Very simply, as briefly as possible, just state examples. So,
"Here on SO jobs for instance, you can see XYZ are offering ABC for a similar role. And here's one - PQR are offering DEF."
That's all you can do.
But understand that of course, the person you're negotiating with will just instantly give you 100 reasons why those "don't count" (wrong city, different size team, blah blah - whatever).
An interesting thing is, I noticed when folks negotiate on house prices they do so in a rational manner. (If you were buying my house and you said 100 and I said 110, and I tried to give you some "reasons" you should pay 110 - you'd just stare through me like I was daft.) A good thing is to think "What language would I use if this was a house price negotiation?"
Anyway the literal answer to your actual question is
- have two or three (don't go overboard with detail) short examples on hand and use those.
Good luck!
As a footnote, in software as a rule you should just dump your first job as soon as possible to start earning money. (The converse of this is, when you're hiring it's really smart to hire "newbies" as you get to rip them off and save a few dollars, until they get wise and leave.) Enjoy!
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"when you're hiring it's really smart to hire "newbies" as you get to rip them off and save a few dollars, until they get wise and leave" - Am I understanding you correctly, that you're recommending this practice?
– René
yesterday
1
+1 for both providing real examples of other opportunities and also for the last part, the best way to get a raise is often to leave (easier to negotiate a salary during the hiring process)
– aw04
yesterday
3
hi @René - in 75% of cases in software when people hire Young New programmers, that is exactly what is happening.
– Fattie
yesterday
4
Of course, it'd be even smarter to give raises to the newbies who did well... but, let's not get carried away. :-)
– employee-X
yesterday
1
@Fattie It costs less in salary to keep hiring more newbies. It isn't necessarily cheaper in any other way. Recruitment and onboarding cost money. A group of newbies are likely to cost more for the same amount of work than the same group with some experienced people. A group of newbies are likely to be unable to provide the same results as a group with more experience, hence costing money elsewhere in the business.
– David Thornley
12 hours ago
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I want to layout a few things that may provide an alternative point of view:
- This is your first year at an entry-level job.
- You've met with other people in the field who presumably have a lot more experience telling you that you're underpaid.
As this is an entry level position, I would not be surprised if you are making notably less than someone who is in the field for a year already and thus has made the rookie mistakes.
I can't speak for all fields, but in technical fields like engineering there is a learning curve to figure out how to take what you learned in school and make it useful in the office. As a result, my first raise was significantly higher than subsequent raises because there was so much I'd learned in the first year that had grown my value.
I recommend you enter negotiations with a positive attitude and discuss where you want to be. Ideally, this occurs near your annual review so you can tie those together.
In the event that you get shot down, I would ask what sort of responsibilities and skills you can learn that would put you on the level that pays what you're seeking and ask that they assist you securing those skills in the coming year.
If the pay is insultingly low (i.e. just a cost of living adjustment), it is probably best to focus on your resume and moving on. You may find that a lot of firms have interest in picking up talent that's already past the rookie year.
2
+1 for "I would ask what sort of responsibilities and skills you can learn that would..."
– J. Chris Compton
yesterday
The experienced people he met probably told him that he was under the usual market for rookies as a Rookie himself.
– Echox
13 hours ago
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In my opinion, starting a negotiation with "at place X I can earn Y" is the entirely wrong thing to do. If HR is the least bit capable, they know what's being paid where. Even if you prove it to them they will find lots of reasons why your proof doesn't apply, or worse, tell you "then go there".
The only one you need to prove your value to (credibly) is yourself.
Start a negotiation with what you believe your value is for the company, not with comparisons to other places and sums. It's their business case that must be valid as well as yours. Just state what you want, make up your limits, and negotiate with your value for the company, how much that has risen through the time you have been with them and for what reasons.
New contributor
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The only correct response is:
I see, here is my resignation letter, I have accepted a position with a different company.
The best way to combat pay deficiency is usually to look elsewhere and make sure you have a signed offer before salary negotiations.
Businesses have good reason to not give big raises per https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/290129 so if you did not join the company at the level you wanted then there is unfortunately little that you can do.
If you are looking to build up better evidence that you actually do deserve more so that you can feel confident in proceeding with your raise request then you should interview with other places and see what they offer just as practice.
You don't have to mention this during negotiations but it will position to you to hold a firmer grip when negotiating.
I have worked for a company in which employees would fight tooth and nail for as much as a 5% bump and even that was rare. Asking to get paid your perceived market value was unheard of. I would argue that fighting tooth and nail is commonplace at most businesses unless you possess a truly valuable skill. If you're easily replaceable then the incentive of hiring a less problematic employee is all the more enticing.
Since I knew the culture of the company I never pressed a raise beyond the standard 2% or whatever they gave yearly. FWIW I was hired at a equal or higher salary than some of my experienced colleagues.
Upon handing in my resignation I was offered a substantial ~25% pay bump (salary would equal more than new job) if I chose to stay. Aside from the countless posts which detail why staying is a bad decision I had already checked out mentally from continuing work for that company so I proceeded with my resignation.
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Advice from an old-timer who's been down this road
Remember that without an offer in-hand from elsewhere the company you work for holds all the cards. Whatever outcome don't take it personally. They hired you, and can fire you for no reason. Yes, no, I understand, fair enough, keep it simple and respectful.
Here's something I did back in the mid-90's. It was my first company out of college, I took the job making 7.50 an hour as a computer operator. Much different world back then. I took it upon myself to make buddies with the programmers and learned on my own and started doing jobs for the boss. Got promoted in 1 year, but got a small bump in pay.
Into my 3rd year I was getting wiser, found myself to be very good at it and was widely praised. I didn't want to leave but I deserved to be paid much more.
I was contacted by a recruiter who was eager to make some big bucks off of me knowing I didn't make crap and could give me a raise I would be happy with while still making them tons of money on margins because of still being underpaid.
So knowing that I had no leverage and wanted to be careful as not to get let go or make me look bad I went in to my bosses office around 10:00 am and said:
"Boss(Name), I've been speaking with a recruiter and I'm going to have lunch with them today and it really sounds like they might make me an offer, and if it's higher then what I'm making here I'm probably going to take it. I don't know if that will be the case but thought I'd come in here and tell you so you're not blindsided if it comes to be."
Now I knew that they knew I was underpaid, and I knew that they didn't want to lose me. I had become pretty valuable at that point. Fabricated as it was I knew I needed some leverage.
He says "How much would it take to make them go away."
I gave them a dollar figure that was 25% more then I was currently making.
He says "Give me 1 hour, please don't go or do anything until you hear back from me. I have to talk to some people.".
One hour later he calls me in his office
"If we give you 75% of that immediately and 25% in 3 months(end of year) will that make them go away?"
My answer: "Yes, thank you".
Missions Accomplished. I made it so if they didn't respond in my favor I wasn't bound to go anywhere, yet immediate enough to get them to move or possibly lose me. I'm glad it worked out.. that's how I got paid the going rate.
Stayed with that company for 13 years, and after I moved on from place to place after that I kept building and never worried about being underpaid to this day.
Good luck
New contributor
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I did a lot of research: At first, looking online (glassdoor, linkedin, payscale, etc) and then by talking to people. I spoke to 2 current colleagues at my company, 2 former coworkers, a family-friend recruiter in the industry, and a big manager from a different company (again, a friend). Those people were able to give me solid ranges for what they felt is my competitive market value in my city, especially for those who know what type of work I do on a day-to-day basis.
Those are in my opinion weak reasons to get the pay raise you want. Mainly because of the following facts:
- HR already disqualified your research so it is a moot point on what I think or if I agree those methods are valid or not. And vice versa, this applies to you and what you're trying to resolve.
- You're not saying you deserve a raise but only because others told you you're getting underpaid. So it's a perception problem.
Now, the most solid way to get a payraise is by having a offer letter in your hand from a company "down the street" that does in fact offer the pay level you want. Once you have that, you have solid proof that others are willing to pay the same job at the level you want. I believe this is your only course of action right now. If HR won't listen to your research, then they probably won't listen to anything else you say.
5
I'm not sure you can argue those are weak opinion reasons. Those are pretty standard methods to determine typical salary ranges for an industry. Furthermore, your answer is indirectly providing the answer to move to another company suggesting that is the only way to determine reasonable pay.
– Pyrotechnical
yesterday
1
@Pyrotechnical Sadly yes, it is. HR already disqualified his research so it is a moot point on what I think or if I agree those methods are valid or not. His only course of action at this point is to go to another company to see if his pay request is reasonable or not. If someone is willing to pay that amount, then it means his research is correct and he can say goodbye to his current place.
– Dan
yesterday
@dan I think you could improve your answer by adding what you said in your comment to your answer. "HR already disqualified his research so it is a moot point on what I think or if I agree those methods are valid or not." is a good point, but that didn't come across clearly to me in your answer. +1 on your comment.
– J. Chris Compton
yesterday
@J.ChrisCompton Okay added.
– Dan
yesterday
I still have some problems with your last paragraph. If you have an offer from another company for the pay level you want, you can accept it. Using it as leverage where you work is almost certainly a bad idea. If the current employer isn't going to budge, the best way to get a raise is to leave for a more reasonable employer.
– David Thornley
12 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
There is not much you can say at this point. They have decided we don't want to pay more. Just get out of there and go to that other place you are so sure would pay you more.
( Assuming you are actually confident enough there exists such a place so you would quit over it. )
1
The usual practice is not to quit on the spot and trust that there are jobs available. The usual practice is to go looking and accept a satisfactory offer (and, if OP's research is valid, it should work), then quit the original company.
– David Thornley
12 hours ago
No, that is bad advice, David. Because the bosses can talk behind your back and reach an agreement of not giving you more than say, X. If you don't have any current boss, there is no one to strike such a deal with.
– mathreadler
11 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
You need to keep in mind that your employer may not actually be ignorant of the market value or is willfully ignorant of it. It's sad, but once you are pegged as "cheap and inexperienced", it is hard to change that perception. It's time to move on.
A side effect of this is that employers are reluctant to train people because "they will just leave for more money".
Personally, I found it easier to just leave for an employer who would value me more than to try an negotiate a raise.
New contributor
add a comment |
up vote
-4
down vote
A starting salary is something you negotiate. A pay raise is not. You have been at the company for over a year which is enough time for them to know what value you provide. If their raise does not match your research, accept that the company undervalues you and start looking for a new job.
13
"A starting salary is something you negotiate. A pay raise is not." I disagree completely, everything in a job is negotiable.
– George
yesterday
I recommend you do some more research into negotiating with companies. You can 100% negotiate a pay raise. You can also negotiate for a more frequent review period.
– Steve
yesterday
2
Yes, anything can be negotiated. The point, however, is that if you have to negotiate a pay raise, at best the company undervalues you so why would you want to work for them? At worst, the company knows your true value and is cheap, so once again why would you want to work for them?
– sf02
yesterday
1
The company doubtless has some idea as to your true value, and is going to pay you less than that. If nothing else, they need to make a profit off you to justify you working there. The company wants to pay you less money, and you want more money. This is how it works, and doesn't mean the company is cheap. The salary needs to be what the company can pay you and what you're happy with. That requires negotiations. They don't have to be difficult.
– David Thornley
yesterday
I'm not sure why people are downvoting this. It's a hurtful answer, but it is reality. When you first start a job, that is your base pay forever. As an example let's say you start at X, then you get a pay raise at X+20k. You see it as a deserving payraise to match current market value, they see it as increasing your pay by X percent. Sadly you have to get a new job to get the base salary you deserve. I'd like to see what others would say to HR, that is somehow magically going to sway them, to get a huge pay increase?
– Dan
yesterday
|
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14 Answers
14
active
oldest
votes
14 Answers
14
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
232
down vote
accepted
My response to them saying those numbers are wrong would be to say that that's the reason I'm bringing this to their attention - their idea of the salary range and my idea of the salary range for this position are apparently at odds.
At the end of the day, you're looking for considerably more than you're getting, and you believe others are able to offer that. You're happy with where you're at, but you'd be foolish to ignore a significantly higher paying position elsewhere.
An example from my own past - There was a point where I was at odds with management over my own salary, having been promoted into a position with a small pay bump over a helpdesk job, where the position itself was 2-3x as much salary elsewhere.
My direct manager kept laying comments down that if I wanted to make any more I would need to get a bachelors degree finished, get more certs, etc, that I wasn't qualified for anything more than I was getting....
A few months later I actually ended up getting an offer somewhere else for 50% more, and I was conflicted. Happy where I was, but couldn't say no to a difference like that.
