How do I ask for a raise?

[merrr]

I've been in my current job for nearly 5 years. About two years ago my job duties were "restructured" because another lady in the department was retiring and I had to absorb 0.5 of her job duties. When this happened I asked my boss if I would get a raise for the increased duties. She laughed and said no.

Fast forward to yesterday. A supervisor in the department asked me to scan a document into the computer for her. I did and when I read the document this is what I saw:
Growth promotions occur when an employee moves from one level or position within a job family. Essentially, this would be a change in the degree of responsibility within the same type of work. A growth upgrade is normally given when employees meet the following conditions:
- Performs their job at a high level of competence
- Employee is ready for broader, more complex assignments
- Clear distinction in the level of duties between positions in a job family and the positions have been evaluated and recognized as higher level
Typical increases for growth promotions are between 5-7%.

O-M-G!!! I fit every one of those criteria!!! Any suggestions on how I can effectively ask for a raise and have it retro-activated to when my job duties changed?

[nevaehsmom327]

Oh my poor merr! I have been asking myself this question for a quite a long time as well.

Here are my thoughts though...if you have this piece of paper with all these details on it, I would simply bring it into your boss and let them know that it's company policy to provide a raise when job duties have been increased. Bring in details of times that you fit each one of those categories to prove your fact, not just throw out statements! If that doesn't work with your boss, I would bring it in to the top person in HR and make sure you let them know your boss has turned you down.

It's not easy tryin to get some cheesy....but I wish you the best of luck!!! Keep us posted!

[bumblebee23]

I totally agree with Amy and was about to suggest the same thing! Good luck!

[AuntSueto4]

"Bring in details of times that you fit each one of those categories to prove your fact, not just throw out statements!"

I would consider doing an additional step of writing a letter/note to your boss with the details of times and as many as you can remember of the examples of your fitting in each of the categories, so boss has it in front of them and can read/think it over.

Maybe boss needs to consult someone like HR or their higher up boss for approval/authorization and then can give a copy, and not try to remember all your important details, so they can be correct.

Give them a copy of what you scanned, so you can have a copy to keep for your records, and for any appeals that may need to be done.

Good Luck, hope you get a raise!!!!

[deannemdm]

You may want to say that when you were previously told no and you are not sure if you should have come at that time and that you are unsure if your supervisor holds the pursestrings or if it is higher up. (or similar) Your supervisor may not have had the authority to increase your wage, but HR may have that power.

[AuntSueto4]

Yes, what deannemdm said too.

May want to think of your reply if they ask you or wonder why you waited so long to ask again for the raise.

[deannemdm]

that would be was reminded of company policy while scanning policy for supervisor

[Susan824]

I'd also recommend that in addition to writing down the details of times that you fit each one of those categories, you follow each with a statement describing HOW your contributions IMPACTED... either your, team, your co-workers, your supervisor, your company, clients or internal business partners.

[Susan824]

......more thoughts..... Lists of accomplishments are stronger when you call-out how your job performance has evolved to a higher level than the previous year. Did you raised the bar for yourself and drive great results? If yes, then you want to be specific about HOW you demonstrated that. (Believe me I've read hundreds of bad self-reviews, and only a few dozen good ones in my career). My employees are currently writing their year end Self-Reviews this month. I'm able to "go-to-bat" for them to convince my supervisor/HR to approve a higher pay raise percentage when the employee clearly conveys a convincing case for it. Some bosses won't go out on limb to ask their supervisor to recognize YOUR merits or some simply can't (due to a slashed budget), but I definately think it's worth it to try.

[merrr]

Thank you ladies!!!! I did bring this up to my immediate supervisor yesterday afternoon (the one who laughed and said no) and she said she wasn't aware of this policy. She also said she'd look into it and get back to me... Here's to hoping!!!

[dara1012]

Crossing fingers for you!

[laurac]

Oh boy I hope that works, Merrr! I don't like that reply, however. If she laughed at you last time she might just be shoo-shooing you this time. Don't let it go!