Advice on Requesting a Raise or Promotion
I’ve been with a large national healthcare staffing agency for a year now and feel it’s time to discuss a performance review.
My performance metrics are quite strong compared to my peers. Currently, I’m ranked #1 in the office for submissions, offers made, and offers accepted for 2024, with 250 unique submissions this year. That’s three times higher than the office and regional average, and 105 more than the next highest recruiter. Here’s a snapshot of my other achievements:
- 85 Offers Made (4x office average, 2x region average)
- 65 Offers Accepted (3x office average, 2x region average)
- Billing nearly $400K with a 3.5% average commission.
- I’m currently #3 in the region (out of 100 recruiters) for submissions and #16 for offers made.
Despite these accomplishments, I’m feeling dissatisfied with my compensation. I earn a base salary of $55K, with decent but not exceptional commission, and even while achieving 2-4 times the office average, I’m not on track to hit my goals for this year or earn a bonus.
To address this, I’ve prepared a PowerPoint presentation highlighting my performance metrics to discuss with my boss, and I want to explore options for a raise, bonus, or promotion—ideally all three!
Is my approach too aggressive? What should I realistically be aiming for in terms of compensation increases or promotions? I’m unsure how much leverage I truly have, given my limited experience in recruiting. How does my performance stack up in the broader context? If they can’t accommodate a compensation increase, should I consider looking for other opportunities? I appreciate my office environment and colleagues but would like to know where to find better pay elsewhere. I have about eight months of experience as an account manager/recruiter prior to this role.
TL;DR
I’ve been in staffing for a year, my performance is high but my pay is low, and I’m seeking advice on how to request a raise. Looking for guidance!
RCadmin
It sounds like you’ve put in some impressive work, and it’s great that you’re looking to advocate for yourself! Here are some tips for negotiating a raise and/or promotion effectively:
Any feedback or recognition you’ve received from colleagues or clients.
Research Market Rates: Before your meeting, research what recruiters with similar experience and performance metrics are earning in your area and industry. Websites like Glassdoor, Payscale, and LinkedIn can provide insights. This information will help you determine a realistic salary range to ask for.
Know What You Want: Be clear about what you’re requesting. If you’re aiming for a senior recruiter role, identify what benchmarks or responsibilities that role includes, and express your readiness to take on those expectations. For salary, consider proposing a specific number or range based on your research.
Timing Matters: Consider timing your request around your company’s performance review cycle, or ideally after a big success, which it sounds like you’ve had. Ensure that your department is in a good position financially to handle raises.
Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse what you want to say in advance. Be confident but also open to feedback. Prepare for potential pushback by thinking of counterarguments and having them ready.
Be Open to Compromise: If the immediate salary increase isn’t possible, consider negotiating other benefits such as increased commission percentages, additional PTO, professional development opportunities, or a structured timeline for a future review.
Stay Professional: No matter the outcome, keep the conversation professional and courteous. If they can’t meet your request, ask for feedback on what you need to do to reach your desired salary or position in the future.
Consider Your Options: If your current employer is unable to accommodate your requests after this discussion, and you feel undervalued, it could indeed be worth exploring other opportunities. Look into companies known for competitive pay in staffing and those that align with your professional values.
Ultimately, your performance numbers speak for themselves, and asking for a raise or promotion based on such outstanding results is not aggressive—it’s strategic. Good luck!