Q & A Table of Contents
How Can I Reach My Immediate Pay Goal?
From: Janet, Richmond, Virginia
Question: I need information on how to write a proposed per hour rate increase to bring me up to par with others working in the same field and position. I currently earn 7.00 per hour, I need to get to at least $9.28 per hour.
Response: If the $9.28 per hour is the market rate for people with your experience and qualifications doing the same sort of work in your organization or the community where you work, you need to find some credible documentation you can show to prove this is the case.
Before you drop a bunch of papers on the desk of the folks who decide your pay, you should also take a look at anything that distinguishes you from other folks in similar positions -- distinctions that may justify paying you more or paying you less. Issues like seniority, attendance, or productivity might be legitimate justifications for decisions to increase your pay even more -- or to less than $9.28. On the other hand, issues that reflect things like age, gender, race, etc. are neither legitimate nor legal in most jurisdictions.
You should begin conversations by asking for a performance review; hopefully you have been able to keep a record of previous performance reviews so that you can make sure the information is accurate.
Asking about other factors in the decision-making process is important. Don't ask questions that can be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no', but rather try to phrase your questions like "How would you describe the elements that go into salary decisions around here?"
In case there is clear unfairness in the way your compensation decision is made, you need to understand ahead of time whether there is any appeal process -- within the company, through labor unions, or with local or state government agencies. That way you have a better idea what your choices are. In addition, it could make sense to get an idea of how easily you could find a better-paying job in your existing community or one to which you might want to move.
Good luck,
Steve
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