Can anyone tell me when it would be appropriate and how it would be best put to ask for a raise? Currently my employer is trying to get me onto the payroll of his company as an actual employee as opposed to an independent contractor (which I am currently considered). It was verbally stated several months ago that when I was eventually employed directly through the company that I would easily get a 1-2 dollar and hour raise. I am going to be getting a benefits package, but I am going to need the extra compensation considering other responsibilities that are going to soon be placed on my shoulders. Soon and throughout most of the summer, I am going to have to run the place basically by my lonesome, which I can do but have not to this point had to more than a couple times. My boss also requested that I stay until August of this year at the earliest, which I agreed to verbally. On top of that, when I do have to work alone here the days are going to be 11hrs minimum. With new bills coming up in my life (basically everything you can expect to come with moving out on your own) I figure that with these added responsibilities I deserve a bit more compensation. Am I being greedy? Would this be an appropriate time to mention it? How would you put it? Thanks in advance for your feedback, in case I don't thank you directly. (Apparently I fucked up the spelling on etiquette)
Definitely DO NOT bring this point up when negotiating a raise. I would focus on what are you doing to deserve a raise. Of course, your added responsibility is the reason (and hopefully performance up to this point.) But the most important thing is your future performance. A raise is a big investment for the company....you need to convince them that it will pay off for them.
Yeah, I wasn't going to bring that up to him, about my bills I mean. Actually up to this point my performance has been sterling, he doesn't even really need to do anything when he comes in and I'm here. Funny thing is, when I started here I was through a temp agency- the agency was being paid $16/hr by Lawson while I was working through them and I was only seeing 10 of that. So the company took 6 for their part of the services. Basically my employer was paying me $16/hr before, but because of the agency I was only seeing 10. So in that regard I don't think a couple bucks more an hour would be unreasonable considering they were paying 6 more an hour. It would pay off for them in that they won't have to hire someone new and train them, but I can't say that because that is a bit too agressive. My boss said that he more or less needs me as opposed to my thoughts that I needed the company for employment, but in truth they need me to keep things going smoothly. I guess the best part is the company we are playing remora to, Watts. Basically everyone in this building hates Rich, and rightfully so because he is a dick head. So most people in the building like to deal directly with me as opposed to him because I am amiable and conversationable. I guess that would be another selling point. The only thing about this job is that I can't let it become permanent, I see how Rich acts and I don't want to become so embittered to the people around me. Plus I do plan to further my education (at this point refresh is what I need more than anything) so this is just a stopover before I take the plunge into my education.
^Actually, I'd say the fact that having you as an employee will save the company money is a pretty good bargaining chip. There's no need to be aggresive about it, just say something along the lines of 'in light of my increased responsibilities, and bearing in mind that the company will no longer have to pay the agency, I was thinking in terms of...' And then ask for half as much again as you actually want. Gives him something to negotiate down to.
The trick is not to convince them that you need the money but that you are totally worth it. They don't care about your financial situation and they'd love to pay you 2 cents an hour, if anything. If there is no positive reaction at all, try to give the impression that you have something better. It's a gamble of course but if you're really good they'll want to keep you. But most of all tell them what you have done for the company and what more you could do. Performance is everything. And never, ever get emotional. Even if the boss stonewalls your request, be polite. There will be a next time. There are also other companies and you don't want a bad reference.
^Is that from The Young Ones? Oh, also, accept that you might not get a raise straight away. I'd estimate that for every three visits to the boss, I've come away with one raise and two enhanced titles - which help the CV (resume) look better, so should never be despised.
I second oldfella's statement: don't talk about your needs. I worked with a guy who was always belly-aching about his financial problems and who consistently asked for raises based on them. It just never got through to him that the company doesn't care about his problems (and it shouldn't) and that what they were willing to pay him was directly related to how much he could contribute to the company.
A note about the 16$ they were paying the temp agency... Your employer is still paying at least $16 per hour to employ you... There are a lot of hidden costs associated with employing someone, including various insurances and the like.
Dunno about raises. But I imagine discussion current job offers in the canteen might get you one. WEll either that or they'll fire you.
Boss, I ...am here...to extend...my best wishes...on your daughter's...wedding. And I hope that their...first child...will be a masculine...one. And...I hope...that...you will see fit...to pay me...some more...for each...hit.
