ALT-1 Get that Raise how to Research your Pay Scale
Are you getting paid what you're worth? That's a prime question to have the answer to when it comes to negotiating your raise. To see what the range of salaries is for your position, first go online. Any number of sites provide salary information, including the following:
Monster.comPayScale.comHotJobs.comSalaryMap.com
Next browse the online ads for your area or look in your local newspaper for comparable positions. The reason? Salaries, in some part, depend on location. How do the salaries for positions in your area compare with these web listings? Adjust your information accordingly.
It is also valuable to search for salaries within your industry. For example, if you are in pharmaceutical sales, don't compare yourself with telecommunication sales positions. Most industries have trade publications and industry groups that have an innate interest in following salary trends. Learn to rely on industry groups to provide solid information, not only in salaries, but a wide range of trends in salaries and benefits.
Finally, use this information judiciously when asking for a raise. Know if you are being severely underpaid or are at the top of your range. If you are making more the industry range indicates, do yourself a favor, and keep that information to yourself when negotiating. Be aware that your job position may demand more than what is typically considered "normal" for that position.
If you are severely underpaid by industry standards, raise this issue with your boss. Be aware that your boss may only have the ability to provide a certain percentage or dollar amount for your raise, and cannot go beyond that. Work with what your company can offer, and be prepared to consider whether you might not be better off with a new position or company.