I texted my manager letting them know I had an offer for X ridiculous salary and I was going to have to take it.
They texted back a minute later saying they'd match it.
At this point... Honestly I had to go to the other place. It felt dishonest to have someone tell me I was at the top end of my pay range, only to flatly reverse when it was time for me to leave... Whereas somewhere else was willing to start me 50% higher as a base and work up from there.
If the answer is that you're at the top of your pay range, it's time to move your career elsewhere. That's them telling you that there's nowhere else for you to move up at that company doing what you're doing (absent a significant promotion or role change), and if you're good at what you do and you're not about to retire, you should be looking for ways to increase your salary either to the range that's normal for your industry, if not increase above average if you've been doing it for a while / have unique skills to that profession that others might not have.
144
+1 for the unexpected reverse of rejecting the counter-offer. I thought you were about to say "they matched the offer so I took the money and stayed!". Sorry for underestimating you.
– BittermanAndy
yesterday
20
Last paragraph is one to keep in mind, sometimes nothing can be done and the only way to get a pay raise is to move to a different company/role.
– Leon
yesterday
92
Also, had you stayed he'd be going "We just gave you 50% raise" for who knows how many years ...
– Иво Недев
yesterday
43
@ИвоНедев That, or "you're fired, we found someone closer to your old salary" after six months.
– ceejayoz
yesterday
21
Something I feel is worth pointing out WRT your current employer offering to match your new wage - if you take it then you'll always be remembered as "that guy who wanted to leave" - your lack of loyalty can and probably will be used to justify passing on you for promotion, or making you redundant, were you to accept.
– Scoots
yesterday
|
show 5 more comments
up vote
232
down vote
accepted
My response to them saying those numbers are wrong would be to say that that's the reason I'm bringing this to their attention - their idea of the salary range and my idea of the salary range for this position are apparently at odds.
At the end of the day, you're looking for considerably more than you're getting, and you believe others are able to offer that. You're happy with where you're at, but you'd be foolish to ignore a significantly higher paying position elsewhere.
An example from my own past - There was a point where I was at odds with management over my own salary, having been promoted into a position with a small pay bump over a helpdesk job, where the position itself was 2-3x as much salary elsewhere.
My direct manager kept laying comments down that if I wanted to make any more I would need to get a bachelors degree finished, get more certs, etc, that I wasn't qualified for anything more than I was getting....
A few months later I actually ended up getting an offer somewhere else for 50% more, and I was conflicted. Happy where I was, but couldn't say no to a difference like that.
I texted my manager letting them know I had an offer for X ridiculous salary and I was going to have to take it.
They texted back a minute later saying they'd match it.
At this point... Honestly I had to go to the other place. It felt dishonest to have someone tell me I was at the top end of my pay range, only to flatly reverse when it was time for me to leave... Whereas somewhere else was willing to start me 50% higher as a base and work up from there.
If the answer is that you're at the top of your pay range, it's time to move your career elsewhere. That's them telling you that there's nowhere else for you to move up at that company doing what you're doing (absent a significant promotion or role change), and if you're good at what you do and you're not about to retire, you should be looking for ways to increase your salary either to the range that's normal for your industry, if not increase above average if you've been doing it for a while / have unique skills to that profession that others might not have.
144
+1 for the unexpected reverse of rejecting the counter-offer. I thought you were about to say "they matched the offer so I took the money and stayed!". Sorry for underestimating you.
– BittermanAndy
yesterday
20
Last paragraph is one to keep in mind, sometimes nothing can be done and the only way to get a pay raise is to move to a different company/role.
– Leon
yesterday
92
Also, had you stayed he'd be going "We just gave you 50% raise" for who knows how many years ...
– Иво Недев
yesterday
43
@ИвоНедев That, or "you're fired, we found someone closer to your old salary" after six months.
– ceejayoz
yesterday
21
Something I feel is worth pointing out WRT your current employer offering to match your new wage - if you take it then you'll always be remembered as "that guy who wanted to leave" - your lack of loyalty can and probably will be used to justify passing on you for promotion, or making you redundant, were you to accept.
– Scoots
yesterday
|
show 5 more comments
up vote
232
down vote
accepted
up vote
232
down vote
accepted
My response to them saying those numbers are wrong would be to say that that's the reason I'm bringing this to their attention - their idea of the salary range and my idea of the salary range for this position are apparently at odds.
At the end of the day, you're looking for considerably more than you're getting, and you believe others are able to offer that. You're happy with where you're at, but you'd be foolish to ignore a significantly higher paying position elsewhere.
An example from my own past - There was a point where I was at odds with management over my own salary, having been promoted into a position with a small pay bump over a helpdesk job, where the position itself was 2-3x as much salary elsewhere.
My direct manager kept laying comments down that if I wanted to make any more I would need to get a bachelors degree finished, get more certs, etc, that I wasn't qualified for anything more than I was getting....
A few months later I actually ended up getting an offer somewhere else for 50% more, and I was conflicted. Happy where I was, but couldn't say no to a difference like that.
I texted my manager letting them know I had an offer for X ridiculous salary and I was going to have to take it.
They texted back a minute later saying they'd match it.
At this point... Honestly I had to go to the other place. It felt dishonest to have someone tell me I was at the top end of my pay range, only to flatly reverse when it was time for me to leave... Whereas somewhere else was willing to start me 50% higher as a base and work up from there.
If the answer is that you're at the top of your pay range, it's time to move your career elsewhere. That's them telling you that there's nowhere else for you to move up at that company doing what you're doing (absent a significant promotion or role change), and if you're good at what you do and you're not about to retire, you should be looking for ways to increase your salary either to the range that's normal for your industry, if not increase above average if you've been doing it for a while / have unique skills to that profession that others might not have.
My response to them saying those numbers are wrong would be to say that that's the reason I'm bringing this to their attention - their idea of the salary range and my idea of the salary range for this position are apparently at odds.
At the end of the day, you're looking for considerably more than you're getting, and you believe others are able to offer that. You're happy with where you're at, but you'd be foolish to ignore a significantly higher paying position elsewhere.
An example from my own past - There was a point where I was at odds with management over my own salary, having been promoted into a position with a small pay bump over a helpdesk job, where the position itself was 2-3x as much salary elsewhere.
My direct manager kept laying comments down that if I wanted to make any more I would need to get a bachelors degree finished, get more certs, etc, that I wasn't qualified for anything more than I was getting....
A few months later I actually ended up getting an offer somewhere else for 50% more, and I was conflicted. Happy where I was, but couldn't say no to a difference like that.
I texted my manager letting them know I had an offer for X ridiculous salary and I was going to have to take it.
They texted back a minute later saying they'd match it.
At this point... Honestly I had to go to the other place. It felt dishonest to have someone tell me I was at the top end of my pay range, only to flatly reverse when it was time for me to leave... Whereas somewhere else was willing to start me 50% higher as a base and work up from there.
If the answer is that you're at the top of your pay range, it's time to move your career elsewhere. That's them telling you that there's nowhere else for you to move up at that company doing what you're doing (absent a significant promotion or role change), and if you're good at what you do and you're not about to retire, you should be looking for ways to increase your salary either to the range that's normal for your industry, if not increase above average if you've been doing it for a while / have unique skills to that profession that others might not have.
answered 2 days ago
schizoid04
3,37941231
3,37941231
144
+1 for the unexpected reverse of rejecting the counter-offer. I thought you were about to say "they matched the offer so I took the money and stayed!". Sorry for underestimating you.
– BittermanAndy
yesterday
20
Last paragraph is one to keep in mind, sometimes nothing can be done and the only way to get a pay raise is to move to a different company/role.
– Leon
yesterday
92
Also, had you stayed he'd be going "We just gave you 50% raise" for who knows how many years ...
– Иво Недев
yesterday
43
@ИвоНедев That, or "you're fired, we found someone closer to your old salary" after six months.
– ceejayoz
yesterday
21
Something I feel is worth pointing out WRT your current employer offering to match your new wage - if you take it then you'll always be remembered as "that guy who wanted to leave" - your lack of loyalty can and probably will be used to justify passing on you for promotion, or making you redundant, were you to accept.
– Scoots
yesterday
|
show 5 more comments
144
+1 for the unexpected reverse of rejecting the counter-offer. I thought you were about to say "they matched the offer so I took the money and stayed!". Sorry for underestimating you.
– BittermanAndy
yesterday
20
Last paragraph is one to keep in mind, sometimes nothing can be done and the only way to get a pay raise is to move to a different company/role.
– Leon
yesterday
92
Also, had you stayed he'd be going "We just gave you 50% raise" for who knows how many years ...
– Иво Недев
yesterday
43
@ИвоНедев That, or "you're fired, we found someone closer to your old salary" after six months.
– ceejayoz
yesterday
21
Something I feel is worth pointing out WRT your current employer offering to match your new wage - if you take it then you'll always be remembered as "that guy who wanted to leave" - your lack of loyalty can and probably will be used to justify passing on you for promotion, or making you redundant, were you to accept.
– Scoots
yesterday
144
144
+1 for the unexpected reverse of rejecting the counter-offer. I thought you were about to say "they matched the offer so I took the money and stayed!". Sorry for underestimating you.
– BittermanAndy
yesterday
+1 for the unexpected reverse of rejecting the counter-offer. I thought you were about to say "they matched the offer so I took the money and stayed!". Sorry for underestimating you.
– BittermanAndy
yesterday
20
20
Last paragraph is one to keep in mind, sometimes nothing can be done and the only way to get a pay raise is to move to a different company/role.
– Leon
yesterday
Last paragraph is one to keep in mind, sometimes nothing can be done and the only way to get a pay raise is to move to a different company/role.
– Leon
yesterday
92
92
Also, had you stayed he'd be going "We just gave you 50% raise" for who knows how many years ...
– Иво Недев
yesterday
Also, had you stayed he'd be going "We just gave you 50% raise" for who knows how many years ...
– Иво Недев
yesterday
43
43
@ИвоНедев That, or "you're fired, we found someone closer to your old salary" after six months.
– ceejayoz
yesterday
@ИвоНедев That, or "you're fired, we found someone closer to your old salary" after six months.
– ceejayoz
yesterday
21
21
Something I feel is worth pointing out WRT your current employer offering to match your new wage - if you take it then you'll always be remembered as "that guy who wanted to leave" - your lack of loyalty can and probably will be used to justify passing on you for promotion, or making you redundant, were you to accept.
– Scoots
yesterday
Something I feel is worth pointing out WRT your current employer offering to match your new wage - if you take it then you'll always be remembered as "that guy who wanted to leave" - your lack of loyalty can and probably will be used to justify passing on you for promotion, or making you redundant, were you to accept.
– Scoots
yesterday
|
show 5 more comments
up vote
53
down vote
I am fairly certain that HR will hear my salary request and tell me my numbers are totally off-base compared to the company's research. What is a productive way to reply to that?
Is there a productive way to reply?
Regrettably, probably not.
- If the company genuinely has research to support their position, your informal conversations with unknown others won't carry more weight than that.
- If the company is only pretending to have such research, they will ignore your numbers, or claim that they are invalid or irrelevant ("oh, you think company X pays $Y? No, that's just what they put on the job advert to attract interest - they wouldn't really offer that much"). The going rate makes no difference to them - they just don't want to pay you more than they think they have to.
Even if you prove you are right (by getting an offer elsewhere but not taking it), then what? If your company says "we're still not paying that much", being right hasn't helped. Even worse, they might say "OK, we'll match that offer", then keep you only long enough to replace you with someone less demanding.
Realistically, you need to decide how much you believe you are worth - ask for that much - and be prepared to walk away if you don't get it. Whether you or they are right or wrong about what may or may not be on offer elsewhere, doesn't actually have any relevance to your situation (until you leave). It's not about facts, it's about what you're going to do.
add a comment |
up vote
53
down vote
I am fairly certain that HR will hear my salary request and tell me my numbers are totally off-base compared to the company's research. What is a productive way to reply to that?
Is there a productive way to reply?
Regrettably, probably not.
- If the company genuinely has research to support their position, your informal conversations with unknown others won't carry more weight than that.
- If the company is only pretending to have such research, they will ignore your numbers, or claim that they are invalid or irrelevant ("oh, you think company X pays $Y? No, that's just what they put on the job advert to attract interest - they wouldn't really offer that much"). The going rate makes no difference to them - they just don't want to pay you more than they think they have to.
