The topic of raises at work has been circulating around the Blogosphere a lot recently, and it got me thinking.
I’m due for a “salary review” in July, and I have no idea what to do about it. At my last job I really had no idea what I was doing and I hated the job and therefore did not perform to optimum level, so I sort of took whatever they gave me at my one-year mark.
This time around I’ve been doing really well at my job, and I definitely want more money. But I just don’t know how to go about it. I hope that if I lay out all my information in here, you guys can offer me some advice.
Background:
- I have been working at this new agency since November 2007 (8 months as of July)
- I come with 2 years of previous industry experience, but not specific to my role right now
- I’m holding a title that is sort of entry-level except for the fact that I am more valuable and senior due to my experience
- I had an excellent 3 month review, in which 2 challenges were issued for me to complete before July
- I have completed the one challenge, presenting on blogs, and had rave reviews
- The ad industry is hard to judge in terms of salaries. Other assistants at the office are (I’m guessing) making less than or just at 30k. So am I already being “overpaid”?
- All the other newbies got a raise at their 3-month reviews, but they also started at a lower pay than me
- Both of my bosses are new on this account and to the agency, so they don’t know much about me or my work, other than what’s in my file
Questions:
- Am I due a salary increase since all the other newbies got one at 3 months? Have I been here long enough?
- Is it likely I would still get another raise at my 1-year mark if I get this one?
- Do you think my excellent reviews so far will help me get more $$?
- How much more should I ask for? Percentage? Number?
- What would I likely get?
- Aside from compiling a list of all the amazing things I’ve done, how else should I approach asking for a raise?
- Should I take the initiative and set up a meeting to discuss this if my boss doesn’t set one up in July? I don’t want to seem too eager
Any other tips or suggestions?
I’m sure there’s a ton of advice on this topic out on the web, and I will get around to reading it all. I would just like to know from real people what their thoughts are on this situation. What’s an average raise % for most people? How did you deal with asking for your raise?
I hope I get lots of replies to this, I need all the help I can get!
Thanks!
9 responses to “Do I deserve a raise?”
Ahhh, the “salary review.” I am going through the same thing right now.
You should definitely make up that list citing all the fabulous and wonderful things you have been doing.
As for a number you should ask for, maybe try doing some research into salaries for your type of position with other companies. Or salaries based on your years of experience.
Try the Workopolis Salary Calculator
Good luck and keep us updated! 🙂
Hey, thanks Krystal! I checked it out… the only issue is that my job, company and type of business is not in there…
I picked the closest thing but its showing that I make loads more than even the highest pay point… lol
*sigh* advertising is such a fickle business!
33k does not seem like your’e being overpaid, with 2+ years experience and post secondary education I’d assume you should be making upwards of 40k. My previous company was a communications company, and I don’t think we hired anyone below 40k even straight out of college. That being said we didn’t have any advertising possitions, but similar to what you’ve described. 33k seems very low for a professional position especially in toronto.
A typical raise is in the neighbourhood of 2-5% depending on performance, a promotion is an entirely different thing however.
It sounds like you are getting prepared for your review, which in my opinion is the most important thing! I always go in prepared and have a ballpark range of the raise that is acceptable to me. If I dont receive what I want… I ask how I can achieve the raise I want and a detailed plan as to how I can achieve that. If nothing comes from that then I put in a full year and leave for another job where I get paid what I deserve!
Zero:
Yeah you’d think for the amount of work that I do that I’d be making big bucks… but it just isn’t so. I work for an ad/media agency. Most people start out making only $25k which is why I’m wondering if I’m asking for too much.
I really wish I picked an industry that pays better, but this is what I’m good at, went to school for, and it’s interesting!
Maybe in a few years I’ll switch to client side. Boring and mundane, but better pay.
Only 2-5% eh? That’s hardly anything! I was thinking more along the lines of asking for 12% and hoping for 10%?
Thanks for your input!
Advertising salaries are low, although it’s an industry you can move up in fast. I also work for a media agency in Toronto, although I’m in the finance dept which is a little different.
Media assistants make crap pay. I think the starting salary at my agency is around $26 – $28k.
Seriously, it doesn’t hurt to ask.
I am.
I’m sure I won’t get it.. so I’ll probably pester, or start looking for another job/go independent.
I was in the same position as you are in now. So I asked one of my immediate supervisors/managers to help me come up with a strategy to get an increase.
It worked so well, I got a 50% raise in salary, as well as a promotion.
I was being underpaid, so we focused on that, as well as how much training they have invested in me, and if they were to replace me, how much the company would lose.
I’m South African, so I don’t know how much 33k is worth, but ask for more than you want, and settle on some figure that’s close to what you think you should be earning.
For example: Ask for 42k, but settle on 40k.
No advice as I’ve always been too chicken to ask for a raise… now our raises are negotiated by the union so I have no say in anything.
You’ve gotten great advice here already, good luck with everything!! Let us know how it turns out 🙂