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Requesting a Raise
I am having a conversation with my boss this afternoon about my pay rate. I started a new position a few weeks ago, and we still haven't settled on a wage. The amount I am asking for is less than others have made in this position and is still $3-6/hour less than the state average for similar positions. I also had good experience before starting with this company, in fact accepting my previous position was a significant step down for me, but I relocated and with the economy you've got to do what you've got to do. That experience is very rarely recognized so I want to make sure to point that out as well.
I wrote a letter basically stating that I am in good standing, I have new responsibliities and have a strong background. I also state that I understand I'm asking for a significant raise ($2.75) but it is still less than my predecessors and less than the state average. I wanted them to see that I'm not being greedy, but need to be compensated.
I am debating whether or not to bring the letter or just make these points verbally. What would you do? TIA
Re: Requesting a Raise
I'd bring notes that you can refer to if you need them, but I'd leave the letter at home. Having a face-to-face conversation is always better when speaking to your boss and you need to see what his/her reaction is to the conversation and subtly move it along accordingly.
When I requested a raise, I wrote a letter since a) It is hard to get 5 minutes in with my boss to talk with him, and b) to outline all my reasoning and my math/calculations. A little bit different in my situation since my pay is indirectly based on how much money I make for the practice.
I gave them my letter a couple of a days before I scheduled a meeting with my boss & his wife (the office manager) so that they had a few days to think about it before meeting with me. So, I'd bring the letter so that they can remember later all the points you made verbally.