1.
You didn't negotiate well when you were hired. There's a lot of
variation in whether and how people negotiate salary when they get a job offer.
Some accept on the spot, others push for a little more money, and others push
for a lot more--and some of them get it. (Unfortunately, asking for more after
you're in the position probably won't close the gap; it's never as easy to
negotiate after you've accepted the job.)
2.
You haven't made sure your accomplishments on the job are visible.
You could be doing the best work in the company, but if your manager doesn't
know about it, your salary probably won't reflect it. Don't be shy about
sharing accomplishments with your manager, whether it's glowing feedback from a
customer, a tricky problem that you solved before it blew up, or a cost-saving
measure you implemented.
3.
You haven't pushed for a bigger raise. Many people just wait for
their employer to reward them with a higher salary and simply accept what
they're given, even when the amount disappoints them. Sometimes getting more
money is as simple as asking for it--but you do need to ask.
4.
You think doing your
job adequately is enough. Doing a merely adequate job isn't enough to merit a
significant salary increase. Big raises go to people who go well beyond the
minimum expected. Speaking of which?
5.
You haven't taken on enough responsibility. Big raises don't just
get handed out because another year has gone by while you do the same work. A
raise is recognition that you're now contributing at a significantly higher
level than when your salary was last set. A raise says "your work is now
worth more to us." So you need to make sure that's true before you make
your pitch.
6.
You're difficult to deal with. If you're
defensive, a prima donna, negative, a regular complainer, or if you're
otherwise difficult to work with, you might not be frustrating enough to fire,
but no one is going to go out of their way to keep you, either, and that
includes increasing your compensation.
7.
Your skills aren't worth as much in today's
market as you think they are. If you don't know what your experience and skills
are bringing in today's job market, you might drastically overestimate what
your skill set can command. Do some research on industry norms for your
particular work in your geographic area and see where your salary falls
relative to those markers.
8.
You're not as
valued as you think you are. Many people overestimate their own performance and
their own value to their company--assuming the company would fall apart if they
left, when in fact the company would continue on just fine. Pretend that you're
your own manager and ask what about your performance would really impress you,
or what about you your manager should be upset to lose if you left. If you
can't come up with much, assume that your manager can't either. Ultimately, if
you don't like your salary, talk to your boss about what you would need to
accomplish to earn a raise. That conversation could lead to valuable feedback,
which might help you discover a solid path to the salary you want. And if your
boss won't budge, you can always go out and see what other offers the world has
for you. You might find one you like better--or you might decide that you'd
rather stay put.
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