Thursday, May 20, 2010

How do I ask for a big raise? (about $8.50 or more an hour)?

I make about 38k a year at $19 an hr (including bonuses). I did some research online and based on my experience I could be making upwards of $60k. I would be happy with 50k and I think I could get 50k at my current job, but is it too a big jump from 36.5k?





I got my current job as a paralegal 2 years ago. Over those two years I have worked up to senior paralegal of the firm and I have 5 years total experience as a paralegal.





I am an exceptional employee and my boss really appreciates my work.





What is the best way to tell my employer that I would like to be making this much more? I plan to print out the salary surveys that support my findings that are customized to my experience and the size of the firm and presenting them at my review. I was thinking of itching a like that is something like "Now that I have become proficent in my duties as senior paralegal, I think it would be fair to be making a comparable salary.." or something along those lines. Thanks

How do I ask for a big raise? (about $8.50 or more an hour)?
Keep in mind that your boss doesn't care what others make...he or she wants to pay you what you are worth to the firm. Are you billing hours? If so, usually you will be paid 35-45% of what your firm is able to collect from your time.





There are a lot of variables other than # years' experience and firm size. One being billables, but also hours per week, whether you receive OT or are exempt, education, and location. Also, these studies are hardly scientific, and I think that those with higher salaries are more likely to respond, affecting the results.





To get a raise that is more than an annual %age, you'll have to prove your worth to the firm, not just what others make.
Reply:.Ask for a raise,discuss what is paid to equally trained personnel, just don't try for as big a jump in wages as you are talking about .. Spread it over a few years or semi annually for 2 years to bring it up to where you are wanting to go.


I have a feeling they could hire an intern for a lot less and train her if you push too hard especially if there are other women ther with training


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Reply:First it is always hared to make more money moving up within a company than coming in from the outside at a higher position. However if you are that underpaid you are not without warrant to ask for a raise.





First you need to schedule a time slot with your boss to discuss some things. Then you need to prepare your case (as you did above) describe how you started therewith little experience but have become very acclimated with the company and the position requirements. Next you explain you are always looking for more growth, opportunity and responsibility and expect the pay for that position. Explain that your current position on average make s$X per year, and you are looking to have a competitive salary to that. Show (if possible with documentation) how you have grown with regards to experience and what you offer now compared to when you first started. State your success and your strengths and how much value you bring to the company. At the end of the conversation do not demand a raise, but suggest that he/she consider your value to the company and consider giving you a raise to match your qualifications.





Leave it there, and give him/her time to consider your talk and request. Check back within a reasonable amount of time (1 week) and ask for an update regarding your conversation. If you do not get a raise, look elsewhere for employment. Don't just quit, but look at other opportunities. Remember that if you are a value to the company, they are not going to want to bring on someone new to the company and give them the pay you want when they can just give you the raise and know that you are a good fit.


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