Recently I decided that I deserved a pay rise. I've been working in my current job for 7 months now and I am actively involved in training new staff, covering shifts and variety of other minor responsibilities.
I scourged the internet to find some information on how to best negotiate for a pay rise. Most of the information was bogus or focused on managerial salaries. (I.e 100,000+) Because of this it related to stock options, performance pay and
Heres my list of tips on how to get your next pay raise at your 'dead end' job.
1). Do it in writing. - This shows that you are able to use a computer, spell properly and it also gives your boss time to think through your arguments. Most young people also struggle with public speaking so it's likely you will forget your main points if you do this verbally. You are also more likely to receive any questions they might have in written form also, this allows you time to 'script' appropriate responses rather than doing them on the fly.
2). Make it formal - If you don't know how to write a formal letter, then read this. Even if you and your boss are 'friends' they will know that you are serious about a raise if you put some effort into it. It also shows that you are able to construct an argument and that you have some level of intelligence. Your boss properly has a boss as well, they might need authority from their boss to grant the pay rise. They will not forward a letter that reads "yo will, i fink i am a really good worker, can i have a pay raise?".
3). Outline why you deserve a pay raise - Why do you deserve a pay raise? If you can't answer this, don't bother writing a letter I guarantee you won't get it. Talk about things which you excel at, back it up with anecdotes. Also talk about things which you do that are above and beyond your job description. (For example, I regularly work unpaid over time to help the store out.)
4). Don't threaten to quit - If you make it seem like you will quit if you don't get the raise, you won't get it. People in authority don't respond to threats because it undermines their position. Even if you plan to quit. Don't tell them that. I can't stress this enough, don't even hint at it. Managers hate this sort of stuff.
5). Don't ask for a pay raise when things are in the shitter - If somebody has just quit, now is not the time to ask for a raise. If profits are down, don't ask. If the boss just got dumped, don't ask. Ask when everybody is happy, when the store is running smoothly. That way management has time to read your arguments and respond appropriately, if they have other things on their plate then your raise is going into the bin.
6). Try to outline how a pay raise saves money - That's right, giving people raises can save money. How? If somebody gets a raise then they are more likely to become more loyal to a business. Loyalty saves money because it results in lower staff turn over. Lower staff turn over reduces recruiting and training costs as well as stopping knowledge from leaving the business. (I.e I am might not be trained to do XY, but since i've been working at my job for E months I am able to provide better customer service in relation to XY.) Find some facts and figures about staff turn over, your boss will be impressed that you can find this information.
7). Give them time - Finish the letter with something along the lines of "I know you will need time to think through this decision, if you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me". Add your contact information even if they have it. (It saves them from having to find it.) Make sure you stress that this decision doesn't have to be made today, tomorrow or even next week.
8). Don't go ape if you don't get it - If you don't get your raise, breathe deeply and assess your options. If you really do deserve one, chances are somebody is willing to pay you more than you are getting paid somewhere else. Look for other work, keep doing your job to the best of your ability. You never want to leave your old employer with a bad taste in their mouth, because you need every reference you can get your hands on. Most graduate programs ask for three work related references and one or two character references (which should be provided by an employer, co-worker, tutor or lecturer). They will also often look at your work history and contact all of your previous employers, if you don't list work because of a bad reference they will wonder why you weren't working for 12 months.
