USA TODAY International Edition
Prepare your talking points when seeking a raise
Johnny C. Taylor Jr. tackles your human resources questions as part of a series for USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the world’s largest HR professional society and author of “Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.”
The questions are submitted by readers, and Taylor’s answers below have been edited for length and clarity.
Question: I’ve seen a multitude of people take advantage of today’s competitive job market to procure better positions, benefits, salaries and even relocate. I actually love my current position and company but wonder if I’m selling myself short in terms of compensation in today’s market. How can I get a more competitive wage without leaving my current position? – Seth
Johnny C. Taylor Jr.: While employees are jumping ship for better positions, benefits, and salaries, loving your position and organization is priceless. There should be room to enjoy your work experience and receive equitable compensation for your work without leaving your current position. However, you will need to be thoroughly prepared to lay out your case for a more competitive wage.
First, do your research. Examine market salary data and assess how it compares with your own. Be sure to factor in variables such as your experience, job duties, and education. Review job postings of your organization for any starting or comparable salary information and perks or bonuses to attract talent in a tight labor market. Understand your organization’s compensation philosophy and pay increase practices including any pay or merit increase policies. If it is unclear, HR can help you better understand their pay philosophy and merit increases. Be prepared to confidently justify your request for higher pay. For example, has your workload doubled due to staffing shortages? Have you taken on additional assignments or roles? Learned new skills or technology? Quantify, if possible, the value you have added to the business.
Next, schedule a meeting with your manager, provide the reason for the meeting and a brief agenda to stay on track. Have your talking points in writing for the meeting. Select a time and date when your work is not overly demanding. Be sure to communicate your satisfaction with the job and the organization. Be open to feedback and ask for a follow- up meeting to discuss the final decision. Your manager will most likely need to consult with HR or their manager before making any pay adjustment decisions.
Keep in mind that your employer may not be able to accommodate your request due to budget or other factors. If it is unable to increase your pay, ask if there are considerations for getting a raise in the future. Be prepared with alternative suggestions such as learning a new skill or taking on stretch assignments. You may also consider areas where the company is struggling and make suggestions on ways you can fill the gap. Be creative.
Regardless of the outcome, be flexible and open to ideas different than your own. You can also consider alternative perks, benefits, or variable compensation in lieu of a base pay increase. I wish you the best!
Q: In the last year, I switched jobs twice and I was recently approached by another company about a position. I worry about how future prospective employers will view me down the line. At what point will employers see my frequent career movement as a negative? – Rebecca
Taylor: This is an excellent and timely question as many workers are facing a similar dilemma. In 2021, nearly half of employers ( 49% reported their organization had experienced much higher turnover than usual in the past six months. This trend, coined “The Great Resignation” does not appear to be slowing down in 2022.
Thankfully, the expectation for employees to stay with the same employer for the bulk of their career is no longer the standard, and employers are more open to hiring candidates with frequent career movements. Career mobility is a hallmark of this era and employers do not automatically see it as a negative. The quality and depth of the experience are much larger determinants in hiring. Employers are looking to see if you have demonstrated a measurable impact with your work. It also depends on the type of jobs you are seeking, as well as the industry you are in. And if you change jobs every few months, employers may be concerned if it appears you didn’t have time to be fully trained or adjust to your new position.
If you feel concerned about your frequent career movement, there are a few strategies that may work for you:.
● Write a cover letter – explain your job movement and keep it positive.
● In an interview – be transparent, but don’t bad- mouth past employers.
● Focus on transferable skills – pivot potentially negative feelings an employer may have about your career moves and focus on the positive – highlight key strengths such as being highly adaptable, and a quick learner.
● Focus on the job you are applying for – share why you are interested in this job and how you plan to add value to their organization if you are hired.