We are full of our own self-worth and feel that we are grossly underpaid. But how do we get the employer to think on the same lines as us. These are some options that we could follow:
1) Be Pragmatic And Reasonable
See if it is feasible for the company to give you a raise. The company may not be doing so well that it is in a position to give you that raise. Other employees, who have asked for a raise, may have been declined one and it may not be possible for the company to make an exception in your case. They could have put a temporary moratorium on salaries. So no matter how genuine your case the money may simply not be there. In that case, a raise request cannot be entertained.
2) Add Duties, Take On Extra Work
Demonstrate through actions not merely words that you are deserving of better compensation. Taking on extra duties can justify an increase in pay or also show that you are concerned about the company's progress and growth and that you are a valuable employee.
3) Negotiate Non-Monetary Benefits
If you realize that the company for various will not accede to your request for a raise. Seek an increase in non-monetary benefits, like extra paid vacation-time and extra weekends.
4) If You Are Starting Anew
You have finished the interview processes and have been offered a job. However, you are reluctant to accept it, as the salary is not really what you were expecting, nor something that your skills warrant. Ask for a signing-bonus, which is normally around 5 to 10 percent of your salary. This will compensate for your low salary. Also make it clear that you are accepting working on a low starting salary, as you are expecting a raise after a few months of work.
5) Low Pay? Check Out The Benefits
If you're offered a job with lower pay, it would be worth considering what the other benefits are. Always remember that benefits have dollar value and should be considered as part of the total compensation. The company pays your health compensation, if you had to buy your own; it would have cost money, wouldn't it? Check out if adding the entire benefits package to your base salary, brings you closer to the salary of your expectations.
6) Seek A Six Months Review
Tell your new employers that you are accepting the offer, because you like the workplace and this work energizes you but you still feel that the salary is below your expectations. However, since they do not know what you are capable of, request a six-month review of your work. Tell that, based on your six-month review; they should reappraise your salary. Meanwhile, it would serve you well to document your work accomplishments during this trial period, to point out to your employers any accomplishment that they may have missed.
7) Let Your Work Speak For You
The poor economy has not left employers with much flexibility and leeway with workers remuneration. They will do so only if they feel that this is one employee they do not want to lose. So the best way is to let your work speak for you. Go the extra mile, demonstrate your worth to the company and make it absolutely impossible for the employers to ignore or decline your requests for enhancement of your pay check.
