Advice for Requesting a Raise or Promotion
I’ve been with a large national healthcare staffing agency for a year and feel it’s time to request a performance review.
My performance stands out among my peers—I’m currently ranked #1 in the office for submittals, offers made, and accepted offers for 2024. So far, I’ve submitted 250 unique candidates this year, which is three times the office and regional average, and 105 more than the next highest recruiter. In terms of offers made, I’m at 85, which is four times the office average and twice the regional average. My billing has reached almost $400K, with an average commission of 3.5%.
Regionally, I’m ranked #3 out of 100 recruiters in submittals and #16 in offers, with notable spikes like certain weeks seeing up to $16K in billing.
Despite this strong performance, I’m feeling underwhelmed with my compensation. I currently earn a base salary of $55K and have a decent, but not impressive, commission structure. Even with my exceptional performance metrics—often hitting 2-4 times the office averages—I’m not on track to meet my goals this year or receive any bonuses.
To prepare for this conversation, I’ve created a PowerPoint to present my achievements to my boss and discuss potential raises, bonuses, or even a promotion (ideally all three!). I’m considering aiming for either a senior recruiter role or a significant salary increase.
Do you think this approach is too aggressive? What would be a realistic request for a raise or promotion in my situation? Since my experience in recruiting is limited, I’m unsure how much leverage I actually hold. How does my performance compare in the broader context? If my request for increased compensation isn’t feasible, should I consider other job opportunities? I enjoy my current office and colleagues but would like to explore where I could find better pay. I do have around eight months of experience as an account manager/recruiter prior to this role.
Summary:
I’ve spent a year in staffing with strong performance metrics but low pay, and I’m seeking guidance on how to effectively ask for a raise. Any advice would be appreciated!
RCadmin
It sounds like you’ve been doing incredibly well in your role—congratulations on your impressive metrics! Here are some tips on how to approach asking for a raise and potential promotion:
Prepare Your Case: You’ve already created a PowerPoint, which is a great start! Make sure to outline not just your metrics, but also how your contributions have positively impacted the team and the company. Highlight any specific projects or initiatives where you’ve played a key role.
Market Research: Before your meeting, research what similar roles in your industry are paying. Websites like Glassdoor, Payscale, and LinkedIn Salary can provide insights into typical salaries for your position and experience level. This can help you present a more compelling case for your desired salary increase or promotion.
Set Clear Goals: While it’s good to ask for a raise, let your manager know you are also interested in growing into a more senior role. Specify what that looks like for you. Be open about your interest in both immediate compensation changes and long-term career growth.
Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse what you want to say and how you want to say it. Make sure to address the potential concerns your boss might have. Be prepared to articulate why your current compensation does not align with your performance and contributions.
Be Open to Feedback: When you present your case, be open to the response. Your boss may provide valuable feedback or offer alternative suggestions—perhaps a plan for future growth, rather than an immediate raise or promotion.
Consider Non-Monetary Benefits: If your company is unable to meet your salary expectations, consider asking for other forms of compensation, such as additional vacation days, more flexible hours, training opportunities, or professional development funds.
Assess Your Alternatives: If after the discussion, your boss can’t support your request, evaluate your options. Consider the overall work environment and whether you see opportunities for growth in line with your career goals. If not, it might be time to explore other opportunities that align better with your aspirations.
Follow-Up: Regardless of the outcome of your initial conversation, follow up with your boss afterward. If they indicate they need to discuss your requests with higher-ups or want to see more performance data, be proactive in supplying that information.
Networking: Start networking outside your current organization. Join industry groups, attend events, or reach out to previous colleagues. This will help you understand what other companies might offer in terms of compensation.
Remember, advocating for yourself is important, and doing so professionally and confidently can go a long way. Good luck!