Advice please: asking for a raise

Sisters, I need your advice: how do I ask for a raise without sounding like a victim or a raving feminist? And it's not even a raise, so much as it is a correction, or equalization.


I have a great job which I love. I've been in my current position for 3 years. But year on year vs my male predecessor, my pay has been far below his. The gap between our starting salaries was 40%! This has finally narrowed to around 15%, but really, this should be ZERO.


Insult to injury: my current annual salary is equal to my predecessor's starting annual salary.


Another interesting tidbit (numbers are magic!): the cumulative gap since I started now equals an entire year's pay!


About the only positive thing I can say is that my year-on-year raises have been much higher than my predecessor's.


I work for a multinational corporation, and I am one of a handful of women at my level. We make up around 5% of this particular position.


I know many of you will tell me to focus on my accomplishments, and believe me I will, and I have them, fully documented, to back me up.


But the sad truth and age-old dilemma that I face is: if I raise this issue and pursue it, as I should, I might be branded a troublemaker. Even if my company gives me the raise, it might close doors for me.


Help me please, especially any of you that have successfully asked for and gotten the pay you deserved.

Dear Undercover,

The biggest thing that lets women down in the salary stakes is accepting that initial low starting pay to get a ‘foot in the door’. We all know that it is sometimes necessary but mostly it sets the tone for the duration of your employment.

Here are the main necessities of getting a raise that have always worked for me.


1) It's all about appearance and confidence. Be absolutely certain in your attitude and your composure that you deserve and expect it and won’t take no for an answer. Not in an arrogant way but in a calm portrayal of the person who is not asking for it but merely negotiating the terms of it's inevitability.


2) Go into the meeting with a list of what you want to come out with so it's clear in your mind.


3) Refrain from comparison to co-workers, this can be turned against you and makes you look petty.


4) Do your homework. Research the company's position in the market place so you know whether it's a good time to ask and so you can use it in the meeting if need be. Particularly in regards to monitoring what others in your area of work are being paid all over the world…check out www.thevault.com


5) Rehearse the conversation out loud so that when you go in it won't be the first time you've said all you need to say and you can plan for any objections.


6) Have a back up of what is an appropriate second place if you don't get what you ask for.


We can all feel good about our accomplishments but when it comes down to it we feel much better about being rewarded and it makes up better wokers.

On being branded a troublemaker? If you don’t ask, you don’t get. They’ll either say yes or they’ll say no. Either way, you’ll know exactly how you’re valued in the company and it will help you make any decisions you need to make.

Lastly, make sure it is about what you really deserve and not about what others don't deserve.

Don’t be scared and don’t doubt yourself when you’re in the meeting.

A very good book that will help: 'The Good Girls Guide to Negotiating' by Leslie Whitaker & Elizabeth Austin. Good luck.

Thank you very much, ACFHK, that is great advice.


Now I need to schedule this discussion with my boss.


I also have a little bit more leverage now, should I need it: right after I posted this thread I got another offer from another company! They have been trying to recruit me for some time but I love my present job so much that I have been refusing them. It's not in the same industry as my present company (it's the industry I came from), but this time it is an even bigger offer - huge enough that I cannot dismiss it out of hand and I must give it careful consideration. It won't be as fun as what I am doing now, but I will have more financial security, much sooner than I ever expected.


Thanks again for the valuable advice, I will be sure to follow it.

hi,undercover,I've learned a lot by your thread.and I cant help wondering what kind of job you are doing now. you are one of the few people who showed so much enthusiasim and pleasure for work,as I know. you know what,I do hope one day I can say the same thing as you do:I love my job:)

Hi freedom, thanks :-) My job is very satisfying, not overly stressful, and a lot of fun. I can't give too many details because I work in a teeny tiny town where I am the only woman in my position but I can tell you that my industry is...film! The reason my work doesn't feel like work is because I love movies.


An update: I spoke with my boss and I will get the raise. Thanks very much to ACFHK for the great advice.

oh,my!!!!I do envy you girl,haha:)congratulations!!! I love film too and long for doing sth which is related...I'm even keeping considering if I should further my education in film related university to get myself such chances. I would love and apperiate if you dunt mind sending me an email.I'm so eager to know what the job is all about. clipsal_queen@hotmail.com thank you so much:)