How to validate a raise?

[buckeye4rnr]

My annual review is tomorrow and the comp number, I'm 98% sure I'll be offered, is about 3k shy of the minimum I was expecting. It's also, I just found out, 7k shy of what someone with my experience and qualifications is earning. I'm willing to concede a little bit of money because I like the work environment and it's low stress but that only counts for so much and a 3k raise doesn't do it.

I've had no major slip ups at work, all feedback has been really minor stuff(ex. messy desk) and recently just passed the Certified Financial Planners exam which only 61,390 people have done since 1991(56% success rate.) I've completed multiple projects this year that no one else in the office even came close to finishing, passed a major test, and been pretty damn reliable.

I strongly believe that I'm being underpaid now and would like to know the best way to bring that up at the review tomorrow. I don't want to threaten anyone with leaving, I think that's implied if I tell them I'm unhappy with the number, but I can't leave a bunch of money on the table. If anyone has some good tips I'm all ears.

[PugnacAutMortem]

I think you just did a great job of it. Say all of that stuff and let them you know you really like working there but you need some more money to be commensurate with your experience and performance. Let us know how it goes...I will be in a similar situation in a couple months I think.

[MarkCO]

With all due respect, the vast majority of what you said will fall on deaf ears.

In today's economy, the guy at the top is getting less, so it is less likely he/they will offer you more. Passing tests, have certificaitons and qualificaitons and such means ZILCH, if you are not producing!

Being in finance, you should know it is the $ that talks and not much else. You have to come up with a way to emphasize how you uniquely brought in more revenue. If you did not bring in more revenue in 2012 than 2011, then how can you ask for a raise?

[Zundfolge]

Along with simply stating the case you stated above, if you can come up with documentation that shows that you're underpaid relative to the market that would help buttress your position.

[Danimal]

I would just ask for maximum and see what they say. Honestly if you are in that position, the best thing that you can do is start looking at other jobs out there. See what is available now and apply for a few of them if you find something that you want. That way you can walk up to your employer and say that you have been offered a job for X and you would like to stay where you are at, so what can they do to make that happen. I was in the same position a year ago and that is what I did. When I found a few jobs that I would have applied for I told him that I was looking and told him why, then I was offered a raise to that pay if I were to stay. I accepted.

[GlockDog47]

I will be lucky to see a wopping $0.60 a hr increase. So be happy with what you get.

[Gman]

If you can do better elsewhere, move on. If not, be happy with what you have.

[StreetDoctor]

I will be lucky to see a wopping $0.60 a hr increase. So be happy with what you get.

"I can't have it so neither can you" that's a great mentality! I bet you're a union basher too?

[Great-Kazoo]

Along with simply stating the case you stated above, if you can come up with documentation that shows that you're underpaid relative to the market that would help buttress your position.

Market doesn't mean shit. It used to be what you are producing and numbers on paper that counted. Unfortunately in todays market the mentality of "most" employers is "Be thankful you have a job", not one of we're lucky to have you on board.

[blacklabel]

Make your case and start looking for another job. I'm not expecting jack at work and my productivity is easily 200% of what others have produced in my position. I'm constantly looking for something better.