This is my first time working as a retail sales associate. They say they will pay me $7.75 per hour, I have an associates degree. This seems really low to me. Considering the fact that most jobs here in Chicago pay like at least $8 per hour.
I know LEGALLY minimum wage is now $7.50 per hour in Chicago, but considering my education and the fact that I do have customer service, cash handling, and retail inventory experience am I being cheated here?
2007-07-17 18:02:59 · 7 answers · asked by Babycakes 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Marketing & Sales
Oh and plus I'm 1 year away from getting my bachelor's degree in Fashion and Retail Management.
2007-07-17 18:14:42 · update #1
To clarify they did NOT tell me what the pay was in the interview and I did not ask in the interview because I was always told that you shouldn't ask what the pay is in an interview because then they will think you're only interested in the job because of the money.
They didn't tell me what the pay was until I went to orientation and they didn't even verbally tell me. I saw it on a paper they gave me. This is a pay cut compared to my last job doing inventory in retail...
2007-07-18 04:10:54 · update #2
A sales associate does NOT need a degree, so they are paying you just above minumum. However, if you stay there...your degrees WILL PAY OFF because you will be able to promote within the company and possibly open your own franchise. Besides...they told you what they pay when you interviewed for the job...obviously you accepted. Hang in there for awhile, get the bachelors...then see if some opportunities for advancement open up for you...if not...look elsewhere
2007-07-17 20:34:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sure, it's hard to get by on minimum wage. However, you need to keep in mind this is just the starting point for you.
It's possible the pay will go up over time. For example, my company also has a retail side. Employees start at minimum wage, but after they are employed 6 months, they receive a slight raise. After that, if they complete product training courses (several are offered) they get a .25 cent/hour raise each time.
Keep up the hard work and it will pay off. Show your employer you are dedicated, and they'll show you how much you're appreciate.... and your degree too!
2007-07-18 09:02:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ok, I understand not asking what the pay was on the first interview, (I understand but don't necessarily agree) But why would you not ask on a second interview or when they made the offer of employment.? You need to negotiate the pay before you accept the job.
Secondly you are taking an entry level retail job, these are some of the lowest paying jobs around, what exactly do you want to make? Furthermore having an associates degree qualifies you to do exactly what? How does that help the company that hired you? You need to answer that question to justify to them why you are worth more.
2007-07-18 14:14:02 · answer #3 · answered by Seano 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ask if there is a scale in pay. Many jobs pay a low amount and then you get a raise in six month and another raise six months after that. An associates degree isn't much anymore. More and more of the workforce has some sort of degree beyond a high school degree.
2007-07-18 01:09:52 · answer #4 · answered by gregory_dittman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe your pay is very low, but think positive. Might be they are testing your patience. If you perform well with this pay then they can increase you pay as well. I think so.
2007-07-18 01:20:12 · answer #5 · answered by Mad Tech 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you always can try to re- negotiate. try to get raise sooner than 30 days. You got to sell your self. Go for the gusto.
2007-07-18 01:12:46 · answer #6 · answered by somthing special 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hell yeah girl
2007-07-18 01:10:19 · answer #7 · answered by sadsdsa 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