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?!

What about telling them what I’ve learned and waiting to see how they respond? Ie making clear it’s not a deal breaker…

Or is that even worse as I just look like a very bad negotiator?!

Why not work out your probation period and make sure you do amazingly. Then start looking at other similar jobs and their salaries. Apply if necessary and negotiate hard for any of them. Then come back to employer saying you've got an offer at X% more so are wondering if they can match.

Ultimately is this your dream job if you know you're earning so much less then peers? Or would you rather a less dream job where you're properly remunerated?

I’d keep your powder dry on that until the end of the probation period. Do proper research first. Right now this is a knee jerk reaction. You should ensure you’re looking at like for like.

I'd wait until the end of your probation period. You should hopefully get a review, and request one if you don't, and you can bring it up then. It's too soon now.

As others have said, I probably wouldn't broach it right now.

End of probation after you've settled in and proved yourself is a better time - then you've shown a bit of value to the company, had a chance to build relations and show you're committed and reliable.

If as you say, you're as experienced as those earning 30% more than you, and they'd have to pay that to replace you, then there's a good chance they'll acquiesce. Perhaps not to the full amount straight away, but they're unlikely just to turn you down flat. But coming in on a salary you asked for and then asking for more almost immediately before you've built your reputation might get their backs up.

I do sympathise with your situation though. Salary is such a difficult thing, and I hate the fact that many jobs don't advertise a clear range. Recruiters asking for your salary expectations without having given a range for the job are my pet hate - you're at a disadvantage from the outset, trying to guess what the right amount is to say without pricing yourself out of the role.

I started a new job last year. Negotiated my salary which was a massive increase from previous role. 2 months in I saw the sailers of the team that I was managing, and some weren’t a lot less than mine.

I worked my socks off during my probation (I still do), and at the 6 month meeting presented a case that I’d done x y and z, taken on more responsibility than was originally planned, and that my salary should be I. Line with the team that I manage. Asked for 20% rise, got 15%.

id be pissed if I recruited and after a month a higher salary was requested… would possibly damage relationship

I think you need to show them what you can do first before you ask for more.
Plus, they paid you what you asked for. I don’t understand how you managed to give a salary which now you feel is way under market rate.this might indicate that you don’t know the sector and your organisations external environment
that well so in all honesty I would get your feet under the table first.
Good luck in what you decide to do.

I agree with this

I would absolutely give it a go. Pass probation first, preferably with flying colours. They will have invested time in you and you will have proved your worth. Gather evidence to support your case, with particular examples if you can.

I wouldn't at this stage to be honest, but I'd ask to have a one to one after three to six months. They are much less likely to say no at that point as you'll have proven yourself.

The time to tackle it is during the final interview, failing that I would say it’s likely at probation review

You've never worked for a company where management seem unhinged?

They may not see it as just a 'cheeky question'. They may see it as an ungrateful slap in the face after the OP set their own salary and they agreed to it and she accepted but now, a month into the role, is moving the wage goalposts.

I personally don't think the OP would be wrong for asking. Just pointing out your comment of "the worst that can happen is they say no" isn't exactly true.

I'm a HR director in tech and I seriously advise you to NOT ask for one now.
It is easy (especially as a woman) to low ball yourself. I've done it myself.
Get through your probation with flying colours. Then ask.

So much depends on being realistic about your skills and years in industry.
I recently had to do a performance review with a junior developer who was convinced he should be earning at least 20k more (he was already on 50k at 22 years with no experience. Nuts. Be realistic.

Personally I would wait until I was in the post for at least 6mths or passed probationary period. If you wanted more money the time to ask would have been before you accepted the post tbh.

DH is a manager in tech. Yes, it is the men (esp young ones) who do ask for pay rises very early in employment- he always says no and then is wary of their attitude- it does nothing to endear them to him.
Others who jump in and do good work with positive attitude are sometimes given decent pay rises after 6 months, and defo at a year in.
(Can you tell he talks to me a lot about what's going on at work??! )

You've been given lots of advice. Asking fir a pay rise so early is a terrible idea. Smash your probation then negotiate.

I'd possibly raise with them you're aware you're being underpaid now and ask about scope for bonus or payrise after smashing probation.

Contracts mean nothing - OP can be sacked for no reason within the first two years.

Of course you should try to renegotiate!

The most expensive part of the hiring process is the first year, particularly when the role has been filled via a recruitment company. I’d wait six months and then raise the issue - if you’re good at your job they won’t want to risk losing you (particularly if it’s a niche area) as they’ll only have to recruit again. Also, within six months you’ll have shown them your worth.

I would do an amazing job for a (short) while, show them your value and then negotiate. Doing it now just looks naive imo.