Even if you prove you are right (by getting an offer elsewhere but not taking it), then what? If your company says "we're still not paying that much", being right hasn't helped. Even worse, they might say "OK, we'll match that offer", then keep you only long enough to replace you with someone less demanding.
Realistically, you need to decide how much you believe you are worth - ask for that much - and be prepared to walk away if you don't get it. Whether you or they are right or wrong about what may or may not be on offer elsewhere, doesn't actually have any relevance to your situation (until you leave). It's not about facts, it's about what you're going to do.
add a comment |
up vote
53
down vote
up vote
53
down vote
I am fairly certain that HR will hear my salary request and tell me my numbers are totally off-base compared to the company's research. What is a productive way to reply to that?
Is there a productive way to reply?
Regrettably, probably not.
- If the company genuinely has research to support their position, your informal conversations with unknown others won't carry more weight than that.
- If the company is only pretending to have such research, they will ignore your numbers, or claim that they are invalid or irrelevant ("oh, you think company X pays $Y? No, that's just what they put on the job advert to attract interest - they wouldn't really offer that much"). The going rate makes no difference to them - they just don't want to pay you more than they think they have to.
Even if you prove you are right (by getting an offer elsewhere but not taking it), then what? If your company says "we're still not paying that much", being right hasn't helped. Even worse, they might say "OK, we'll match that offer", then keep you only long enough to replace you with someone less demanding.
Realistically, you need to decide how much you believe you are worth - ask for that much - and be prepared to walk away if you don't get it. Whether you or they are right or wrong about what may or may not be on offer elsewhere, doesn't actually have any relevance to your situation (until you leave). It's not about facts, it's about what you're going to do.
I am fairly certain that HR will hear my salary request and tell me my numbers are totally off-base compared to the company's research. What is a productive way to reply to that?
Is there a productive way to reply?
Regrettably, probably not.
- If the company genuinely has research to support their position, your informal conversations with unknown others won't carry more weight than that.
- If the company is only pretending to have such research, they will ignore your numbers, or claim that they are invalid or irrelevant ("oh, you think company X pays $Y? No, that's just what they put on the job advert to attract interest - they wouldn't really offer that much"). The going rate makes no difference to them - they just don't want to pay you more than they think they have to.
Even if you prove you are right (by getting an offer elsewhere but not taking it), then what? If your company says "we're still not paying that much", being right hasn't helped. Even worse, they might say "OK, we'll match that offer", then keep you only long enough to replace you with someone less demanding.
Realistically, you need to decide how much you believe you are worth - ask for that much - and be prepared to walk away if you don't get it. Whether you or they are right or wrong about what may or may not be on offer elsewhere, doesn't actually have any relevance to your situation (until you leave). It's not about facts, it's about what you're going to do.
edited yesterday
answered yesterday
BittermanAndy
2,042213
2,042213
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
17
down vote
As with any other salary negotiation, all you can do if they disagree with your expectation is to ask them what their offer is and decide if it is sufficient to keep you there.
Yup, it's not really a negotiation at this point. If you know you're worth X+30% more then you're basically saying match it or I'm gonna leave.
– SLC
18 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
17
down vote
As with any other salary negotiation, all you can do if they disagree with your expectation is to ask them what their offer is and decide if it is sufficient to keep you there.
Yup, it's not really a negotiation at this point. If you know you're worth X+30% more then you're basically saying match it or I'm gonna leave.
– SLC
18 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
17
down vote
up vote
17
down vote
As with any other salary negotiation, all you can do if they disagree with your expectation is to ask them what their offer is and decide if it is sufficient to keep you there.
As with any other salary negotiation, all you can do if they disagree with your expectation is to ask them what their offer is and decide if it is sufficient to keep you there.
answered 2 days ago
HorusKol
16.9k63270
16.9k63270
Yup, it's not really a negotiation at this point. If you know you're worth X+30% more then you're basically saying match it or I'm gonna leave.
– SLC
18 hours ago
add a comment |
Yup, it's not really a negotiation at this point. If you know you're worth X+30% more then you're basically saying match it or I'm gonna leave.
– SLC
18 hours ago
Yup, it's not really a negotiation at this point. If you know you're worth X+30% more then you're basically saying match it or I'm gonna leave.
– SLC
18 hours ago
Yup, it's not really a negotiation at this point. If you know you're worth X+30% more then you're basically saying match it or I'm gonna leave.
– SLC
18 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
15
down vote
You can make this Conversation really easy, if you treat it like any other commercial transaction. You sell your manpower, which is a (hopefully) scarce good that the employers have to compete for. You have a price-estimate, mainly defined by your opportunities. They have one, based on their alternatives. If you find a range where those two match, fine! If not, you don´t have a business case, work elsewhere. It´s as simple as that - no need for hard feelings.
Now, there is a chance your employer is bluffing or misjudging the market or you are overestimating your options.
For the former, just firmly state that you believe that is your current market value and that while you really enjoy working there you can´t do it at opportunity-costs of X. If they disagree, take what little they offer and find a new job asap.
For the latter, if you really want to know your options: just get some opportunities on the table. There is nothing as effective for your negotiation position as already having a second offer in your pocket, even if you don´t show it.
Do not get into any kind of argument over the price. They will be better at playing bullshit bingo, and it does not matter if the Company just bought a new Porsche for their CEO or if your girlfriend needs new Cloth.
Just remain confident about your assessment and ask if they want to match that or not.
Also, once you found another job, I would not fall for it if they suddenly want to match the offer. In my eyes this is dishonest and experience shows that such work relationships don´t do well down the road *1. Once you decided to leave, leave.
( *1 Read a study once about that, will try to find it and add later)
Agreed with this. The only way to actually show that they're wrong about what you're worth is not to present them your own research, but to show them that someone else will actually pay you that much right now. But if it gets to that point you're almost certainly better off taking the external offer.
– Matthew Read
7 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
15
down vote
You can make this Conversation really easy, if you treat it like any other commercial transaction. You sell your manpower, which is a (hopefully) scarce good that the employers have to compete for. You have a price-estimate, mainly defined by your opportunities. They have one, based on their alternatives. If you find a range where those two match, fine! If not, you don´t have a business case, work elsewhere. It´s as simple as that - no need for hard feelings.
Now, there is a chance your employer is bluffing or misjudging the market or you are overestimating your options.
For the former, just firmly state that you believe that is your current market value and that while you really enjoy working there you can´t do it at opportunity-costs of X. If they disagree, take what little they offer and find a new job asap.
For the latter, if you really want to know your options: just get some opportunities on the table. There is nothing as effective for your negotiation position as already having a second offer in your pocket, even if you don´t show it.
Do not get into any kind of argument over the price. They will be better at playing bullshit bingo, and it does not matter if the Company just bought a new Porsche for their CEO or if your girlfriend needs new Cloth.
Just remain confident about your assessment and ask if they want to match that or not.
Also, once you found another job, I would not fall for it if they suddenly want to match the offer. In my eyes this is dishonest and experience shows that such work relationships don´t do well down the road *1. Once you decided to leave, leave.
( *1 Read a study once about that, will try to find it and add later)
Agreed with this. The only way to actually show that they're wrong about what you're worth is not to present them your own research, but to show them that someone else will actually pay you that much right now. But if it gets to that point you're almost certainly better off taking the external offer.
– Matthew Read
7 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
15
down vote
up vote
15
down vote
You can make this Conversation really easy, if you treat it like any other commercial transaction. You sell your manpower, which is a (hopefully) scarce good that the employers have to compete for. You have a price-estimate, mainly defined by your opportunities. They have one, based on their alternatives. If you find a range where those two match, fine! If not, you don´t have a business case, work elsewhere. It´s as simple as that - no need for hard feelings.
Now, there is a chance your employer is bluffing or misjudging the market or you are overestimating your options.
For the former, just firmly state that you believe that is your current market value and that while you really enjoy working there you can´t do it at opportunity-costs of X. If they disagree, take what little they offer and find a new job asap.
For the latter, if you really want to know your options: just get some opportunities on the table. There is nothing as effective for your negotiation position as already having a second offer in your pocket, even if you don´t show it.
Do not get into any kind of argument over the price. They will be better at playing bullshit bingo, and it does not matter if the Company just bought a new Porsche for their CEO or if your girlfriend needs new Cloth.
Just remain confident about your assessment and ask if they want to match that or not.
Also, once you found another job, I would not fall for it if they suddenly want to match the offer. In my eyes this is dishonest and experience shows that such work relationships don´t do well down the road *1. Once you decided to leave, leave.
( *1 Read a study once about that, will try to find it and add later)
You can make this Conversation really easy, if you treat it like any other commercial transaction. You sell your manpower, which is a (hopefully) scarce good that the employers have to compete for. You have a price-estimate, mainly defined by your opportunities. They have one, based on their alternatives. If you find a range where those two match, fine! If not, you don´t have a business case, work elsewhere. It´s as simple as that - no need for hard feelings.
Now, there is a chance your employer is bluffing or misjudging the market or you are overestimating your options.
For the former, just firmly state that you believe that is your current market value and that while you really enjoy working there you can´t do it at opportunity-costs of X. If they disagree, take what little they offer and find a new job asap.
For the latter, if you really want to know your options: just get some opportunities on the table. There is nothing as effective for your negotiation position as already having a second offer in your pocket, even if you don´t show it.
Do not get into any kind of argument over the price. They will be better at playing bullshit bingo, and it does not matter if the Company just bought a new Porsche for their CEO or if your girlfriend needs new Cloth.
Just remain confident about your assessment and ask if they want to match that or not.
Also, once you found another job, I would not fall for it if they suddenly want to match the offer. In my eyes this is dishonest and experience shows that such work relationships don´t do well down the road *1. Once you decided to leave, leave.
( *1 Read a study once about that, will try to find it and add later)
edited yesterday
answered yesterday
Daniel
15.1k93359
15.1k93359
Agreed with this. The only way to actually show that they're wrong about what you're worth is not to present them your own research, but to show them that someone else will actually pay you that much right now. But if it gets to that point you're almost certainly better off taking the external offer.
– Matthew Read
7 hours ago
add a comment |
Agreed with this. The only way to actually show that they're wrong about what you're worth is not to present them your own research, but to show them that someone else will actually pay you that much right now. But if it gets to that point you're almost certainly better off taking the external offer.
– Matthew Read
7 hours ago
Agreed with this. The only way to actually show that they're wrong about what you're worth is not to present them your own research, but to show them that someone else will actually pay you that much right now. But if it gets to that point you're almost certainly better off taking the external offer.
– Matthew Read
7 hours ago
Agreed with this. The only way to actually show that they're wrong about what you're worth is not to present them your own research, but to show them that someone else will actually pay you that much right now. But if it gets to that point you're almost certainly better off taking the external offer.
– Matthew Read
7 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
9
down vote
I'm at the point where I'm ready to leave the job because of this, but
I want to give this December raise conversation my best shot since I
do enjoy my job and would like to stay (if I'm compensated better).
So what you are essentially saying is that regardless of market research, there is a salary baseline that you require to keep working there.
If what you are saying is correct and your market value is much higher than your current job, then you shouldn't have a problem getting an offer that reflects your value. That's when I'd start a conversation with your manager and/or HR. Important: do not mention that you have an offer (to avoid any counter-offers and ultimatums). Simply tell them that you need X as a baseline for you to continue working there.
If they don't agree, move on. You said it yourself. You are ready to quit because of the lack of proper compensation. There is no reason to devalue yourself by accepting less compensation than market value. Your company wouldn't do it for their clients and you shouldn't do it for your company either.
What he said is that he set a general salary baseline based on market research, not regardless of it.
– David Thornley
yesterday
A possible statement not to yield against additional pressure on whether you have an offer is I'd rather not say and say no more, consequently
– XavierStuvw
yesterday
This answer makes a good point - It is important to ask for the raise to a given salary level beforehand; if you receive an offer at the salary level you want, you may as well leave (given it's not necessarily wise to accept a counter); You do definitely want to give them the opportunity to give you the raise first before getting an offer; if they turn it down and say you're at the top of your range, it's definitely time to shop around :)
– schizoid04
7 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
9
down vote
I'm at the point where I'm ready to leave the job because of this, but
I want to give this December raise conversation my best shot since I
do enjoy my job and would like to stay (if I'm compensated better).
So what you are essentially saying is that regardless of market research, there is a salary baseline that you require to keep working there.
