Advice on Requesting a Raise or Promotion
I’ve been employed at a large national healthcare staffing agency for a year now, and I believe it’s time for a performance review.
My performance metrics are significantly higher than my colleagues. So far in 2024, I’m ranked #1 in the office for submittals, offers made, and accepted offers. I’ve submitted 250 unique candidates this year, which is three times the office average and 105 more than the next highest recruiter. I’ve achieved 85 offers made—four times the office average and double the regional average—along with 65 accepted offers, which is three times the office norm and twice the regional average. My billing stands at nearly $400K, with an average commission of 3.5%.
Regionally, I’m #3 among 100 recruiters for submittals and #16 for offers.
Despite my achievements, I’m unhappy with my compensation. I currently earn a base salary of $55K combined with good but not outstanding commission. Even with my results being 2-4 times above the office average, I’m not on track to meet my goals or qualify for a bonus this year.
To make my case, I’ve put together a PowerPoint presentation outlining my performance statistics, and I plan to discuss potential raises, bonuses, or promotions—ideally, all three! What is a realistic request? I’m aiming for a senior recruiter role or a substantial salary increase.
Am I being too aggressive? What should I realistically pursue in terms of compensation growth or promotions? Since I’m relatively new to recruiting, I’m unsure about the leverage I have. How does my performance stack up in the bigger picture? If they can’t increase my compensation, should I consider leaving? While I enjoy working with my coworkers and in my office, I’m curious to know where I might find better compensation in other companies or industries. I also have around 8 months of experience as an account manager/recruiter prior to this role.
TL;DR
I’ve been in staffing for a year, have high performance metrics, but low pay. Seeking advice on requesting a raise or promotion.
RCadmin
It sounds like you’re well-prepared and ready to make a strong case for a raise or promotion! Here are some tips to help you navigate this conversation and set realistic expectations:
Do Your Research: Before you meet with your boss, research industry standards for compensation in your role and region. Websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, or industry reports can help you determine a competitive salary range for someone with your experience and performance.
Quantify Your Achievements: You’ve done a great job of tracking your metrics. When you present them, make them clear and concise, focusing on how your performance translates into value for the company (e.g., increased revenue, higher placement rates). Remember to highlight your contributions to team goals and overall company success.
Prepare Your Pitch: In addition to your PowerPoint, prepare a verbal pitch that outlines your achievements, your satisfaction (or lack thereof) with your current compensation, and your desire for growth. Be ready to discuss how your promotion would benefit the team and the company.
Be Specific with Your Request: When asking for a raise, provide a specific number or percentage you’re aiming for, based on your research. Likewise, if you’re seeking a promotion to a senior recruiter or sales role, articulate the responsibilities you’re ready to take on and how you meet the qualifications for that role.
Consider Timing: Find a good time to schedule the meeting. Ideally, this should be during a performance review period or after a significant achievement. Make sure your boss has some time to discuss it without feeling rushed.
Be Ready for Any Outcome: Prepare yourself for different scenarios. They may agree to your request, negotiate an alternative, or even decline it. Understanding their perspective and being open to discussion will help you maintain a positive relationship.
Plan Your Next Steps: If your request is declined or not fully met, ask for feedback on areas you could improve or what it might take to get there in the future. This shows your commitment to growth and can set you up for success down the line.
Evaluate Your Options: If compensation remains a significant issue, and the company cannot accommodate your request despite your strong performance, it may be worth exploring other opportunities. Network within the industry to see what roles and compensation are available elsewhere, and don’t hesitate to apply for positions that align with your skills and goals.
Overall, your strong performance metrics provide you a solid foundation for your request. Approach the conversation with confidence, but also be open to feedback and negotiation. Good luck!