Dubai: Asking for a salary increase can be a daunting prospect and if not approached the right way can result in frustration and unintended brash reactions. There are constructive ways to approach the subject and with good preparation, you'll be able to achieve the right outcome.
Because there is no formal training and there is very little written about it, it's hard to know what first steps should be taken. It is important to start paving the way for a salary increase from the moment you start working in a new place.
When signing your work contract, Christo Daniels, managing director at IQ Selection advises it is important to ensure a salary review date is included in your contract.
"You will never be in a stronger bargaining position than at offer stage with a new company, so make the most of it," he says.
Research rates
When you start a job, you should begin by familiarising yourself with your employer's pay practices and research the market salary rates for your job, advises Safiyah Alli, director of permanent recruitment for Manpower Middle East.
When it comes to the time when you want to ask for a salary increase, research the average rates for your job so you know how much of a realistic increase you can ask for.
"You can network with other employees in similar jobs to determine your salary competitiveness.
"Also check with professional associations as many of them carry out salary surveys," says Alli.
The next step should be to set up a meeting with your manager or supervisor, to discuss the possibility of a salary increase.
Be prepared to back up your request with a business case for salary review. If you're working in a larger work place, the protocol might be to approach the Human Resources department. In smaller businesses, your manager would be your first port of call.
When broaching the subject, you should outline the goals you have accomplished for the company and any additional responsibilities you have added to your job.
Key successes
"When requesting a salary review, present your reasons as to why this should be considered, for example key successes in your role, what you have achieved over the last year, how you have contributed to the organisation and added value," says Alli. In the meeting, be sure to keep your emotions in check in order to keep your responses objective.
Focus on the value of your contribution in the workplace.
"Value of contribution, length of service, profitability of the company, the economy, salary banding for the requisite position, as well as the manner of the salary increase request are all critical criteria for an employer to consider," says Daniels.
At the same time you should be aware that there are several factors that may block or impede a pay increase.
Salary levels are largely dictated by market forces.
This mean a slowdown in the market, where the company is feeling the pinch and having to tighten any expenditure, or there could be an increase in talent within the market where employers have access to a wide range of talent at a much lower cost.
"Research the current market conditions before you make a request as the salary scales may have been impacted," says Alli.
