Job Pay: another etiquitte thread.

[Queen_Dopplepopolis]

My job is currently paying me $X/hour. However, lately, I have seen it advertised at a higher rate ($Y/hour).

I have two bosses - Stan and Bill. Stan is higher on the food chain, so to speak and Bill is my direct advisor. Both of them are approachable people that spend a lot of time working with me and the other people that do my job.

I'm not sure which one of them to confront about the problem - but I know I'd like to start getting $Y/hour instead of $X.

So - what would you do?

 

[Jdvn1]

I'd go to Bill and say, "Gee, Bill, I heard that you guys are paying $Y/hour -- should I ask Stan about that?"

 

[Dimwhit]

I'd go to Bill and say, "Gee, Bill, I heard that you guys are paying $Y/hour -- should I ask Stan about that?"

Ditto.

 

[Crothian]

Paying more is something that companies really do not want to do. I've heard more horror stories about people getting treated badly when asking for more money then almost any other time. The few success stories the person asking for the raise had so many factors in their favor that it really is not that helpful to say how they did it. Best of luck.

 

[reveal]

Unless you want to step on toes, I would recommend against going to Bill and saying "Should I talk to Stan?" That can come off as very threatening and demeaning as in "You can't do your job so I'm going to ask someone who can."

What I would do is go to Bill and tell him you've seen the job advertised with a higher pay range. Tell him you would like to be in that pay range. If he says no, then you go to Stan. But don't start threatening to go over Bill's head right off the bat.

 

[Lasher Dragon]

Me personally, I'd to try to cover myself as much as possible. I would put my resume in at the jobs saying they pay that higher rate, call them, follow up, basically see what shot you think you have of getting that job. THEN go talk to Bill. If he refuses, talk to Stan. If he refuses, (depending on your personality & how much you like your current job) you could either accept the new job, or drop hints around the office that you have a lucrative offer, or just come right out and tell Bill and/or Stan "Hey, these guys are offering me this much money to come work for them. What reasons can you give me to stay here?"

 

[Jdvn1]

Hm, that's a good point. I was going more for, "I don't know who I'm supposed to ask about this -- would it be you or Stan?" So maybe:

"Gee, Bill, I heard that you guys are paying $Y/hour -- should I be asking you or Stan about this?"

Although I don't know if that's better.

 

[Jdvn1]

Me personally, I'd to try to cover myself as much as possible. I would put my resume in at the jobs saying they pay that higher rate, call them, follow up, basically see what shot you think you have of getting that job. THEN go talk to Bill. If he refuses, talk to Stan. If he refuses, (depending on your personality & how much you like your current job) you could either accept the new job, or drop hints around the office that you have a lucrative offer, or just come right out and tell Bill and/or Stan "Hey, these guys are offering me this much money to come work for them. What reasons can you give me to stay here?"

The impression I got was that it's for the same job. Like, same place too.

 

[Thornir Alekeg]

At my very first job, 20 years ago this happened. I was training two new people and found out they were making 50 cents/hour more than me. When I asked my boss about it he told me I had just received a raise (from minimum wage $3.35 to $3.50) and would be elegible for another at my annual review. I gave him my notice on the spot and he didn't even bat an eye. Fortunately getting another job was easy when working in fast food.

If you have seen it advertised at the higher rate, bring the ad with you. This happened to my wife years ago and she got a raise as a result (and the posting stopped listing salary ranges on them right after). Also, be prepared to show why you deserve to make the same salary. Make sure you meet all qualifications they have listed. If you can show how you have gone beyond the job repsonsibilties and are worth the money you know they are willing to pay. How hard you push should be dirctly realted to how much you need the job and how easy it is to get another.

 

[Queen_Dopplepopolis]

So - a play by play update - I chose to talk to Stan (he's a bit more open, we get along pretty well).

Liz: So, Stan... do you have a minute?
Stan: Sure - what do you need?
Liz: Well... ya see... I've seen my position advertised for $Y/hour.
Stan: *mock shock* What?!
Liz: No, really! I have.
Stan: *laughing*
Liz: *blinking*
Stan: *laughing*
Liz: *blinking*
Stan: *drying tears from his eyes* Of course you can have $Y/hour!! I was just waiting for you to come ask!

~Fin

Say "Hello!" to a much wealthier Queen_Dopplepopolis!