Salary negotiations

[owloak]

Hi!

I'm planning to have a serious chat with my boss sometime in the next 4-5 weeks to discuss salary. He vaguely knows it's coming.

I need to decide what I want to ask for in terms of salary and benefits (and then of course decide what I'd be willing to accept!).

I thought I could start this thread today and maybe someone could give me some pointers, general advice, hold my hand!! and then this thread could be here for anyone else in the future looking for advice too!

I have little experience negotiating. I want to speak well and present the facts (niche industry struggling to hire staff, so I'm in a very good position really).

My current salary is quite low. ideally I would like a 25% pay rise. They are keen to keep me, and know I have options elsewhere. 25% might seem like a lot, but as I've said my current salary is below average, but the shortage in skilled workers, as well as me being good at the job, mean I do hold some weight.

Any advice folks? thanks!

I should also add that I am in two minds about leaving the role. I love the people I work with but dislike pretty much everything else about it (location, commute, old facilities/equipment).

I could easily get another job in the same industry, or (not as easy but possibly) I could retrain and start a new career!

I don't hate the job, but would need a significant pay rise to make it worth staying.

Have you spoken to any recruiters to see what types of positions /salary they could find you? That would be my starting point.

Can you show evidence that you are underpaid for your role against industry averages?