If what you are saying is correct and your market value is much higher than your current job, then you shouldn't have a problem getting an offer that reflects your value. That's when I'd start a conversation with your manager and/or HR. Important: do not mention that you have an offer (to avoid any counter-offers and ultimatums). Simply tell them that you need X as a baseline for you to continue working there.
If they don't agree, move on. You said it yourself. You are ready to quit because of the lack of proper compensation. There is no reason to devalue yourself by accepting less compensation than market value. Your company wouldn't do it for their clients and you shouldn't do it for your company either.
What he said is that he set a general salary baseline based on market research, not regardless of it.
– David Thornley
yesterday
A possible statement not to yield against additional pressure on whether you have an offer is I'd rather not say and say no more, consequently
– XavierStuvw
yesterday
This answer makes a good point - It is important to ask for the raise to a given salary level beforehand; if you receive an offer at the salary level you want, you may as well leave (given it's not necessarily wise to accept a counter); You do definitely want to give them the opportunity to give you the raise first before getting an offer; if they turn it down and say you're at the top of your range, it's definitely time to shop around :)
– schizoid04
7 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
9
down vote
up vote
9
down vote
I'm at the point where I'm ready to leave the job because of this, but
I want to give this December raise conversation my best shot since I
do enjoy my job and would like to stay (if I'm compensated better).
So what you are essentially saying is that regardless of market research, there is a salary baseline that you require to keep working there.
If what you are saying is correct and your market value is much higher than your current job, then you shouldn't have a problem getting an offer that reflects your value. That's when I'd start a conversation with your manager and/or HR. Important: do not mention that you have an offer (to avoid any counter-offers and ultimatums). Simply tell them that you need X as a baseline for you to continue working there.
If they don't agree, move on. You said it yourself. You are ready to quit because of the lack of proper compensation. There is no reason to devalue yourself by accepting less compensation than market value. Your company wouldn't do it for their clients and you shouldn't do it for your company either.
I'm at the point where I'm ready to leave the job because of this, but
I want to give this December raise conversation my best shot since I
do enjoy my job and would like to stay (if I'm compensated better).
So what you are essentially saying is that regardless of market research, there is a salary baseline that you require to keep working there.
If what you are saying is correct and your market value is much higher than your current job, then you shouldn't have a problem getting an offer that reflects your value. That's when I'd start a conversation with your manager and/or HR. Important: do not mention that you have an offer (to avoid any counter-offers and ultimatums). Simply tell them that you need X as a baseline for you to continue working there.
If they don't agree, move on. You said it yourself. You are ready to quit because of the lack of proper compensation. There is no reason to devalue yourself by accepting less compensation than market value. Your company wouldn't do it for their clients and you shouldn't do it for your company either.
answered yesterday
kolsyra
92868
92868
What he said is that he set a general salary baseline based on market research, not regardless of it.
– David Thornley
yesterday
A possible statement not to yield against additional pressure on whether you have an offer is I'd rather not say and say no more, consequently
– XavierStuvw
yesterday
This answer makes a good point - It is important to ask for the raise to a given salary level beforehand; if you receive an offer at the salary level you want, you may as well leave (given it's not necessarily wise to accept a counter); You do definitely want to give them the opportunity to give you the raise first before getting an offer; if they turn it down and say you're at the top of your range, it's definitely time to shop around :)
– schizoid04
7 hours ago
add a comment |
What he said is that he set a general salary baseline based on market research, not regardless of it.
– David Thornley
yesterday
A possible statement not to yield against additional pressure on whether you have an offer is I'd rather not say and say no more, consequently
– XavierStuvw
yesterday
This answer makes a good point - It is important to ask for the raise to a given salary level beforehand; if you receive an offer at the salary level you want, you may as well leave (given it's not necessarily wise to accept a counter); You do definitely want to give them the opportunity to give you the raise first before getting an offer; if they turn it down and say you're at the top of your range, it's definitely time to shop around :)
– schizoid04
7 hours ago
What he said is that he set a general salary baseline based on market research, not regardless of it.
– David Thornley
yesterday
What he said is that he set a general salary baseline based on market research, not regardless of it.
– David Thornley
yesterday
A possible statement not to yield against additional pressure on whether you have an offer is I'd rather not say and say no more, consequently
– XavierStuvw
yesterday
A possible statement not to yield against additional pressure on whether you have an offer is I'd rather not say and say no more, consequently
– XavierStuvw
yesterday
This answer makes a good point - It is important to ask for the raise to a given salary level beforehand; if you receive an offer at the salary level you want, you may as well leave (given it's not necessarily wise to accept a counter); You do definitely want to give them the opportunity to give you the raise first before getting an offer; if they turn it down and say you're at the top of your range, it's definitely time to shop around :)
– schizoid04
7 hours ago
This answer makes a good point - It is important to ask for the raise to a given salary level beforehand; if you receive an offer at the salary level you want, you may as well leave (given it's not necessarily wise to accept a counter); You do definitely want to give them the opportunity to give you the raise first before getting an offer; if they turn it down and say you're at the top of your range, it's definitely time to shop around :)
– schizoid04
7 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
7
down vote
HR will hear my salary request ... and tell me my numbers are totally off-base compared to the company's research. What is a productive way to reply to that?
This really highlights the nature of negotiations. If you get in to talk-talk, unfortunately you lose!
Reasons do not win negotiations.
Is there a productive way to reply?
If you have gone down this road, yes.
Very simply, as briefly as possible, just state examples. So,
"Here on SO jobs for instance, you can see XYZ are offering ABC for a similar role. And here's one - PQR are offering DEF."
That's all you can do.
But understand that of course, the person you're negotiating with will just instantly give you 100 reasons why those "don't count" (wrong city, different size team, blah blah - whatever).
An interesting thing is, I noticed when folks negotiate on house prices they do so in a rational manner. (If you were buying my house and you said 100 and I said 110, and I tried to give you some "reasons" you should pay 110 - you'd just stare through me like I was daft.) A good thing is to think "What language would I use if this was a house price negotiation?"
Anyway the literal answer to your actual question is
- have two or three (don't go overboard with detail) short examples on hand and use those.
Good luck!
As a footnote, in software as a rule you should just dump your first job as soon as possible to start earning money. (The converse of this is, when you're hiring it's really smart to hire "newbies" as you get to rip them off and save a few dollars, until they get wise and leave.) Enjoy!
4
"when you're hiring it's really smart to hire "newbies" as you get to rip them off and save a few dollars, until they get wise and leave" - Am I understanding you correctly, that you're recommending this practice?
– René
yesterday
1
+1 for both providing real examples of other opportunities and also for the last part, the best way to get a raise is often to leave (easier to negotiate a salary during the hiring process)
– aw04
yesterday
3
hi @René - in 75% of cases in software when people hire Young New programmers, that is exactly what is happening.
– Fattie
yesterday
4
Of course, it'd be even smarter to give raises to the newbies who did well... but, let's not get carried away. :-)
– employee-X
yesterday
1
@Fattie It costs less in salary to keep hiring more newbies. It isn't necessarily cheaper in any other way. Recruitment and onboarding cost money. A group of newbies are likely to cost more for the same amount of work than the same group with some experienced people. A group of newbies are likely to be unable to provide the same results as a group with more experience, hence costing money elsewhere in the business.
– David Thornley
12 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
up vote
7
down vote
HR will hear my salary request ... and tell me my numbers are totally off-base compared to the company's research. What is a productive way to reply to that?
This really highlights the nature of negotiations. If you get in to talk-talk, unfortunately you lose!
Reasons do not win negotiations.
Is there a productive way to reply?
If you have gone down this road, yes.
Very simply, as briefly as possible, just state examples. So,
"Here on SO jobs for instance, you can see XYZ are offering ABC for a similar role. And here's one - PQR are offering DEF."
That's all you can do.
But understand that of course, the person you're negotiating with will just instantly give you 100 reasons why those "don't count" (wrong city, different size team, blah blah - whatever).
An interesting thing is, I noticed when folks negotiate on house prices they do so in a rational manner. (If you were buying my house and you said 100 and I said 110, and I tried to give you some "reasons" you should pay 110 - you'd just stare through me like I was daft.) A good thing is to think "What language would I use if this was a house price negotiation?"
Anyway the literal answer to your actual question is
- have two or three (don't go overboard with detail) short examples on hand and use those.
Good luck!
As a footnote, in software as a rule you should just dump your first job as soon as possible to start earning money. (The converse of this is, when you're hiring it's really smart to hire "newbies" as you get to rip them off and save a few dollars, until they get wise and leave.) Enjoy!
4
"when you're hiring it's really smart to hire "newbies" as you get to rip them off and save a few dollars, until they get wise and leave" - Am I understanding you correctly, that you're recommending this practice?
– René
yesterday
1
+1 for both providing real examples of other opportunities and also for the last part, the best way to get a raise is often to leave (easier to negotiate a salary during the hiring process)
– aw04
yesterday
3
hi @René - in 75% of cases in software when people hire Young New programmers, that is exactly what is happening.
– Fattie
yesterday
4
Of course, it'd be even smarter to give raises to the newbies who did well... but, let's not get carried away. :-)
– employee-X
yesterday
1
@Fattie It costs less in salary to keep hiring more newbies. It isn't necessarily cheaper in any other way. Recruitment and onboarding cost money. A group of newbies are likely to cost more for the same amount of work than the same group with some experienced people. A group of newbies are likely to be unable to provide the same results as a group with more experience, hence costing money elsewhere in the business.
– David Thornley
12 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
up vote
7
down vote
up vote
7
down vote
HR will hear my salary request ... and tell me my numbers are totally off-base compared to the company's research. What is a productive way to reply to that?
This really highlights the nature of negotiations. If you get in to talk-talk, unfortunately you lose!
Reasons do not win negotiations.
Is there a productive way to reply?
If you have gone down this road, yes.
Very simply, as briefly as possible, just state examples. So,
"Here on SO jobs for instance, you can see XYZ are offering ABC for a similar role. And here's one - PQR are offering DEF."
That's all you can do.
But understand that of course, the person you're negotiating with will just instantly give you 100 reasons why those "don't count" (wrong city, different size team, blah blah - whatever).
An interesting thing is, I noticed when folks negotiate on house prices they do so in a rational manner. (If you were buying my house and you said 100 and I said 110, and I tried to give you some "reasons" you should pay 110 - you'd just stare through me like I was daft.) A good thing is to think "What language would I use if this was a house price negotiation?"
Anyway the literal answer to your actual question is
- have two or three (don't go overboard with detail) short examples on hand and use those.
Good luck!
As a footnote, in software as a rule you should just dump your first job as soon as possible to start earning money. (The converse of this is, when you're hiring it's really smart to hire "newbies" as you get to rip them off and save a few dollars, until they get wise and leave.) Enjoy!
HR will hear my salary request ... and tell me my numbers are totally off-base compared to the company's research. What is a productive way to reply to that?
This really highlights the nature of negotiations. If you get in to talk-talk, unfortunately you lose!
Reasons do not win negotiations.
Is there a productive way to reply?
If you have gone down this road, yes.
Very simply, as briefly as possible, just state examples. So,
"Here on SO jobs for instance, you can see XYZ are offering ABC for a similar role. And here's one - PQR are offering DEF."
That's all you can do.
But understand that of course, the person you're negotiating with will just instantly give you 100 reasons why those "don't count" (wrong city, different size team, blah blah - whatever).
An interesting thing is, I noticed when folks negotiate on house prices they do so in a rational manner. (If you were buying my house and you said 100 and I said 110, and I tried to give you some "reasons" you should pay 110 - you'd just stare through me like I was daft.) A good thing is to think "What language would I use if this was a house price negotiation?"
Anyway the literal answer to your actual question is
- have two or three (don't go overboard with detail) short examples on hand and use those.
Good luck!
As a footnote, in software as a rule you should just dump your first job as soon as possible to start earning money. (The converse of this is, when you're hiring it's really smart to hire "newbies" as you get to rip them off and save a few dollars, until they get wise and leave.) Enjoy!
edited 2 days ago
answered 2 days ago
Fattie
6,69931322
6,69931322
4
"when you're hiring it's really smart to hire "newbies" as you get to rip them off and save a few dollars, until they get wise and leave" - Am I understanding you correctly, that you're recommending this practice?
– René
yesterday
1
+1 for both providing real examples of other opportunities and also for the last part, the best way to get a raise is often to leave (easier to negotiate a salary during the hiring process)
– aw04
yesterday
3
hi @René - in 75% of cases in software when people hire Young New programmers, that is exactly what is happening.
