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Happygrrls' How-To:
Exel in the workplace...
You’ve shed sweat, tears, and blood for your company, and everyone from Terry in accounting to Paula in customer service loves you. So how come you’re still stuck at the same salary? It may be time to take matters into your own hands.
- Find out about the company policy on raises: are they based on performance, seniority, or company success? Are they awarded at your annual performance review, on a quarterly basis, or as management sees fit? All of these questions can help you come up with a strategy. If your performance review is only a couple of months away, it might be beneficial to wait so that you can focus on your projects and have something to show at the meeting. But if no one in your company has seen a raise since Christian Slater starred in a successful film, you might want to schedule a meeting to discuss your salary.
- Do your research. What are other comparable positions going for? You can find this out through various methods: try finding a couple of salary surveys (these are very good as they are usually divided into regions), ask around (not specific salaries, of course, but what salary ranges others in the same field or position find reasonable), or scour the want ads to see what other companies are offering for your position (this is good because you can see the duties outlined and compare these with yours).
- Make a list of all your recent accomplishments at the company. Sell yourself as you would in a resume. Highlight how you’ve helped the company earn money, save money, acquire new clients, or exceed expectations. Also highlight what you’ve done internally, whether it be conflict resolution, helping out other departments, creating efficient databases to save precious time, or taking over Bill’s project while he was away on vacation.
- Role-play with friends to anticipate any objections that your boss may have. One of the main concerns with granting raises is budget; companies usually allot a certain amount of their earnings to employee salaries. If this comes up, remind your boss about how your kick-ass organizational skills saved the company $2,000 last month. (Do keep in mind that if, for instance, two people were laid off last week, or you suddenly see the accounting department shredding stacks of paper, your boss may not be lying about the budget constraints.)
- Don’t tell your boss why you want the raise. People are unpredictable and, even as sincere as you are, this could actually work against you in his considerations.
- Go into the meeting with an open mind. When asked for what you think is a fair raise, go higher than intended so there is room to come down. And never, ever say that you want what Deborah in technical support is making. State your case and leave it at that.
- Consider all options offered. Even if the proposed raise leaves much to be desired, don’t forget about benefits. You can try to negotiate better benefits to offset the smaller raise.
- Don’t threaten to leave unless Company B is sending you fruit baskets on a daily basis and begging you to grace them with your presence, or unless you know that you’ve had enough. Your boss may call you on your moment of bluffing bravado and you’ll be spending the rest of your day cleaning out your desk.
- Make a printout of the accomplishments you’ve highlighted during your meeting, and leave a copy behind for your boss. Give him/her time to mull it over, and leave the tête-à-tête on a positive note.
Undeniably, doing something day in and day out can get tedious, boring, and frustrating. For some, this plateau can arise after six months, while others don’t feel the strain until they show up for their ten-year anniversary party. Here are some tips on how to stay grounded when your job is driving you nuts.
- The underemployment syndrome is hard to shake off. You might have been laid off, and find that job offers are coming from positions that are lower-skilled or lower-leveled than your previous job. Keep that chin up – the job market is tough, and so are you. Take some classes, volunteer or teach to gain some valued people skills, and network. With these new connections and skills, your star will be rising again in no time.
- If you find that there is no upward move within the company, think about a lateral move into other positions or departments.
- Write a new resume, especially if you find that you are getting interviews for the same positions over and over again. If you’re jumping into a new field, consider switching from a chronological resume to a functional resume to better highlight your skills as opposed to your job experiences.
- Get work done efficiently (with some of your mad delegations skills), and ask for projects that will improve or change your responsibilities and utilize your skills. You might find that a breath of fresh air is just what you need.
- Feeling guilty over work? You might find that your guilt is impeding you from taking that new job, switching fields, or leaving your job. Do a reality check: are there any truths to your feelings? Are your guilty thoughts true, or are they exaggerated? Is it an internal guilt, or is it coming from your spouse, friends, and parents? You’ll most likely find that these guilty thoughts are hindering you from making a change. Sort out your feelings, speak to a professional if need be, and do what you want to do.
You’ve been at the company for a while, but you find yourself restless, bored, underemployed, or ready to put your skills to the test in a new position. The company’s been good to you, but you’ve got to spread your wings and soar like an eagle. There’s nothing wrong with that, but before you triumphantly slap that resignation letter on your boss’ forehead, here are some tips on how to gain some liberation without burning your bridges.
- Before tendering your resignation, be prepared. Some bosses will take your news with grace, but others might throw a fit and demand that you leave the premises at once. Grab as many letters of recommendations, references, and business/mentor contacts as you can before you learn what kind of boss you have. Also be sure to remove personal e-mails and files from your computer, and save a portfolio of your work if applicable.
- Find out what you are entitled to before you leave, such as unpaid vacation time you’ve never collected or benefits you’ve never cashed in. If you’ve been laid off, inquire about the severance package and look into unemployment insurance.
- In your resignation letter, keep it short and simple. A simple resignation letter will include the date, what position you are resigning, when you are resigning this position, and your signature. Never state why you are leaving your position. If it’s a matter of conflict, don’t let on just in case you decide to sue the company or take it up with the Labour Board later on – it’s best to leave quietly in lieu of figuring out how you shall proceed. If the experience was pleasant, be positive in your letter (a line like, “It is with regret that I must resign my position at this time” usually works sufficiently), and wish the company well.
- Schedule a meeting with your boss. Don’t spring this up on him, especially if he’s running late for a meeting or leaving the office for the weekend.
- The customary notice time for resignations is two weeks, which should be ample time to screen applicants. If possible, consider offering to stay on longer (two weeks to a month) so that you can also train the new hire. Your company will appreciate your loyalty and you’ll be sure to score numerous references for any future endeavours.
- For that extra mile, and especially if you’ve enjoyed your tenure at the company, send a thank you letter once you leave. It never hurts to be appreciative.
A good thing to remember amidst all this work brouhaha – the good and the bad – is to keep a positive outlook in any situation, and to always realize your potential. With these foundations intact, you’ll excel in everything that you do. ¤ C.Ho.
