Q & A Table of Contents
They Underpaid Me Before; How Can I Avoid Being Underpaid Again?
From: Tia, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Question: I have been employed with a hotel for 1 year as a night auditor. My starting pay was $9.50/hr and I'd recieved an increase last season to $10/hr. Last year, I had discovered another employee who also did night audit was getting $11/hr who suffice to say, was not the most "ideal" person for the job.
They recently approached me with an offer of a new position which they are currently "creating". This position entails more workload and responsibility as I will be in their accounting office doing payroll and human resources etc... i.e. employee referral, benefits, interviewing etc...
When I'd asked them about the wage of the position they are offering me, they expressed it more a sideways move rather than a promotion and the pay would be roughly the same.
I intend to request $12.50/hr if I were to accept the position. Am I way off? I have no idea what the average salary/wage is for such a job description. They mentioned they wanted a 20/20 (40hrs) person and when I suggested 32 hrs they said that would be fine. If I'm to do 40 hrs of work within a 32 hr span, and increase the hrly wage, I'd still be within (actually under) their budget at $12.50/hr. Am I expecting too much?
Response: While it is entirely possible that the other night auditor who was paid more than you might have been getting the higher pay due to seniority or for some other quite legitimate reason, it sounds as if you want to make sure your next job with the hotel is definitely adequately paid.
You should take the time to research what other people are paid within your hotel for different kinds of jobs. In addition, even though they are 'creating' a new position, you should try to learn about pay in other similar jobs or businesses: hotels, other tourist-oriented businesses, and wherever else folks do the kinds of work your bosses plan to have you perform.
You should also think of all the benefits you want to derive from the changed job: working hour flexibility, a parking space, health or other insurance benefits, paid holidays or time off, title, etc. Think of the value of each of these benefits to you as you calculate the financial return for which you are looking.
If you want $12.50 per hour I suggest you ask for 'something in the range of $12.75 to $13.50'. When they offer you less, at least they won't be bargaining down from your target wage. Ask how often there will be a salary review -- so that if you accept something at the lower end, you have an idea how quickly you can hope to see that improved.
Do your homework and things will go more smoothly.
Good luck,
Steve
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