The idea that you take a job after school and stay in it for life is fading. It’s much less common to do this today than it was 30 years ago. In fact, research suggests that the national average time in a job is now just 3.3 years.
In many cases, people move on to find a better package or to speed up a promotion. In some cases people are forced to leave, meaning that they’ll need the services of a good unfair dismissal lawyer.
But, before you rush to look for another job, you should pause to see if you can get the extras you need from your current role. It is possible to improve your package without losing your job.
1. Consider What You Want
If you’re going to talk to your boss about improving your package then you need to know what it is you actually want. Anyone can ask for a pay rise. But, what other aims do you have? It’s important to decide if you want more responsibility or a different role in the company.
Once you know what you want you can research how it compares to others in the industry and prepare your case.
2. Think About How It Makes Things Better For The Company
A key part of the case you put to your employer is how your better package benefits the company. Think about all the ways in which your change position or improved pay can help the company to do better.
Simply being more productive because you’re being paid more is not good enough. But, boosting morale and training toward a more responsible role gives a clear indication of value to the business. It also expresses loyalty which employers tend to appreciate.
3. Request A Meeting
Once you know what you want and why the employer should give it to you, you’re ready to request a meeting. This should always be done in writing and give the employer an idea of what you want.
You don’t need to give them all the details but they should know why you want a meeting and a loose outline of your thoughts. This will help them prepare for the meeting and ensure the process is smooth.
4. Listen
The meeting should start with you presenting what you want and why it’s a good idea. Once you have finished you need to listen to your boss. This is important. They may simply agree. If they don’t, or only partially agree, you’ll want to listen to their reasons for declining your request.
You must refrain from getting upset or aggressive. Instead, simply ask for time to take it all in and come back to them.
This will allow you to leave the meeting and decide if what they have said is fair or not.
5. Improve
Should you feel that their points were justified then you know what you need to do to improve and ask them again in six months. However, if you genuinely feel they are being unfair, it’s time to look elsewhere and find somewhere you will be appreciated.
The key to asking for more without losing your job is to keep it professional at all times.
