I COMPLETED A BIG PROJECT AND REALISED I’M OVERDUE FOR A PAY RISE. SHOULD I APPROACH MY BOSS NOW, OR WAIT UNTIL MY NEXT PDR?

DARREN BUCHANAN MANAGING DIRECTOR, HAYS QUEENSLAND

If the project was successful then it’s a good time to ask your boss for a meeting to discuss your salary. One of the key components of any successful salary negotiation is being able to prove the value you bring to the organisation. With a recent large project behind you, your boss should be well aware of your contribution to the organisation’s success. But don’t hang your pay rise hopes solely on this one project – as successful as it was, you’ll need to objectively review your achievements since your last pay rise and make a list of your top results.

SINEAD HOURIGAN BRISBANE DIRECTOR, ROBERT WALTERS

There may be an absolute policy around not reviewing anyone outside of the PDR and they will disappoint you, despite the fact that they may genuinely think you are due for a review. The most important thing to do is to have a conversation with your line manager and let them know that you think your remuneration level is not at market (do your research first so you can provide them with some data) and give them the chance to get a process in place so that at least they can get the wheels in motion to ensure the review is in line with your expectations when your PDR comes around.

JULIE FORD SENIOR EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT, McARTHUR

Now is a great time to approach your boss, especially if the project was a success. Use the completion of the project to back up your claim for a salary increase. Was it completed on time and within budget? Did you hit your milestones? Did you add further value by being innovative? You might have even saved the business money. Think about what you are going to say, request a formal meeting and perhaps develop a short presentation to support your request. Further, ensure you have researched the market or sought advice regarding what similar roles are paying in your industry.

DR NERIDA HILLBERG DIRECTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY, FERRIS MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS

Wait. Use the success of the project to leverage your performance review discussion. Pay reviews can depend not only on your individual performance but also on the organisation’s performance over the course of the year. You need to demonstrate to your employer that you have met or exceeded all of the KPIs in your role description. Typically, completing one project won’t be enough to warrant a significant increase. Requesting an increase ahead of what has been scheduled is not advisable. Employers expect you will complete “big projects”.