The art of salary negotiation is both easy and difficult. It’s easy because there’s only one well-defined goal to aim for: more cash.
However, there are many ways to achieve this . . . and deciding the one that best suits your current position in HR is the hard bit.
But let’s start with the basics. Other than once-a-year raises (yes, they do still exist) and perhaps an occasional bonus, there’s only way to seek a pay rise.
Show all HR/Training/Recruitment jobs across Scotland
As Granny Ina says: if you don’t ask, you don’t get.
But before you go knocking on the CEO’s door, first make a plan of action.
Step one: personal PR
How do you and your HR work add value to the company? Above everything else, this is the number one priority in any pay negotiation.
It means you need to convince first your HR Manager then your MD that your contribution adds up to more than your current take-home pay.
Make a list of the goals you’ve accomplished and describe how they’ve helped the business.
Perhaps your resourcefulness allows for cost savings? Could it be your HR mentoring skills contributes to rapid staff development and your personnel management boosts productivity?
Do you regularly – and willingly – work late or take on additional responsibilities?
List all of these because they are the springboard for your request.
Step two: context
As an HR professional you should already know your employer’s current pay practices – psst, if you don’t, get on this now! – such as eligibility for contribution-based raises.
This information, as well as knowing the industry-standard rates for your job in your location, will help you gauge how much you can ask for without your face turning strawberry red.
Many firms have an employee handbook, which includes details of how pay raises are given. If a process exists, follow this to the letter.
Step three: commitment
It’s okay to be confident: thanks to the research you’ve done in steps one and two, you know you’re asking for a raise that’s reasonable for your job and justly deserved.
So be bold, be brave, be exceptional . . . and be prepared to present not only your research but also yourself in the best possible spotlight.
If your boss says they cannot justify a higher salary right now, stay committed: ask what you need to do to qualify in the near future.
Finally, remember moving into a new job is another great way to instantly increase your salary.
So why not size up the pay packets in HR/Training/Recruitment with the latest vacancies from s1jobs?