– Fattie
yesterday
4
Of course, it'd be even smarter to give raises to the newbies who did well... but, let's not get carried away. :-)
– employee-X
yesterday
1
@Fattie It costs less in salary to keep hiring more newbies. It isn't necessarily cheaper in any other way. Recruitment and onboarding cost money. A group of newbies are likely to cost more for the same amount of work than the same group with some experienced people. A group of newbies are likely to be unable to provide the same results as a group with more experience, hence costing money elsewhere in the business.
– David Thornley
12 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
4
"when you're hiring it's really smart to hire "newbies" as you get to rip them off and save a few dollars, until they get wise and leave" - Am I understanding you correctly, that you're recommending this practice?
– René
yesterday
1
+1 for both providing real examples of other opportunities and also for the last part, the best way to get a raise is often to leave (easier to negotiate a salary during the hiring process)
– aw04
yesterday
3
hi @René - in 75% of cases in software when people hire Young New programmers, that is exactly what is happening.
– Fattie
yesterday
4
Of course, it'd be even smarter to give raises to the newbies who did well... but, let's not get carried away. :-)
– employee-X
yesterday
1
@Fattie It costs less in salary to keep hiring more newbies. It isn't necessarily cheaper in any other way. Recruitment and onboarding cost money. A group of newbies are likely to cost more for the same amount of work than the same group with some experienced people. A group of newbies are likely to be unable to provide the same results as a group with more experience, hence costing money elsewhere in the business.
– David Thornley
12 hours ago
4
4
"when you're hiring it's really smart to hire "newbies" as you get to rip them off and save a few dollars, until they get wise and leave" - Am I understanding you correctly, that you're recommending this practice?
– René
yesterday
"when you're hiring it's really smart to hire "newbies" as you get to rip them off and save a few dollars, until they get wise and leave" - Am I understanding you correctly, that you're recommending this practice?
– René
yesterday
1
1
+1 for both providing real examples of other opportunities and also for the last part, the best way to get a raise is often to leave (easier to negotiate a salary during the hiring process)
– aw04
yesterday
+1 for both providing real examples of other opportunities and also for the last part, the best way to get a raise is often to leave (easier to negotiate a salary during the hiring process)
– aw04
yesterday
3
3
hi @René - in 75% of cases in software when people hire Young New programmers, that is exactly what is happening.
– Fattie
yesterday
hi @René - in 75% of cases in software when people hire Young New programmers, that is exactly what is happening.
– Fattie
yesterday
4
4
Of course, it'd be even smarter to give raises to the newbies who did well... but, let's not get carried away. :-)
– employee-X
yesterday
Of course, it'd be even smarter to give raises to the newbies who did well... but, let's not get carried away. :-)
– employee-X
yesterday
1
1
@Fattie It costs less in salary to keep hiring more newbies. It isn't necessarily cheaper in any other way. Recruitment and onboarding cost money. A group of newbies are likely to cost more for the same amount of work than the same group with some experienced people. A group of newbies are likely to be unable to provide the same results as a group with more experience, hence costing money elsewhere in the business.
– David Thornley
12 hours ago
@Fattie It costs less in salary to keep hiring more newbies. It isn't necessarily cheaper in any other way. Recruitment and onboarding cost money. A group of newbies are likely to cost more for the same amount of work than the same group with some experienced people. A group of newbies are likely to be unable to provide the same results as a group with more experience, hence costing money elsewhere in the business.
– David Thornley
12 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
up vote
3
down vote
I want to layout a few things that may provide an alternative point of view:
- This is your first year at an entry-level job.
- You've met with other people in the field who presumably have a lot more experience telling you that you're underpaid.
As this is an entry level position, I would not be surprised if you are making notably less than someone who is in the field for a year already and thus has made the rookie mistakes.
I can't speak for all fields, but in technical fields like engineering there is a learning curve to figure out how to take what you learned in school and make it useful in the office. As a result, my first raise was significantly higher than subsequent raises because there was so much I'd learned in the first year that had grown my value.
I recommend you enter negotiations with a positive attitude and discuss where you want to be. Ideally, this occurs near your annual review so you can tie those together.
In the event that you get shot down, I would ask what sort of responsibilities and skills you can learn that would put you on the level that pays what you're seeking and ask that they assist you securing those skills in the coming year.
If the pay is insultingly low (i.e. just a cost of living adjustment), it is probably best to focus on your resume and moving on. You may find that a lot of firms have interest in picking up talent that's already past the rookie year.
2
+1 for "I would ask what sort of responsibilities and skills you can learn that would..."
– J. Chris Compton
yesterday
The experienced people he met probably told him that he was under the usual market for rookies as a Rookie himself.
– Echox
13 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
I want to layout a few things that may provide an alternative point of view:
- This is your first year at an entry-level job.
- You've met with other people in the field who presumably have a lot more experience telling you that you're underpaid.
As this is an entry level position, I would not be surprised if you are making notably less than someone who is in the field for a year already and thus has made the rookie mistakes.
I can't speak for all fields, but in technical fields like engineering there is a learning curve to figure out how to take what you learned in school and make it useful in the office. As a result, my first raise was significantly higher than subsequent raises because there was so much I'd learned in the first year that had grown my value.
I recommend you enter negotiations with a positive attitude and discuss where you want to be. Ideally, this occurs near your annual review so you can tie those together.
In the event that you get shot down, I would ask what sort of responsibilities and skills you can learn that would put you on the level that pays what you're seeking and ask that they assist you securing those skills in the coming year.
If the pay is insultingly low (i.e. just a cost of living adjustment), it is probably best to focus on your resume and moving on. You may find that a lot of firms have interest in picking up talent that's already past the rookie year.
2
+1 for "I would ask what sort of responsibilities and skills you can learn that would..."
– J. Chris Compton
yesterday
The experienced people he met probably told him that he was under the usual market for rookies as a Rookie himself.
– Echox
13 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
I want to layout a few things that may provide an alternative point of view:
- This is your first year at an entry-level job.
- You've met with other people in the field who presumably have a lot more experience telling you that you're underpaid.
As this is an entry level position, I would not be surprised if you are making notably less than someone who is in the field for a year already and thus has made the rookie mistakes.
I can't speak for all fields, but in technical fields like engineering there is a learning curve to figure out how to take what you learned in school and make it useful in the office. As a result, my first raise was significantly higher than subsequent raises because there was so much I'd learned in the first year that had grown my value.
I recommend you enter negotiations with a positive attitude and discuss where you want to be. Ideally, this occurs near your annual review so you can tie those together.
In the event that you get shot down, I would ask what sort of responsibilities and skills you can learn that would put you on the level that pays what you're seeking and ask that they assist you securing those skills in the coming year.
If the pay is insultingly low (i.e. just a cost of living adjustment), it is probably best to focus on your resume and moving on. You may find that a lot of firms have interest in picking up talent that's already past the rookie year.
I want to layout a few things that may provide an alternative point of view:
- This is your first year at an entry-level job.
- You've met with other people in the field who presumably have a lot more experience telling you that you're underpaid.
As this is an entry level position, I would not be surprised if you are making notably less than someone who is in the field for a year already and thus has made the rookie mistakes.
I can't speak for all fields, but in technical fields like engineering there is a learning curve to figure out how to take what you learned in school and make it useful in the office. As a result, my first raise was significantly higher than subsequent raises because there was so much I'd learned in the first year that had grown my value.
I recommend you enter negotiations with a positive attitude and discuss where you want to be. Ideally, this occurs near your annual review so you can tie those together.
In the event that you get shot down, I would ask what sort of responsibilities and skills you can learn that would put you on the level that pays what you're seeking and ask that they assist you securing those skills in the coming year.
If the pay is insultingly low (i.e. just a cost of living adjustment), it is probably best to focus on your resume and moving on. You may find that a lot of firms have interest in picking up talent that's already past the rookie year.
answered yesterday
Pyrotechnical
62311
62311
2
+1 for "I would ask what sort of responsibilities and skills you can learn that would..."
– J. Chris Compton
yesterday
The experienced people he met probably told him that he was under the usual market for rookies as a Rookie himself.
– Echox
13 hours ago
add a comment |
2
+1 for "I would ask what sort of responsibilities and skills you can learn that would..."
– J. Chris Compton
yesterday
The experienced people he met probably told him that he was under the usual market for rookies as a Rookie himself.
– Echox
13 hours ago
2
2
+1 for "I would ask what sort of responsibilities and skills you can learn that would..."
– J. Chris Compton
yesterday
+1 for "I would ask what sort of responsibilities and skills you can learn that would..."
– J. Chris Compton
yesterday
The experienced people he met probably told him that he was under the usual market for rookies as a Rookie himself.
– Echox
13 hours ago
The experienced people he met probably told him that he was under the usual market for rookies as a Rookie himself.
– Echox
13 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
In my opinion, starting a negotiation with "at place X I can earn Y" is the entirely wrong thing to do. If HR is the least bit capable, they know what's being paid where. Even if you prove it to them they will find lots of reasons why your proof doesn't apply, or worse, tell you "then go there".
The only one you need to prove your value to (credibly) is yourself.
Start a negotiation with what you believe your value is for the company, not with comparisons to other places and sums. It's their business case that must be valid as well as yours. Just state what you want, make up your limits, and negotiate with your value for the company, how much that has risen through the time you have been with them and for what reasons.
New contributor
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
In my opinion, starting a negotiation with "at place X I can earn Y" is the entirely wrong thing to do. If HR is the least bit capable, they know what's being paid where. Even if you prove it to them they will find lots of reasons why your proof doesn't apply, or worse, tell you "then go there".
The only one you need to prove your value to (credibly) is yourself.
Start a negotiation with what you believe your value is for the company, not with comparisons to other places and sums. It's their business case that must be valid as well as yours. Just state what you want, make up your limits, and negotiate with your value for the company, how much that has risen through the time you have been with them and for what reasons.
New contributor
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
In my opinion, starting a negotiation with "at place X I can earn Y" is the entirely wrong thing to do. If HR is the least bit capable, they know what's being paid where. Even if you prove it to them they will find lots of reasons why your proof doesn't apply, or worse, tell you "then go there".
The only one you need to prove your value to (credibly) is yourself.
Start a negotiation with what you believe your value is for the company, not with comparisons to other places and sums. It's their business case that must be valid as well as yours. Just state what you want, make up your limits, and negotiate with your value for the company, how much that has risen through the time you have been with them and for what reasons.
New contributor
In my opinion, starting a negotiation with "at place X I can earn Y" is the entirely wrong thing to do. If HR is the least bit capable, they know what's being paid where. Even if you prove it to them they will find lots of reasons why your proof doesn't apply, or worse, tell you "then go there".
The only one you need to prove your value to (credibly) is yourself.
Start a negotiation with what you believe your value is for the company, not with comparisons to other places and sums. It's their business case that must be valid as well as yours. Just state what you want, make up your limits, and negotiate with your value for the company, how much that has risen through the time you have been with them and for what reasons.
New contributor
New contributor
answered yesterday
HansDampf
211
211
New contributor
New contributor
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
The only correct response is:
I see, here is my resignation letter, I have accepted a position with a different company.
The best way to combat pay deficiency is usually to look elsewhere and make sure you have a signed offer before salary negotiations.
Businesses have good reason to not give big raises per https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/290129 so if you did not join the company at the level you wanted then there is unfortunately little that you can do.
If you are looking to build up better evidence that you actually do deserve more so that you can feel confident in proceeding with your raise request then you should interview with other places and see what they offer just as practice.
You don't have to mention this during negotiations but it will position to you to hold a firmer grip when negotiating.
I have worked for a company in which employees would fight tooth and nail for as much as a 5% bump and even that was rare. Asking to get paid your perceived market value was unheard of. I would argue that fighting tooth and nail is commonplace at most businesses unless you possess a truly valuable skill. If you're easily replaceable then the incentive of hiring a less problematic employee is all the more enticing.
Since I knew the culture of the company I never pressed a raise beyond the standard 2% or whatever they gave yearly. FWIW I was hired at a equal or higher salary than some of my experienced colleagues.
Upon handing in my resignation I was offered a substantial ~25% pay bump (salary would equal more than new job) if I chose to stay. Aside from the countless posts which detail why staying is a bad decision I had already checked out mentally from continuing work for that company so I proceeded with my resignation.
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
The only correct response is:
I see, here is my resignation letter, I have accepted a position with a different company.
The best way to combat pay deficiency is usually to look elsewhere and make sure you have a signed offer before salary negotiations.
