To request a pay rise after a month…

[MummyRuns]

Just started new job - very niche role (tech) and demand for my specialism is very high and will likely lead to lucrative contracts/key client wins for business. I’ve been there over a month - all going well and company have already introduced me to lots of clients etc. Was happy with salary/bonus until I had an open discussion with some peers recently about what they were earning (incl what recruiters are suggesting) and it’s c.30-40% higher than what I’m on.

I haven’t signed contract yet (oversight not intentional). WIBU to speak to HR/my boss about a pay rise? It seems ridiculously early days/bad taste to try to renegotiate and I’m hoping to be there for a few years so keen to maintain good relations… But I’m wondering if I’m being ‘too female’ worrying about internal perception/building relationships and would men be much more bullish?!

Why didn't you do your research earlier? Are you as experienced as those you're comparing yourself to?

I think you need to prove your worth before asking. A month is way too soon and I don't see it happening. If they are paying you the advertised rate then that's what they think they need to pay. You need to be able to convince them you're worth the extra and not just tell them you think you can get more elsewhere, particularly if you see this as a long term role.

Don't you have a probation period?

Renegotiating is best done as early as possible. I think it’s worth a chat with the HR person - they will not want to lose you.

I’d ask. The worst that can happen is they say no but you’ll most likely be able to meet in the middle

The worst that could happen is they sack her. She hasn't signed a contract.

They can still get a refund from recruitment consultants in the first 8 weeks. Tread carefully

Is your probation 3-6 months? If so, I’d absolutely smash your probation period and find ways to add value/improve processes straight away.

Your probation meeting will then be the perfect opportunity to broach the subject - once you’ve signed your contract… get it signed ASAP!

It's too early. The time to do this was at the initial negotiation. I'm female and in tech, so I know it can be easy to accidentally undervalue yourself. But the damage is done now. Deliver something and ask after a year.

All I will add, is that a man likely would tackle this early and head on - not saying its right, but not wanting to rock the boat does mean you get rolled over on pay.

Are you experienced in your field, as well as being in demand, as this will likely be a factor too.

Have you received the contract/had written conversations and accepted your pay? That's an implied contract and the point about you not signing it is moot.

I'd expect employees to have researched their pay before accepting it and wouldn't like a renegotiation so soon in employment. But I guess that depends on the discrepancy/experience/tenure we're talking about when you're comparing yourself to your new colleagues

Yes, if you've got a probation period then go for it at your review: they've had a chance to see what you can do, and you've had a chance to evaluate the work load, responsibilities, etc. Salaries can vary wildly for similar work. I just started a part time job and wasn't sure about salaries: they asked what I was on at my last job, and are now paying me more than that, for three days a week instead of five.

As a manager, my response would be no, we recruited you on X salary, that’s what we pay at your level and you have only just joined. I would reconsider in maybe 6 months, if your contribution to the business was worthwhile.

Honestly, I would question the motives of someone who accepted a salary, joined on that basis and then immediately requested a pay rise.

It wasn’t advertised it through a recruitment process. It was a random cold call from a junior HR person. I told them what I would move for (thinking it was quite bullish) and they offered it. But since then (last few months) it seems like demand has increased and ppl with much less experience are being told by recruiters to expect more than my base salary. I was excited about the role but now I’m feeling I sold myself short.

I’ve met their top 3 clients I would be surprised if they sacked me but I might really annoy ppl and create a bad impression with senior mgt… ie short term gain/long term pain.

My DH learnt this the hard way once when he didn’t realise you could negotiate on salary. He ended up second lowest paid on the team, with some people earning £10k more because they had negotiated. When he applied for his next role, believe you me he negotiated hard and it paid off.

With that in mind, you’re unlikely at this stage to get the pay that you want (the extra 30-40%) but you may possibly be able to get a little extra if you present an excellent case. I wouldn’t get your hopes up though. Maybe you’d be better waiting until your 6 month review?

Sorry but your opportunity to ask for an increased wage was when you were appointed. You accepted the job based on that salary and seemed happy to do so. I am a manager and would need to seriously see some evidence that peers on your field earn 40% more before I’d even consider giving a pay rise, and even then it would probably be a no.

Given your update it would be bad form to ask for a patriae straight away considering you set your own salary when you started!

Pay rise

They're paying you what you asked for then. You need to show them what you're worth and then ask for more.

Why would they? They would gain nothing from sacking her for asking a question and would have to go through the expense of recruitment all over again. Employers are used to people asking cheeky questions, they might say no, they might think you are taking the piss, but they would have to be unhinged to sack you.

Even if the market has moved up since then? If they called me now I would (obviously) quote a higher number…

Also if they would have to pay more if they wanted to replace me

I just don’t want this to be the first nail in the coffin of what could be a happy career move..

For that reason, I think you should wait a bit longer before asking.

It might be the first and final nail in the coffin. Irrespective of the result, it will leave a bad taste in everyone's mouth from HR, your manager and the recruitment agency who represented you. Doctor probation period, prove your worth rather than just telling them you've worth more, and let them know your ambitions for the future. Be mature about your approach.

You should have done it on recruitment, but as you didn't your best bet is to demonstrate your worth during your probationary period and raise it during your review at the end.

Exactly! Why do people post stupid advice here??. Op, have you considered all the factors why they might be on a higher salary - more experience, more qualifications?

Agreed. The company will likely refuse and this could make your time there distasteful. Right now, you’ll be getting relevant experience. Tackle this at the end of your probation. Normally these are 6 months so you’ve only got 5 to wait! If you don’t get the answer you’re looking for, you can always change jobs. And if anything fab comes your way in the meantime, you could jump ship or tell the company you’ve had an offer of x and ask if they are they willing to match it.