Annual Performance Review

[danger_dan]

I'm throwing this out there for input and discussion.

It's time for Annual performance reviews again!
I've been at my current position at this company for what will be 3.25 years come the end of this month.
I've had my fair share of work and learning experiences here, have kept my continuing education up-to-date with industry standards for my field, and have recently been asked by the company to take a number of other courses for certifications as the company needs more individuals certified as such. Some of these courses are equivalent to taking a full term University credit.

As mentioned, at 3+ years in this current position, I'm clearly no longer a 'beginner' nor am I a 'novice' at what I do, and definitely do not want to continue being paid as such.
I've also mentioned a while back (in another thread) that my direct supervisor will be retiring at the end of the year, so this has also been weighing into my thought on this.
The company clearly wants to keep me here for the long haul, and through discussions with close friends and advisers at other companies in the industry, I know I could easily move somewhere else in the same position with higher compensation.

My question is how do I bring up this up at the performance review without sounding outright demanding a raise?

Your input, thought, and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thank you to all you wonderful SC people!

[i_forget]

I was always up front, honest and positive.

Generally the flow of the annual reviews for me allowed for open discussion about my career aspirations.

Good supervisors and managers like to get things done, so they appreciate honesty and people who do not beat around the bush.

If they are asking you to continue with your education, they are obviously interested in you moving up, so if that is what you want, take the courses and let your goals be known.

[Natalka]

^ great advice, above!

Have you had a raise since you began working there? Some workplaces have them on scheduled times, others don't. At my husband's work, it's every January - though not everyone gets them, of course.
When I was teaching, we were unionized, so I haven't had to go through this.

Remember you aren't 'demanding' a raise, you are requesting one - outlining how you have worked hard for the company, and that you deserve one by great job performance, goals you've achieved, productivity improvement, etc. - whichever pertain to your particular job; make your case respectfully and objectively.
If I recall correctly the last numbers I've heard, with our economy, three percent is the 'going' raise...

[danger_dan]

Thanks Ladies.
I've had raises each year I've been here, every April/May ranging between 2-3% each time.

That's right, I'm not 'demanding' anything, and I have considered all the things you mentioned. I'm just working out how to tactfully go about this.
Thank you again Ladies.

[i_forget]

What is your boss like to work for....personality wise, to approach, how does he deal with problems and react to them? Is loyalty a big thing?

[danger_dan]

What is your boss like to work for....personality wise, to approach, how does he deal with problems and react to them? Is loyalty a big thing?

He's great, knows his stuff! He's been doing this for almost 45 years now. He lets me do my thing and learn things on my own, with his guidance when it's needed. He a pretty easy going guy when it comes to problems n the office, and will take care of business when it needs to be done.

In terms of Loyalty, the company in general seems to be pretty loyal to its valued staff. There's a big gap in terms of the office demographic. There are a lot of 20+ year'rs around and a whole lot of people in thee 4-8 year range, but I can count on my hands the number of people in the mid range. This all leads into my thinking about this situation. My boss has been 'grooming' me to take over his position, eventually. I'm not sure what the company will do once he retires though, whether they bring in a senior or a number of experienced people, that is yet to be determined.

[i_forget]

Sorry, I am just thinking out loud here, I am sure you have already gone over this stuff.

If you are being groomed, that is a good thing.....especially if he has that much experience.

He lets you do your thing, so he is confident in your abilities.
You have been getting regular increases.....do you think that they will just not do that this year, or are you quite under paid compared to other companies?

Asking for a raise is sticky. Generally they know what the wage is for the position and keep in line with that. Some companies overpay because they are able to or are not run properly, some companies grossly underpay because they do not value their employees....and some companies are just right

Have you researched your position to see what the median wage is for your position, experience and education and location?

My only issue would be saying things like, well X inc is pay $$$$ and I am only making $$$. Then they KNOW you have been looking around, which if they value loyalty, can be a strike against someone, but then you have others that appreciate that approach. All depends on so many things.

uggg, sorry, I'm going to stop now and play games.

[danger_dan]

I'm not grossly underpaid, but I'm a fair ways from what I believe I should be at, or what I'm valued at.

[Lynn49]

Hello, Dan.....I, too, believe an honest discussion will determine which path you might want to consider: staying or leaving. It's not too much to ask them what their plans are for you, nor is it too forward of you to ask if they feel you're prepared to take over your bosses position. I'm sure you'll receive a positive recommendation from him regarding your performance, work ethic and certifications. You seem to be in the same position our DD was in...taking courses at a university level for certifications for the position she now holds, and having done that, I feel it's perfectly reasonable for you to ask, "So where do you see me going from here? And when?"....perhaps not in those exact words. Our SIL changed companies twice in the past few years, and is now in management with his brokerage firm....he would have languished in limbo with the other companies.

Be prepared to make a move it you feel you didn't receive satisfaction. They've asked a lot of you; it's time they responded to your inquiry regarding the direction they wish you to take in your future with their company.

