Can you ask for a payrise in an appraisal?

[Greydove28]

Hi,
Sorry if this isn't the right board to post on. I have my appraisal next week and I have been doing lots of extra work and studying for work. I feel I am underpaid on the market rate.

Is it appropriate when I have my appraisal to ask about promotion opportunities and for a payrise? I have no idea if it is or not. Its a small organisation and quite flexible. I dont know how I would get round to mentioning or how I should phrase it.

No harm in asking. Make sure you have solid reasoning, but be prepared for a no - especially in the current climate. Many places have pay freezes at the moment.

I ask if I feel it's deserved and the org isn't known to me at least going through a hard time. Factors to think about... Are you seen often as a go to person who goes above and beyond, you have taken on additional responsibilities? You have worked there at least a year or two with no raises... You think know others are being paid more for same role etc...
Things to consider going in to it. Good luck!

Assuming the appraisal goes well, then it’s the perfect time to ask.

As others have said be aware of the current situation. If they’ve had to make people redundant then it probably won’t go down well.

The company is doing well at the moment. We did get a standard payrise beginning if the year. I know that people do the same job as me get paid more money. I also have extra responsibilities which generate a lot more work.

I feel awkward asking, any tips how to say it?

When asked "is there anything you'd like to discuss" I said "I'm confident that we have covered x y z but I was wondering if we could talk about my pay and how/when I might expect a rise to the upper end of my band? I think my improvements in x y z over the last 12 months have demonstrated my value to the team and I think this is in line with a salary more in the region of x y z but would be interested in talking about this further now."

Thank you @bravotango. That is really helpful.

No problem, it's really scary isn't it! Someone else might be along with something a bit better than my suggestion but in my case, my boss was really receptive and it worked out.