When should I ask for a raise?

Question

I am working for a company that is paying me $10,000 less than the low end of the industry average. I want to ask for a raise. My salary review is 2 months away, but I would prefer to ask sooner. That way, if they say no, I can give notice and have more of the summer to look for another job. Plus, waiting just means 2 more months of working for peanuts. What should I do?

By the way, I have been with the company for 6 years. I have plenty of savings so I could survive quite a while without a job while I am looking for another one. Because I am so busy with work right now, I am not able to put in a very good effort at looking for another job. I also hate the sneaking around to go to interviews on weekdays.

Answer 1

Start looking for another job now. Then you'll have good data to justify your salary difference during your review. And if you have been seeing a lot of good jobs, you'll know you are safe to push it. And if you haven't been seeing other openings, you know to be more careful.

Answer 2

Usually you have to have worked at a place a year before a raise is possible, unless you negotiated something different when you were hired. Why did you accept the position for less; were you desperate? If so, they had you over a barrel. You need to have some justification for asking for raise other than that you're earning less than average. By justification, I mean examples of outstanding work you have done which has benefitted the company. Speak to your immediate supervisor about the possibility of a raise in the near future without sounding demanding. If you don't get a positive response, start looking for another job. Once you give notice, if you are valuable to them they may counter-offer. If you decide to stay, though, keep in mind that they may start looking to get rid of you at some point.

Answer 3

Just go for it. Talk with your supervisor and explain to them why you feel you deserve a raise. You agreed to work for the company at a starting rate. If they did not tell you in advance when you would get an increase, then you should ask what steps are necessary to obtain pay increases. Good luck to you and another thing to consider before changing jobs are "benefits". Employees would be amazed to learn that some companies provide benefits for the employees that may be as much as 80% above your pay. Does the company provide medical, dental, 401-K or retirement plans, uniforms, etc.?? Most times the amount on your paystub does not include all of your benefits. Good Luck!!

Answer 4

Talk to your immediate supervisor. Let them know that you would like to have some idea about your upcoming salary review. Tell them that you feel you should be receiving at least industry average. If they tell you that you won't be getting that, then you know that you can go ahead and start looking for a new job. (Don't tell them that part.) Never quit a job or give your notice without accepting a new job.

Answer 5

i do not ask for a improve because i comprehend that the employer is already suffering, i'd possibly get the upward push yet then my boss might want to be green with envy of attending to do it faster then he changed into comfortable. even as cases were given hard the human beings who did not supply a crap about the employer were those who wound up jobless besides as those who were severe paid yet whos jobs others might want to do for much less money (which os in reality ANY pastime). I artwork very not easy and make sturdy money for the employer, i receives a improve even as the employer can discover the money for it i'm thoroughly confident of that. i'm also no longer grossly UNDERpaid both which makes it a lot less confusing to carry off on will improve. I honestly have not had a improve in 5 years yet I honestly have had a job even as many have not. and that i have not had a pay decrease the position as many employer's decrease workers pay.i love pastime safe practices.

Answer 6

Depends on your work history with that company. Have documentation in hand of positive comments from bosses or clients. Also, have your past reviews handy. Are you a linch-pin to your department, or one of dozens doing the same task? have you ever taken on special projects, worked extra hours, or helped coworkers if they are swamped? Write down your achievements and present them verbally to your boss when asking. Remember, this is business, not personal...present yourself as the asset you are. If your record with this company is weak, consider waiting for that review to come down. If you get a positive review, you m ight see that raise anyway, but companies are all stingy

Answer 7

Go ahead and start applying for other jobs and going on interviews, just in case....ask for the raise and if they refuse, give the other jobs that you applied for a grace period; then if you get one....quit. If not, stay where you are; at least until you find another job.

Answer 8

I waited a year before asking for my first raise, but I started with a good salary. My raise was for an additional $3,000 a year, which was nice.

If you've been there awhile, ask now. If you haven't been there atleast six months, then wait until the review.

Good luck!

Answer 9

You can ask for a raise ANYTIME you want to, although you must be willing to pay the consequences of your actions for anything you do at work.

For instance, if you get ignored, or whatever, what will you do?
If you are able to move on to a better situation, you can do whatever you choose. If not, you could choose to "bite the bullet"and hope for better times if the future.

You must look out for your future, see what you can do to become more valuable.

Answer 10

i would ask now and tell theme it is a bit of an emergency, (you need the money and fast) tell them you have to get a house or you have to pay the hospital for your mother being in there seeing as she's really sick and you will be out of work and fourced to get a better job if they don't give it to you. or you can just ask with out a wild story to tell but it sounds much cooler with the story