Year End Review Time!

[Pagal4321]

So now that we are into 2009, I'm sure everyone is going into their year-end reviews soon. I have a few questions on how I should go about things in mine tomorrow.

Throughout the year, I've researched various salary surveys from recruiter websites and have noticed a fairly large gap in compensation for someone with my experience and exam completion. (I'm an actuarial analyst, so there is a 9-exam process to become fully designated as an actuary)

So is it wrong of me to go into my review with these salary surveys and look for a substantial raise, even in this downtime in the global markets? The surveys show the 10-90 percentiles of salaries and mine doesn't even come close to what's being offered elsewhere in the market.

This would be the first time at any job I'm going into a review with the desire to ask for a substantial raise, so just looking for any type of advice really…

[Prototype]

I've never gone into a meeting expecting a raise, or 'demanding' one. I've had a boss act all stern that they needed to talk to imediately, as if I did something wrong, and then present a nice raise, due to salaries of the competition being posted before the company was being purchased, and mine not matching up to a compairable employee.

I don't know what to tell you here, but either stick to your guns, or be happy with what you have, and that you have a job...

[CaptainCrunch]

Remember that bosses like strong employees. The use of swearing and desk pounding to make your point is strongly encouraged

[red sky]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

Remember that bosses like strong employees. The use of swearing and desk pounding to make your point is strongly encouraged

Use of physical violence tends to help get the point across

[DuffMan]

If i were your boss, I'd have a hard time arguing numbers with an actuarian, so I say, go for it.
Take some charts and graphs to back up your argument.

[Pagal4321]

I will practice my profanity filled tirades tonight ....thanks Cap!

[Fobulous]

My take is do not demand anything but simply present the "facts". Show your boss the results that you have found and just state that you feel that based on the results that you have found you feel like you are underpaid... Hopefully that arouses some discussion which is probably a good thing in this case.

If you go in demanding a salary increase your boss may get on the defensive and that can never be a good thing.

[DementedReality]

well, what have you done to increase your value to the company since your last increase? generate any new sales? create any effeciencies to save money or increase productivity?

if not, why would you think you are in line for an increase? if you can cite some of these examples, it would make your case stronger for sure.

a performance review isnt the same as a salary review.

anyhow, you can ask for anything you want, there is no law that prevents you from vibrating your vocal chords and forming words to demand a raise. just be prepared for them to call your bluff.

[I_H8_Crawford]

Just curious: What company do you work for?

Also, how many exams have you written?

My g/f is doing the exact same thing, hehe just curious if you know her or not Pagal, PM me if you want.

[HelloHockeyFans]

I read in the Globe & Mail a few days ago that companies are planning on hiring a lot less (if not complete freezes), but are actually planning on giving more raises to their top employees in order to retain them.