Businesses have good reason to not give big raises per https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/290129 so if you did not join the company at the level you wanted then there is unfortunately little that you can do.
If you are looking to build up better evidence that you actually do deserve more so that you can feel confident in proceeding with your raise request then you should interview with other places and see what they offer just as practice.
You don't have to mention this during negotiations but it will position to you to hold a firmer grip when negotiating.
I have worked for a company in which employees would fight tooth and nail for as much as a 5% bump and even that was rare. Asking to get paid your perceived market value was unheard of. I would argue that fighting tooth and nail is commonplace at most businesses unless you possess a truly valuable skill. If you're easily replaceable then the incentive of hiring a less problematic employee is all the more enticing.
Since I knew the culture of the company I never pressed a raise beyond the standard 2% or whatever they gave yearly. FWIW I was hired at a equal or higher salary than some of my experienced colleagues.
Upon handing in my resignation I was offered a substantial ~25% pay bump (salary would equal more than new job) if I chose to stay. Aside from the countless posts which detail why staying is a bad decision I had already checked out mentally from continuing work for that company so I proceeded with my resignation.
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
The only correct response is:
I see, here is my resignation letter, I have accepted a position with a different company.
The best way to combat pay deficiency is usually to look elsewhere and make sure you have a signed offer before salary negotiations.
Businesses have good reason to not give big raises per https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/290129 so if you did not join the company at the level you wanted then there is unfortunately little that you can do.
If you are looking to build up better evidence that you actually do deserve more so that you can feel confident in proceeding with your raise request then you should interview with other places and see what they offer just as practice.
You don't have to mention this during negotiations but it will position to you to hold a firmer grip when negotiating.
I have worked for a company in which employees would fight tooth and nail for as much as a 5% bump and even that was rare. Asking to get paid your perceived market value was unheard of. I would argue that fighting tooth and nail is commonplace at most businesses unless you possess a truly valuable skill. If you're easily replaceable then the incentive of hiring a less problematic employee is all the more enticing.
Since I knew the culture of the company I never pressed a raise beyond the standard 2% or whatever they gave yearly. FWIW I was hired at a equal or higher salary than some of my experienced colleagues.
Upon handing in my resignation I was offered a substantial ~25% pay bump (salary would equal more than new job) if I chose to stay. Aside from the countless posts which detail why staying is a bad decision I had already checked out mentally from continuing work for that company so I proceeded with my resignation.
The only correct response is:
I see, here is my resignation letter, I have accepted a position with a different company.
The best way to combat pay deficiency is usually to look elsewhere and make sure you have a signed offer before salary negotiations.
Businesses have good reason to not give big raises per https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/290129 so if you did not join the company at the level you wanted then there is unfortunately little that you can do.
If you are looking to build up better evidence that you actually do deserve more so that you can feel confident in proceeding with your raise request then you should interview with other places and see what they offer just as practice.
You don't have to mention this during negotiations but it will position to you to hold a firmer grip when negotiating.
I have worked for a company in which employees would fight tooth and nail for as much as a 5% bump and even that was rare. Asking to get paid your perceived market value was unheard of. I would argue that fighting tooth and nail is commonplace at most businesses unless you possess a truly valuable skill. If you're easily replaceable then the incentive of hiring a less problematic employee is all the more enticing.
Since I knew the culture of the company I never pressed a raise beyond the standard 2% or whatever they gave yearly. FWIW I was hired at a equal or higher salary than some of my experienced colleagues.
Upon handing in my resignation I was offered a substantial ~25% pay bump (salary would equal more than new job) if I chose to stay. Aside from the countless posts which detail why staying is a bad decision I had already checked out mentally from continuing work for that company so I proceeded with my resignation.
edited 11 hours ago
answered 12 hours ago
MonkeyZeus
3,49811024
3,49811024
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
Advice from an old-timer who's been down this road
Remember that without an offer in-hand from elsewhere the company you work for holds all the cards. Whatever outcome don't take it personally. They hired you, and can fire you for no reason. Yes, no, I understand, fair enough, keep it simple and respectful.
Here's something I did back in the mid-90's. It was my first company out of college, I took the job making 7.50 an hour as a computer operator. Much different world back then. I took it upon myself to make buddies with the programmers and learned on my own and started doing jobs for the boss. Got promoted in 1 year, but got a small bump in pay.
Into my 3rd year I was getting wiser, found myself to be very good at it and was widely praised. I didn't want to leave but I deserved to be paid much more.
I was contacted by a recruiter who was eager to make some big bucks off of me knowing I didn't make crap and could give me a raise I would be happy with while still making them tons of money on margins because of still being underpaid.
So knowing that I had no leverage and wanted to be careful as not to get let go or make me look bad I went in to my bosses office around 10:00 am and said:
"Boss(Name), I've been speaking with a recruiter and I'm going to have lunch with them today and it really sounds like they might make me an offer, and if it's higher then what I'm making here I'm probably going to take it. I don't know if that will be the case but thought I'd come in here and tell you so you're not blindsided if it comes to be."
Now I knew that they knew I was underpaid, and I knew that they didn't want to lose me. I had become pretty valuable at that point. Fabricated as it was I knew I needed some leverage.
He says "How much would it take to make them go away."
I gave them a dollar figure that was 25% more then I was currently making.
He says "Give me 1 hour, please don't go or do anything until you hear back from me. I have to talk to some people.".
One hour later he calls me in his office
"If we give you 75% of that immediately and 25% in 3 months(end of year) will that make them go away?"
My answer: "Yes, thank you".
Missions Accomplished. I made it so if they didn't respond in my favor I wasn't bound to go anywhere, yet immediate enough to get them to move or possibly lose me. I'm glad it worked out.. that's how I got paid the going rate.
Stayed with that company for 13 years, and after I moved on from place to place after that I kept building and never worried about being underpaid to this day.
Good luck
New contributor
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
Advice from an old-timer who's been down this road
Remember that without an offer in-hand from elsewhere the company you work for holds all the cards. Whatever outcome don't take it personally. They hired you, and can fire you for no reason. Yes, no, I understand, fair enough, keep it simple and respectful.
Here's something I did back in the mid-90's. It was my first company out of college, I took the job making 7.50 an hour as a computer operator. Much different world back then. I took it upon myself to make buddies with the programmers and learned on my own and started doing jobs for the boss. Got promoted in 1 year, but got a small bump in pay.
Into my 3rd year I was getting wiser, found myself to be very good at it and was widely praised. I didn't want to leave but I deserved to be paid much more.
I was contacted by a recruiter who was eager to make some big bucks off of me knowing I didn't make crap and could give me a raise I would be happy with while still making them tons of money on margins because of still being underpaid.
So knowing that I had no leverage and wanted to be careful as not to get let go or make me look bad I went in to my bosses office around 10:00 am and said:
"Boss(Name), I've been speaking with a recruiter and I'm going to have lunch with them today and it really sounds like they might make me an offer, and if it's higher then what I'm making here I'm probably going to take it. I don't know if that will be the case but thought I'd come in here and tell you so you're not blindsided if it comes to be."
Now I knew that they knew I was underpaid, and I knew that they didn't want to lose me. I had become pretty valuable at that point. Fabricated as it was I knew I needed some leverage.
He says "How much would it take to make them go away."
I gave them a dollar figure that was 25% more then I was currently making.
He says "Give me 1 hour, please don't go or do anything until you hear back from me. I have to talk to some people.".
One hour later he calls me in his office
"If we give you 75% of that immediately and 25% in 3 months(end of year) will that make them go away?"
My answer: "Yes, thank you".
Missions Accomplished. I made it so if they didn't respond in my favor I wasn't bound to go anywhere, yet immediate enough to get them to move or possibly lose me. I'm glad it worked out.. that's how I got paid the going rate.
Stayed with that company for 13 years, and after I moved on from place to place after that I kept building and never worried about being underpaid to this day.
Good luck
New contributor
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
Advice from an old-timer who's been down this road
Remember that without an offer in-hand from elsewhere the company you work for holds all the cards. Whatever outcome don't take it personally. They hired you, and can fire you for no reason. Yes, no, I understand, fair enough, keep it simple and respectful.
Here's something I did back in the mid-90's. It was my first company out of college, I took the job making 7.50 an hour as a computer operator. Much different world back then. I took it upon myself to make buddies with the programmers and learned on my own and started doing jobs for the boss. Got promoted in 1 year, but got a small bump in pay.
Into my 3rd year I was getting wiser, found myself to be very good at it and was widely praised. I didn't want to leave but I deserved to be paid much more.
I was contacted by a recruiter who was eager to make some big bucks off of me knowing I didn't make crap and could give me a raise I would be happy with while still making them tons of money on margins because of still being underpaid.
So knowing that I had no leverage and wanted to be careful as not to get let go or make me look bad I went in to my bosses office around 10:00 am and said:
"Boss(Name), I've been speaking with a recruiter and I'm going to have lunch with them today and it really sounds like they might make me an offer, and if it's higher then what I'm making here I'm probably going to take it. I don't know if that will be the case but thought I'd come in here and tell you so you're not blindsided if it comes to be."
Now I knew that they knew I was underpaid, and I knew that they didn't want to lose me. I had become pretty valuable at that point. Fabricated as it was I knew I needed some leverage.
He says "How much would it take to make them go away."
I gave them a dollar figure that was 25% more then I was currently making.
He says "Give me 1 hour, please don't go or do anything until you hear back from me. I have to talk to some people.".
One hour later he calls me in his office
"If we give you 75% of that immediately and 25% in 3 months(end of year) will that make them go away?"
My answer: "Yes, thank you".
Missions Accomplished. I made it so if they didn't respond in my favor I wasn't bound to go anywhere, yet immediate enough to get them to move or possibly lose me. I'm glad it worked out.. that's how I got paid the going rate.
Stayed with that company for 13 years, and after I moved on from place to place after that I kept building and never worried about being underpaid to this day.
Good luck
New contributor
Advice from an old-timer who's been down this road
Remember that without an offer in-hand from elsewhere the company you work for holds all the cards. Whatever outcome don't take it personally. They hired you, and can fire you for no reason. Yes, no, I understand, fair enough, keep it simple and respectful.
Here's something I did back in the mid-90's. It was my first company out of college, I took the job making 7.50 an hour as a computer operator. Much different world back then. I took it upon myself to make buddies with the programmers and learned on my own and started doing jobs for the boss. Got promoted in 1 year, but got a small bump in pay.
Into my 3rd year I was getting wiser, found myself to be very good at it and was widely praised. I didn't want to leave but I deserved to be paid much more.
I was contacted by a recruiter who was eager to make some big bucks off of me knowing I didn't make crap and could give me a raise I would be happy with while still making them tons of money on margins because of still being underpaid.
So knowing that I had no leverage and wanted to be careful as not to get let go or make me look bad I went in to my bosses office around 10:00 am and said:
"Boss(Name), I've been speaking with a recruiter and I'm going to have lunch with them today and it really sounds like they might make me an offer, and if it's higher then what I'm making here I'm probably going to take it. I don't know if that will be the case but thought I'd come in here and tell you so you're not blindsided if it comes to be."
Now I knew that they knew I was underpaid, and I knew that they didn't want to lose me. I had become pretty valuable at that point. Fabricated as it was I knew I needed some leverage.
He says "How much would it take to make them go away."
I gave them a dollar figure that was 25% more then I was currently making.
He says "Give me 1 hour, please don't go or do anything until you hear back from me. I have to talk to some people.".
One hour later he calls me in his office
"If we give you 75% of that immediately and 25% in 3 months(end of year) will that make them go away?"
My answer: "Yes, thank you".
Missions Accomplished. I made it so if they didn't respond in my favor I wasn't bound to go anywhere, yet immediate enough to get them to move or possibly lose me. I'm glad it worked out.. that's how I got paid the going rate.
Stayed with that company for 13 years, and after I moved on from place to place after that I kept building and never worried about being underpaid to this day.
Good luck
New contributor
New contributor
answered 8 hours ago
Eric X
111
111
New contributor
New contributor
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
I did a lot of research: At first, looking online (glassdoor, linkedin, payscale, etc) and then by talking to people. I spoke to 2 current colleagues at my company, 2 former coworkers, a family-friend recruiter in the industry, and a big manager from a different company (again, a friend). Those people were able to give me solid ranges for what they felt is my competitive market value in my city, especially for those who know what type of work I do on a day-to-day basis.
Those are in my opinion weak reasons to get the pay raise you want. Mainly because of the following facts:
- HR already disqualified your research so it is a moot point on what I think or if I agree those methods are valid or not. And vice versa, this applies to you and what you're trying to resolve.
