Tips On Negotiating For A Raise: What You Should Never Say | Money Mind | Increment

Key Concepts:

• Probationary period
• Self-awareness
• Humility
• Enthusiasm
• Problem-solving
• Building a niche
• Taking initiative
• Visibility
• Contribution to company goals
• Salary negotiation
• Timing of pay raise requests
• Loyalty
• Salary surveys
• Underpaid vs. Undervalued

I. Surviving the Probationary Period

• Starting from the Bottom: Acknowledge that you are new and need to learn.
• Self-Awareness and Humility: Be aware of your surroundings and be humble.
• Enthusiasm: Show enthusiasm for the role and the company.
• Avoid Assumptions: Don't assume you have the job secured and stop trying.
• Read the Room: Observe workplace dynamics, including work hours. If the boss stays late, leaving early might not be a good look.
• Seek Feedback: Proactively ask for feedback on your performance. "Hey, you passed your probation, how did you do it?"
• Problem-Solving Focus: Understand the problem you are hired to solve for the company.
• First 30 Days: Focus on understanding the problem you are solving and how you fit into the company ecosystem.
• Second 30 Days: Build your niche and make it known. Example: A Gen Z employee bringing a unique perspective.
• Third 30 Days: Take initiative, volunteer for tasks, and take ownership.
• Don't Be Scared: Don't be afraid of making mistakes; everyone makes them.
• Track Accomplishments: Keep a record (e.g., in a Word document or email) of your accomplishments to showcase during probation review.
• Be Visible: Be brilliant and visible; don't let your accomplishments go unnoticed. "You can be brilliant but invisible."

II. Demonstrating Contribution to Company Goals

• Company Goals: Understand the company's goals (usually making money, but also other objectives).
• Contribution Tracking: Track how your work contributes to the company's goals.
• Moving the Company Forward: Show how you helped the company progress.

III. Salary Negotiation and Pay Raises

• Money as a Sensitive Topic: Approach salary discussions carefully.
• Avoid Job Offer Leverage: Do not use a competing job offer to demand a raise. This can damage trust and lead to future issues. "They will start planning your exit."
• Verbal Communication Preferred: Discuss salary face-to-face or on a phone call rather than via email. Email makes it easier for the employer to reject the request.
• Salary Surveys and Data: Research salary ranges for similar roles using salary surveys.
• Flexibility Inquiry: Instead of demanding a specific amount, ask if there is flexibility to increase the pay package. "I wonder if there's any flexibility to go upwards on the pay package."
• Timing is Crucial: Choose the right time to ask for a raise; avoid approaching your boss when they are in a bad mood.
• Seek Advice: Ask colleagues or HR about their experiences with pay raises.
• Long-Term Commitment: Express your loyalty and desire to stay with the company long-term.
• Sowing the Seeds: Start showing your value and contributions over time before asking for a raise. "You have to sew the seeds."
• Visibility and Stepping Up: Be visible and demonstrate that you are stepping up in your role.

IV. Timing of Pay Raise Conversations

• No Fixed Timeframe: There is no set time (e.g., 6 months or a year) to wait before asking for a raise.
• Underpaid vs. Undervalued: Determine if you are truly underpaid or if your expenses are simply higher.
• Proactive Raises: Some employees receive raises without even asking due to their significant contributions.
• Understand the Situation: Try to understand the situation before having the conversation.

V. Conclusion

Starting a new job requires self-awareness, humility, and a focus on solving problems for the company. Tracking accomplishments and demonstrating contributions to company goals are crucial for career advancement and salary negotiation. When discussing pay raises, timing, research, and communication are key. It's important to determine if you are truly underpaid or undervalued and to approach the conversation with a long-term perspective.