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February 18, 2007Answers:
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March 2, 2010Visitors:
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advice
I work at a drop-in center as a part-time student. My boss, who was originally hired as a replacement for another woman who has gone on maternity leave, has just quit. There is a very good chance that our Board will ask me to cover until September, when the lady with the baby comes back.
During my time at the center (I have been here a year and four months), I have been asked to accept a level of responsibility above what I was hired for. Despite this, I have not had a raise - comparable to the replacement-lady, who has had numerous raises, even though she has screwed up in several crucial areas (fund raising, completing grant applications, paying bills).
If I get asked to cover full-time at the center until September, then I would like a raise at least. I don't have to make as much money as everyone else in the boss position did, but a raise would be nice. My question, therefore, is this: how do I politely inform my employers that I either get a raise to go with the new position (and not one that can be taken back in September), or I'll walk... how does one deliver a nice, professional ultimatum like that?
(Feedback with commentary will be given! Thanks in advance!)
I think your request is reasonable.
When I am requesting a raise, I first ask my supervisor if we can speak in private when it is convient for him/her. When we are able to speak... I usually start by saying something positive. "I really enjoy working at this company, and I would like to thank you for every opportunity to you have given me to grow and learn..." The key is to NOT present the ultimatum as an ultimatum. :D Start out by pointing out that you've been given extra responsibilities... And then ask politely to be compensated for the exta responsibilities that you have been given. I don't how much you make, or what a reasonable amount to request would be... But think about that number. Decide how much you would like to ask for, and what you will settle for. I think that as long as the request is made in a courteous manner, you ARE being professional. I wouldn't tell them that you're planning to walk if you don't get what you want. I'd just type a letter of resignation and hand it to them if your demands aren't met.
(Rating: 5) Thanks for this advice! Using it, I did get a raise, and now I make $13.00/hour - not bad for a university student!