- You're not saying you deserve a raise but only because others told you you're getting underpaid. So it's a perception problem.
Now, the most solid way to get a payraise is by having a offer letter in your hand from a company "down the street" that does in fact offer the pay level you want. Once you have that, you have solid proof that others are willing to pay the same job at the level you want. I believe this is your only course of action right now. If HR won't listen to your research, then they probably won't listen to anything else you say.
5
I'm not sure you can argue those are weak opinion reasons. Those are pretty standard methods to determine typical salary ranges for an industry. Furthermore, your answer is indirectly providing the answer to move to another company suggesting that is the only way to determine reasonable pay.
– Pyrotechnical
yesterday
1
@Pyrotechnical Sadly yes, it is. HR already disqualified his research so it is a moot point on what I think or if I agree those methods are valid or not. His only course of action at this point is to go to another company to see if his pay request is reasonable or not. If someone is willing to pay that amount, then it means his research is correct and he can say goodbye to his current place.
– Dan
yesterday
@dan I think you could improve your answer by adding what you said in your comment to your answer. "HR already disqualified his research so it is a moot point on what I think or if I agree those methods are valid or not." is a good point, but that didn't come across clearly to me in your answer. +1 on your comment.
– J. Chris Compton
yesterday
@J.ChrisCompton Okay added.
– Dan
yesterday
I still have some problems with your last paragraph. If you have an offer from another company for the pay level you want, you can accept it. Using it as leverage where you work is almost certainly a bad idea. If the current employer isn't going to budge, the best way to get a raise is to leave for a more reasonable employer.
– David Thornley
12 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
I did a lot of research: At first, looking online (glassdoor, linkedin, payscale, etc) and then by talking to people. I spoke to 2 current colleagues at my company, 2 former coworkers, a family-friend recruiter in the industry, and a big manager from a different company (again, a friend). Those people were able to give me solid ranges for what they felt is my competitive market value in my city, especially for those who know what type of work I do on a day-to-day basis.
Those are in my opinion weak reasons to get the pay raise you want. Mainly because of the following facts:
- HR already disqualified your research so it is a moot point on what I think or if I agree those methods are valid or not. And vice versa, this applies to you and what you're trying to resolve.
- You're not saying you deserve a raise but only because others told you you're getting underpaid. So it's a perception problem.
Now, the most solid way to get a payraise is by having a offer letter in your hand from a company "down the street" that does in fact offer the pay level you want. Once you have that, you have solid proof that others are willing to pay the same job at the level you want. I believe this is your only course of action right now. If HR won't listen to your research, then they probably won't listen to anything else you say.
5
I'm not sure you can argue those are weak opinion reasons. Those are pretty standard methods to determine typical salary ranges for an industry. Furthermore, your answer is indirectly providing the answer to move to another company suggesting that is the only way to determine reasonable pay.
– Pyrotechnical
yesterday
1
@Pyrotechnical Sadly yes, it is. HR already disqualified his research so it is a moot point on what I think or if I agree those methods are valid or not. His only course of action at this point is to go to another company to see if his pay request is reasonable or not. If someone is willing to pay that amount, then it means his research is correct and he can say goodbye to his current place.
– Dan
yesterday
@dan I think you could improve your answer by adding what you said in your comment to your answer. "HR already disqualified his research so it is a moot point on what I think or if I agree those methods are valid or not." is a good point, but that didn't come across clearly to me in your answer. +1 on your comment.
– J. Chris Compton
yesterday
@J.ChrisCompton Okay added.
– Dan
yesterday
I still have some problems with your last paragraph. If you have an offer from another company for the pay level you want, you can accept it. Using it as leverage where you work is almost certainly a bad idea. If the current employer isn't going to budge, the best way to get a raise is to leave for a more reasonable employer.
– David Thornley
12 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
I did a lot of research: At first, looking online (glassdoor, linkedin, payscale, etc) and then by talking to people. I spoke to 2 current colleagues at my company, 2 former coworkers, a family-friend recruiter in the industry, and a big manager from a different company (again, a friend). Those people were able to give me solid ranges for what they felt is my competitive market value in my city, especially for those who know what type of work I do on a day-to-day basis.
Those are in my opinion weak reasons to get the pay raise you want. Mainly because of the following facts:
- HR already disqualified your research so it is a moot point on what I think or if I agree those methods are valid or not. And vice versa, this applies to you and what you're trying to resolve.
- You're not saying you deserve a raise but only because others told you you're getting underpaid. So it's a perception problem.
Now, the most solid way to get a payraise is by having a offer letter in your hand from a company "down the street" that does in fact offer the pay level you want. Once you have that, you have solid proof that others are willing to pay the same job at the level you want. I believe this is your only course of action right now. If HR won't listen to your research, then they probably won't listen to anything else you say.
I did a lot of research: At first, looking online (glassdoor, linkedin, payscale, etc) and then by talking to people. I spoke to 2 current colleagues at my company, 2 former coworkers, a family-friend recruiter in the industry, and a big manager from a different company (again, a friend). Those people were able to give me solid ranges for what they felt is my competitive market value in my city, especially for those who know what type of work I do on a day-to-day basis.
Those are in my opinion weak reasons to get the pay raise you want. Mainly because of the following facts:
- HR already disqualified your research so it is a moot point on what I think or if I agree those methods are valid or not. And vice versa, this applies to you and what you're trying to resolve.
- You're not saying you deserve a raise but only because others told you you're getting underpaid. So it's a perception problem.
Now, the most solid way to get a payraise is by having a offer letter in your hand from a company "down the street" that does in fact offer the pay level you want. Once you have that, you have solid proof that others are willing to pay the same job at the level you want. I believe this is your only course of action right now. If HR won't listen to your research, then they probably won't listen to anything else you say.
edited yesterday
answered yesterday
Dan
6,70721325
6,70721325
5
I'm not sure you can argue those are weak opinion reasons. Those are pretty standard methods to determine typical salary ranges for an industry. Furthermore, your answer is indirectly providing the answer to move to another company suggesting that is the only way to determine reasonable pay.
– Pyrotechnical
yesterday
1
@Pyrotechnical Sadly yes, it is. HR already disqualified his research so it is a moot point on what I think or if I agree those methods are valid or not. His only course of action at this point is to go to another company to see if his pay request is reasonable or not. If someone is willing to pay that amount, then it means his research is correct and he can say goodbye to his current place.
– Dan
yesterday
@dan I think you could improve your answer by adding what you said in your comment to your answer. "HR already disqualified his research so it is a moot point on what I think or if I agree those methods are valid or not." is a good point, but that didn't come across clearly to me in your answer. +1 on your comment.
– J. Chris Compton
yesterday
@J.ChrisCompton Okay added.
– Dan
yesterday
I still have some problems with your last paragraph. If you have an offer from another company for the pay level you want, you can accept it. Using it as leverage where you work is almost certainly a bad idea. If the current employer isn't going to budge, the best way to get a raise is to leave for a more reasonable employer.
– David Thornley
12 hours ago
add a comment |
5
I'm not sure you can argue those are weak opinion reasons. Those are pretty standard methods to determine typical salary ranges for an industry. Furthermore, your answer is indirectly providing the answer to move to another company suggesting that is the only way to determine reasonable pay.
– Pyrotechnical
yesterday
1
@Pyrotechnical Sadly yes, it is. HR already disqualified his research so it is a moot point on what I think or if I agree those methods are valid or not. His only course of action at this point is to go to another company to see if his pay request is reasonable or not. If someone is willing to pay that amount, then it means his research is correct and he can say goodbye to his current place.
– Dan
yesterday
@dan I think you could improve your answer by adding what you said in your comment to your answer. "HR already disqualified his research so it is a moot point on what I think or if I agree those methods are valid or not." is a good point, but that didn't come across clearly to me in your answer. +1 on your comment.
– J. Chris Compton
yesterday
@J.ChrisCompton Okay added.
– Dan
yesterday
I still have some problems with your last paragraph. If you have an offer from another company for the pay level you want, you can accept it. Using it as leverage where you work is almost certainly a bad idea. If the current employer isn't going to budge, the best way to get a raise is to leave for a more reasonable employer.
– David Thornley
12 hours ago
5
5
I'm not sure you can argue those are weak opinion reasons. Those are pretty standard methods to determine typical salary ranges for an industry. Furthermore, your answer is indirectly providing the answer to move to another company suggesting that is the only way to determine reasonable pay.
– Pyrotechnical
yesterday
I'm not sure you can argue those are weak opinion reasons. Those are pretty standard methods to determine typical salary ranges for an industry. Furthermore, your answer is indirectly providing the answer to move to another company suggesting that is the only way to determine reasonable pay.
– Pyrotechnical
yesterday
1
1
@Pyrotechnical Sadly yes, it is. HR already disqualified his research so it is a moot point on what I think or if I agree those methods are valid or not. His only course of action at this point is to go to another company to see if his pay request is reasonable or not. If someone is willing to pay that amount, then it means his research is correct and he can say goodbye to his current place.
– Dan
yesterday
@Pyrotechnical Sadly yes, it is. HR already disqualified his research so it is a moot point on what I think or if I agree those methods are valid or not. His only course of action at this point is to go to another company to see if his pay request is reasonable or not. If someone is willing to pay that amount, then it means his research is correct and he can say goodbye to his current place.
– Dan
yesterday
@dan I think you could improve your answer by adding what you said in your comment to your answer. "HR already disqualified his research so it is a moot point on what I think or if I agree those methods are valid or not." is a good point, but that didn't come across clearly to me in your answer. +1 on your comment.
– J. Chris Compton
yesterday
@dan I think you could improve your answer by adding what you said in your comment to your answer. "HR already disqualified his research so it is a moot point on what I think or if I agree those methods are valid or not." is a good point, but that didn't come across clearly to me in your answer. +1 on your comment.
– J. Chris Compton
yesterday
@J.ChrisCompton Okay added.
– Dan
yesterday
@J.ChrisCompton Okay added.
– Dan
yesterday
I still have some problems with your last paragraph. If you have an offer from another company for the pay level you want, you can accept it. Using it as leverage where you work is almost certainly a bad idea. If the current employer isn't going to budge, the best way to get a raise is to leave for a more reasonable employer.
– David Thornley
12 hours ago
I still have some problems with your last paragraph. If you have an offer from another company for the pay level you want, you can accept it. Using it as leverage where you work is almost certainly a bad idea. If the current employer isn't going to budge, the best way to get a raise is to leave for a more reasonable employer.
– David Thornley
12 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
There is not much you can say at this point. They have decided we don't want to pay more. Just get out of there and go to that other place you are so sure would pay you more.
( Assuming you are actually confident enough there exists such a place so you would quit over it. )
1
The usual practice is not to quit on the spot and trust that there are jobs available. The usual practice is to go looking and accept a satisfactory offer (and, if OP's research is valid, it should work), then quit the original company.
– David Thornley
12 hours ago
No, that is bad advice, David. Because the bosses can talk behind your back and reach an agreement of not giving you more than say, X. If you don't have any current boss, there is no one to strike such a deal with.
– mathreadler
11 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
There is not much you can say at this point. They have decided we don't want to pay more. Just get out of there and go to that other place you are so sure would pay you more.
( Assuming you are actually confident enough there exists such a place so you would quit over it. )
1
The usual practice is not to quit on the spot and trust that there are jobs available. The usual practice is to go looking and accept a satisfactory offer (and, if OP's research is valid, it should work), then quit the original company.
– David Thornley
12 hours ago
No, that is bad advice, David. Because the bosses can talk behind your back and reach an agreement of not giving you more than say, X. If you don't have any current boss, there is no one to strike such a deal with.
– mathreadler
11 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
There is not much you can say at this point. They have decided we don't want to pay more. Just get out of there and go to that other place you are so sure would pay you more.
( Assuming you are actually confident enough there exists such a place so you would quit over it. )
There is not much you can say at this point. They have decided we don't want to pay more. Just get out of there and go to that other place you are so sure would pay you more.
( Assuming you are actually confident enough there exists such a place so you would quit over it. )
answered 21 hours ago
mathreadler
33119
33119
1
The usual practice is not to quit on the spot and trust that there are jobs available. The usual practice is to go looking and accept a satisfactory offer (and, if OP's research is valid, it should work), then quit the original company.
– David Thornley
12 hours ago
No, that is bad advice, David. Because the bosses can talk behind your back and reach an agreement of not giving you more than say, X. If you don't have any current boss, there is no one to strike such a deal with.