Good luck...!

[Shwa Girl]

When I was teaching, we were unionized, so I haven't had to go through this.

Even within a unionized environment, a union worker can creatively get a raise. One coworker asked for a raise upon hire, showing additional credentials, skills and experience.

Another coworker left the employer, went back to school and applied with the same employer and asked for a higher entrance salary due to additional credentials.

Both received the raise.

[FallenPixels]

Mine always starts the oral part of the review with how much do you think you are worth as far as review, underrate yourself and you get what you ask for, way over-rate yourself and they just say no and go for whatever the standard is that year - in the middle they will negotiate.

[sjw80]

I also think it's fair to ask what the company's goal is for you. But, be warned, even though you are being groomed to take over for your boss (and they might say that they want you to in the review), it doesn't mean you'll actually get the position when he retires.

In terms of a raise, I would be honest and say you've done your research. You know that someone with your credentials and experience can make X dollars elsewhere.

[i_forget]

If you take the courses, do they pay for them upfront and give a bonus on successful completion, do they reimburse you on completion or do you take the courses and they do nothing to compensate you for them?

Depending on what they do and what you choose to do, that is an area you can negotiate more money as well.

[danger_dan]

If you take the courses, do they pay for them upfront and give a bonus on successful completion, do they reimburse you on completion or do you take the courses and they do nothing to compensate you for them?

Depending on what they do and what you choose to do, that is an area you can negotiate more money as well.

I'll have to take the course and be reimbursed for it later. No bonus for completion. They'll only pay for one course's worth of fees (so if I don't manage to pass, they won't pay for a redo course, which is fair) and once the course if paid for, the reimbursement is only valid if I stay with the company for a period of 2 years after the completion date.

[oscarandme]

dangerdan!

I understand your position and these might be silly questions but just thinking for your well being too.

1. Have you ever expressed interest in advancing?

2. Have you spoken with HR that you can trust and plant a seed-loking for advancement?

3. Have you ever asked your supervisor if he would recommend you?

4. Have you sufficent data that you can provide that at your level you should be paid this much?

5. Does anyone else know that you have done these extra responsibilities apart from your supervisor?

6. Is there an aspect of your supervisors skills that you do not have that you could easily transition into if
he leaves?

7. Are there other aspects to the position that you can bring to the table. More responsibilities, time mgmt ideas that can be implemented, getting better contracts, expanding the business? A broader scope of the company?

8. Job implementations?

9. Have you met last years' goals?

10. Do you get along with the others, manegerial staff?

11. Do you enjoy your job? do you have an attitude? are you a people person? is that required for your job?

12. Do you need to be billingual? are you willing to travel?

13. Where do you see yourself in the nest position and why?

14. Do you have alot of sick days?

15. Can they depend on you 24/7?

16. Do you dress well? Do you take pride in your looks, your office, your presentations with mgmt or clients.

17. Are you well established with your clients? Use them as references. Bring them (reference to the meeting).

I could go on and on... I used to be an executive admin assistant and I hated my own but I heard the reasons why some promotions were not given.

I used to work somewhere and several upper mgmt would see that I had more potential and would always see what are you doing here? You need to be in this.....position. They would always say that. I always thought it was just a line to hit on me. At one point a manager that I really respected, I broughtup the subeject and he said well do you want a promotion? I said well I think so- he replied all you had to do was ask.

That hit me like a ton of bricks because it was that simple. The other day I read a mother ask a company for something from a company. I forget if it was a flavor or a color??? and the company replied " Well you never asked!"

From what I'm reading danger dan, you are more than qualified, eager to oblige and learn, have proven yourself to your supervisor and your company and are confident that have alot more to offer and are welcoming the challenge and after three and a half years you had expected to be in a supervisory position and making this XXXX salary with these benefits, profit sharing?

From my experience the guys who would suck-up the most would get the promotions and golfing with them did not hurt. Find something in common with each and every one of them and keep it up I hate to say it but alot of decisions are made on the golf course and sucking up in the office.

Years of seeing this made my stomach ill, I would see the really hard workers get passed by because they did not have the courage to speak-up.

If you are that concerned and if the field that you are in is not that small that no one would know if you went to another firm and go for an interview and see what happens. What have you got to loose ? Nothing. You still have a job, You go there confident because you know you have a job and you apply even if they are not hiring and see what happens. Then you know that you might have an offer under your belt or you can substantiate that you have looked into other firms.

Good luck danger-dan, be confident if this is the only thing you take away from my reply or any other that you are worth it and you that they would not regreat this decision. Oh yes and meet with HR even the director if you can before this meeting-YOU DON'T ASK, THEY DON'T KNOW!!!!!!

I'm here - we're all here if you need any more suggestions or perspectives the same as Iwould give my sister or best friend of husband. (Well my husband wouldn't listen to anyone if they told him his hair was on fire).

Good luck! And you let us know when we have to do a happy dance at our computers to celebrate danger dans promotion or new job!!! Please.