How to Negotiate a Raise in Your Administrative Professional Job

Tips for Negotiating a Compensation Increase

by Dave Willmer, executive director of Office Team

You’re content with your job, the company you work for and the people you work with, but there’s one problem: You’re underpaid. You were happy with your salary a year ago, but since then, your workload has increased and you’ve yet to see a comparable rise in compensation.

Before you go to your boss demanding a pay increase, consider the current business climate within your company. No matter how convinced you are that you deserve a raise, it’s inappropriate to ask for one if your company or department is undergoing financial difficulties. However, if this is not the case, there’s a good chance that your manager will be open to your request for a compensation increase. Here are some steps you can take to obtain the raise you deserve:

Gather evidence. Your desire to move into a new condo or your goal of paying off student loans are not valid reasons for a higher salary. Instead, you must demonstrate a compelling business reason for being paid more. Document all your responsibilities and accomplishments to date, focusing specifically on how your efforts have helped the company achieve its objectives. For example, you might have introduced a new method for processing invoices that not only increased efficiency, but saved the company money. Gathering concrete data, and being able to present this information in an organized manner, is critical to positioning yourself as a valuable asset to your employer.
Research the going rate. It’s always a good idea to investigate what others in your area and with your qualifications are being paid before approaching your boss for a raise. Online services, such as PayScale.com and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook are excellent sources. Complimentary publications, like the OfficeTeam Salary Guide, also provide compensation figures for a variety of administrative positions. Estimating your worth on the open market will ensure you don’t under- or oversell your services.
Build your case over time. Despite his or her best intentions, your boss may not be aware of the many projects with which you’re involved. To prevent your achievements from being overlooked, consider providing your manager with a weekly status report that summarizes the assignments you’re working on and have recently completed.
Time it right. While the most logical time to discuss a raise is during your performance review, it could be advantageous to speak with your supervisor about the issue before your next evaluation. For example, you might broach the subject with your boss after you’ve successfully completed a major project. Just be sure to schedule the meeting at a time when you know he or she won’t be overwhelmed with deadlines.
Prepare a ‘Plan B.’ If a pay raise is not in your employer’s budget, consider negotiating other benefits, such as more vacation time, a flexible schedule or a larger performance-based bonus. If these requests are denied, ask your boss how to best position yourself for a future raise and arrange a date for a follow-up meeting to discuss your progress toward this goal.

Like any negotiation, securing a raise requires preparation and finesse. Taking the time and effort to craft a compelling case and make your value to the company clear will help you increase your chances of getting paid what you’re worth.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dave Willmer is executive director of OfficeTeam, the nation’s leading staffing service specializing in the temporary placement of highly skilled administrative and office support professionals. OfficeTeam has more than 300 locations worldwide and offers online job search services at www.officeteam.com.