– mathreadler
11 hours ago
add a comment |
1
The usual practice is not to quit on the spot and trust that there are jobs available. The usual practice is to go looking and accept a satisfactory offer (and, if OP's research is valid, it should work), then quit the original company.
– David Thornley
12 hours ago
No, that is bad advice, David. Because the bosses can talk behind your back and reach an agreement of not giving you more than say, X. If you don't have any current boss, there is no one to strike such a deal with.
– mathreadler
11 hours ago
1
1
The usual practice is not to quit on the spot and trust that there are jobs available. The usual practice is to go looking and accept a satisfactory offer (and, if OP's research is valid, it should work), then quit the original company.
– David Thornley
12 hours ago
The usual practice is not to quit on the spot and trust that there are jobs available. The usual practice is to go looking and accept a satisfactory offer (and, if OP's research is valid, it should work), then quit the original company.
– David Thornley
12 hours ago
No, that is bad advice, David. Because the bosses can talk behind your back and reach an agreement of not giving you more than say, X. If you don't have any current boss, there is no one to strike such a deal with.
– mathreadler
11 hours ago
No, that is bad advice, David. Because the bosses can talk behind your back and reach an agreement of not giving you more than say, X. If you don't have any current boss, there is no one to strike such a deal with.
– mathreadler
11 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
You need to keep in mind that your employer may not actually be ignorant of the market value or is willfully ignorant of it. It's sad, but once you are pegged as "cheap and inexperienced", it is hard to change that perception. It's time to move on.
A side effect of this is that employers are reluctant to train people because "they will just leave for more money".
Personally, I found it easier to just leave for an employer who would value me more than to try an negotiate a raise.
New contributor
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
You need to keep in mind that your employer may not actually be ignorant of the market value or is willfully ignorant of it. It's sad, but once you are pegged as "cheap and inexperienced", it is hard to change that perception. It's time to move on.
A side effect of this is that employers are reluctant to train people because "they will just leave for more money".
Personally, I found it easier to just leave for an employer who would value me more than to try an negotiate a raise.
New contributor
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
You need to keep in mind that your employer may not actually be ignorant of the market value or is willfully ignorant of it. It's sad, but once you are pegged as "cheap and inexperienced", it is hard to change that perception. It's time to move on.
A side effect of this is that employers are reluctant to train people because "they will just leave for more money".
Personally, I found it easier to just leave for an employer who would value me more than to try an negotiate a raise.
New contributor
You need to keep in mind that your employer may not actually be ignorant of the market value or is willfully ignorant of it. It's sad, but once you are pegged as "cheap and inexperienced", it is hard to change that perception. It's time to move on.
A side effect of this is that employers are reluctant to train people because "they will just leave for more money".
Personally, I found it easier to just leave for an employer who would value me more than to try an negotiate a raise.
New contributor
New contributor
answered 14 hours ago
Chris Bennet
1013
1013
New contributor
New contributor
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
-4
down vote
A starting salary is something you negotiate. A pay raise is not. You have been at the company for over a year which is enough time for them to know what value you provide. If their raise does not match your research, accept that the company undervalues you and start looking for a new job.
13
"A starting salary is something you negotiate. A pay raise is not." I disagree completely, everything in a job is negotiable.
– George
yesterday
I recommend you do some more research into negotiating with companies. You can 100% negotiate a pay raise. You can also negotiate for a more frequent review period.
– Steve
yesterday
2
Yes, anything can be negotiated. The point, however, is that if you have to negotiate a pay raise, at best the company undervalues you so why would you want to work for them? At worst, the company knows your true value and is cheap, so once again why would you want to work for them?
– sf02
yesterday
1
The company doubtless has some idea as to your true value, and is going to pay you less than that. If nothing else, they need to make a profit off you to justify you working there. The company wants to pay you less money, and you want more money. This is how it works, and doesn't mean the company is cheap. The salary needs to be what the company can pay you and what you're happy with. That requires negotiations. They don't have to be difficult.
– David Thornley
yesterday
I'm not sure why people are downvoting this. It's a hurtful answer, but it is reality. When you first start a job, that is your base pay forever. As an example let's say you start at X, then you get a pay raise at X+20k. You see it as a deserving payraise to match current market value, they see it as increasing your pay by X percent. Sadly you have to get a new job to get the base salary you deserve. I'd like to see what others would say to HR, that is somehow magically going to sway them, to get a huge pay increase?
– Dan
yesterday
|
show 12 more comments
up vote
-4
down vote
A starting salary is something you negotiate. A pay raise is not. You have been at the company for over a year which is enough time for them to know what value you provide. If their raise does not match your research, accept that the company undervalues you and start looking for a new job.
13
"A starting salary is something you negotiate. A pay raise is not." I disagree completely, everything in a job is negotiable.
– George
yesterday
I recommend you do some more research into negotiating with companies. You can 100% negotiate a pay raise. You can also negotiate for a more frequent review period.
– Steve
yesterday
2
Yes, anything can be negotiated. The point, however, is that if you have to negotiate a pay raise, at best the company undervalues you so why would you want to work for them? At worst, the company knows your true value and is cheap, so once again why would you want to work for them?
– sf02
yesterday
1
The company doubtless has some idea as to your true value, and is going to pay you less than that. If nothing else, they need to make a profit off you to justify you working there. The company wants to pay you less money, and you want more money. This is how it works, and doesn't mean the company is cheap. The salary needs to be what the company can pay you and what you're happy with. That requires negotiations. They don't have to be difficult.
– David Thornley
yesterday
I'm not sure why people are downvoting this. It's a hurtful answer, but it is reality. When you first start a job, that is your base pay forever. As an example let's say you start at X, then you get a pay raise at X+20k. You see it as a deserving payraise to match current market value, they see it as increasing your pay by X percent. Sadly you have to get a new job to get the base salary you deserve. I'd like to see what others would say to HR, that is somehow magically going to sway them, to get a huge pay increase?
– Dan
yesterday
|
show 12 more comments
up vote
-4
down vote
up vote
-4
down vote
A starting salary is something you negotiate. A pay raise is not. You have been at the company for over a year which is enough time for them to know what value you provide. If their raise does not match your research, accept that the company undervalues you and start looking for a new job.
A starting salary is something you negotiate. A pay raise is not. You have been at the company for over a year which is enough time for them to know what value you provide. If their raise does not match your research, accept that the company undervalues you and start looking for a new job.
answered yesterday
sf02
1,8141211
1,8141211
13
"A starting salary is something you negotiate. A pay raise is not." I disagree completely, everything in a job is negotiable.
– George
yesterday
I recommend you do some more research into negotiating with companies. You can 100% negotiate a pay raise. You can also negotiate for a more frequent review period.
– Steve
yesterday
2
Yes, anything can be negotiated. The point, however, is that if you have to negotiate a pay raise, at best the company undervalues you so why would you want to work for them? At worst, the company knows your true value and is cheap, so once again why would you want to work for them?
– sf02
yesterday
1
The company doubtless has some idea as to your true value, and is going to pay you less than that. If nothing else, they need to make a profit off you to justify you working there. The company wants to pay you less money, and you want more money. This is how it works, and doesn't mean the company is cheap. The salary needs to be what the company can pay you and what you're happy with. That requires negotiations. They don't have to be difficult.
– David Thornley
yesterday
I'm not sure why people are downvoting this. It's a hurtful answer, but it is reality. When you first start a job, that is your base pay forever. As an example let's say you start at X, then you get a pay raise at X+20k. You see it as a deserving payraise to match current market value, they see it as increasing your pay by X percent. Sadly you have to get a new job to get the base salary you deserve. I'd like to see what others would say to HR, that is somehow magically going to sway them, to get a huge pay increase?
– Dan
yesterday
|
show 12 more comments
13
"A starting salary is something you negotiate. A pay raise is not." I disagree completely, everything in a job is negotiable.
– George
yesterday
I recommend you do some more research into negotiating with companies. You can 100% negotiate a pay raise. You can also negotiate for a more frequent review period.
– Steve
yesterday
2
Yes, anything can be negotiated. The point, however, is that if you have to negotiate a pay raise, at best the company undervalues you so why would you want to work for them? At worst, the company knows your true value and is cheap, so once again why would you want to work for them?
– sf02
yesterday
1
The company doubtless has some idea as to your true value, and is going to pay you less than that. If nothing else, they need to make a profit off you to justify you working there. The company wants to pay you less money, and you want more money. This is how it works, and doesn't mean the company is cheap. The salary needs to be what the company can pay you and what you're happy with. That requires negotiations. They don't have to be difficult.
– David Thornley
yesterday
I'm not sure why people are downvoting this. It's a hurtful answer, but it is reality. When you first start a job, that is your base pay forever. As an example let's say you start at X, then you get a pay raise at X+20k. You see it as a deserving payraise to match current market value, they see it as increasing your pay by X percent. Sadly you have to get a new job to get the base salary you deserve. I'd like to see what others would say to HR, that is somehow magically going to sway them, to get a huge pay increase?
– Dan
yesterday
13
13
"A starting salary is something you negotiate. A pay raise is not." I disagree completely, everything in a job is negotiable.
– George
yesterday
"A starting salary is something you negotiate. A pay raise is not." I disagree completely, everything in a job is negotiable.
– George
yesterday
I recommend you do some more research into negotiating with companies. You can 100% negotiate a pay raise. You can also negotiate for a more frequent review period.
– Steve
yesterday
I recommend you do some more research into negotiating with companies. You can 100% negotiate a pay raise. You can also negotiate for a more frequent review period.
– Steve
yesterday
2
2
Yes, anything can be negotiated. The point, however, is that if you have to negotiate a pay raise, at best the company undervalues you so why would you want to work for them? At worst, the company knows your true value and is cheap, so once again why would you want to work for them?
– sf02
yesterday
Yes, anything can be negotiated. The point, however, is that if you have to negotiate a pay raise, at best the company undervalues you so why would you want to work for them? At worst, the company knows your true value and is cheap, so once again why would you want to work for them?
– sf02
yesterday
1
1
The company doubtless has some idea as to your true value, and is going to pay you less than that. If nothing else, they need to make a profit off you to justify you working there. The company wants to pay you less money, and you want more money. This is how it works, and doesn't mean the company is cheap. The salary needs to be what the company can pay you and what you're happy with. That requires negotiations. They don't have to be difficult.
– David Thornley
yesterday
The company doubtless has some idea as to your true value, and is going to pay you less than that. If nothing else, they need to make a profit off you to justify you working there. The company wants to pay you less money, and you want more money. This is how it works, and doesn't mean the company is cheap. The salary needs to be what the company can pay you and what you're happy with. That requires negotiations. They don't have to be difficult.
– David Thornley
yesterday
I'm not sure why people are downvoting this. It's a hurtful answer, but it is reality. When you first start a job, that is your base pay forever. As an example let's say you start at X, then you get a pay raise at X+20k. You see it as a deserving payraise to match current market value, they see it as increasing your pay by X percent. Sadly you have to get a new job to get the base salary you deserve. I'd like to see what others would say to HR, that is somehow magically going to sway them, to get a huge pay increase?
– Dan
yesterday
I'm not sure why people are downvoting this. It's a hurtful answer, but it is reality. When you first start a job, that is your base pay forever. As an example let's say you start at X, then you get a pay raise at X+20k. You see it as a deserving payraise to match current market value, they see it as increasing your pay by X percent. Sadly you have to get a new job to get the base salary you deserve. I'd like to see what others would say to HR, that is somehow magically going to sway them, to get a huge pay increase?
– Dan
yesterday
|
show 12 more comments
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3
Possible duplicate of Negotiating salary using range
– solarflare
2 days ago
54
@solarflare I really don't see how it's a duplicate. My question isn't "should I give a range". I'm asking what to reply when HR rejects the range.
– c36
2 days ago
5
However the initial conversation goes, don't quit on the spot, even if it's obvious you intend to leave and you don't feel you can stay at the salary offered. Find a new job first, then quit if you feel it is the right move.
– AdamV
yesterday
3
This has probably been said, but just to be clear. If your research is right, you should be able to find a job to pay you more highly. If you're incorrect, that could be a terrible experience. Both you and your employer are banking on you wanting to stay put and avoid the disruption involved in finding a new job.
– AJFaraday
yesterday
22
Re duplicate votes: The linked question contains the line
I want to renegotiate my salary but I have no clue how to give an ideal range
. This is not a duplicate.– rath
yesterday