Live data from Hacker News

Ask HN: How to ask for a raise?

news.ycombinator.com

1–10 of 25 posts

Ask HN: How to ask for a raise?

#1
I have been working as a junior software engineer in France for the past year for a consulting company. I have been integrated with 2 different clients for 6 months each.

I feel like I'm actually leading the projects I'm on and adding value.

However, since I depend on VISA sponsorship I have accepted a salary of 32K€ (before tax).

I have been working for a year and have ZERO savings, I can't afford vacation and I feel like I'm being exploited.

Should I ask for a raise? If yes, how?

PS: I work in the south of France[0] where most IT workers are depending on VISAs so companies are very aware of the situation.

[0]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sophia_Antipolis

Re: Ask HN: How to ask for a raise?

#2
I feel like I'm being exploited

An important question to ask yourself is whether or not that would that change if you get paid a few thousand Euros more?

Chances are that it wouldn't. Really you're not looking for just a pay rise - you're looking for a promotion so you get recognition for what you're already doing. Talk to your boss about how you can make that happen.

Re: Ask HN: How to ask for a raise?

#3
post #2

I feel like I'm being exploited An important question to ask yourself is whether or not that would that change if you get paid a few thousand Euros more? Chances are that it wouldn't. Really you're not looking for just a pay rise - you're looking for a promotion so you get recognition for what you're already doing. Talk to your boss about how you can make that happen.

Maybe its because I see people doing the same or less work as me, are getting paid (and therefore appreciated) more.

I don't know what a promotion or recognition would look like, or how i might ask for one?

Re: Ask HN: How to ask for a raise?

#4
post #2

I feel like I'm being exploited An important question to ask yourself is whether or not that would that change if you get paid a few thousand Euros more? Chances are that it wouldn't. Really you're not looking for just a pay rise - you're looking for a promotion so you get recognition for what you're already doing. Talk to your boss about how you can make that happen.

Maybe its because I see people doing the same or less work as me, are getting paid (and therefore appreciated) more. I don't know what a promotion or recognition would look like, or how i might ask for one?

are getting paid (and therefore appreciated) more

I'd be willing to bet many of them feel exactly the same way you feel. They'll feel they're under-appreciated and unrecognised for what they do, and they'll think more money will change that. It won't. How much you're paid is not a sign of how well you're appreciated.

Re: Ask HN: How to ask for a raise?

#5
post #4

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Maybe its because I see people doing the same or less work as me, are getting paid (and therefore appreciated) more. I don't know what a promotion or recognition would look like, or how i might ask for one?

are getting paid (and therefore appreciated) more I'd be willing to bet many of them feel exactly the same way you feel. They'll feel they're under-appreciated and unrecognised for what they do, and they'll think more money will change that. It won't. How much you're paid is not a sign of how well you're appreciated.

I get what you mean. But I honestly think I'd feel at least a bit better if i was financially doing better.

Re: Ask HN: How to ask for a raise?

#6
A 10% raise brings you to 35k, that very likely may be your roof for this year. A 5% raise only takes it up to to 33.5k, which doesn't really make that much of a difference unless you actually put away EUR 100 a month, which leaves you with 1.2k in the bank next year. Many people instantly spend the money once they have a bit more room to breathe, so that may not help much.

Regardless, I would definitely ask for a raise. To argue in percentages is something managers tend to do in your salary segment (where 10% sounds like a lot to some). That may come in handy later, though, when you've done this for a few years, where the same percentage will get you more substantial increases.

I'd ask for a meeting with your manager, and play the classic yes game. Are you happy with my performance? Do you feel I am contributing to the progress of the company? Things like that. And then end with a simple question that doesn't DEMAND more money, but simply states that you aren't sure what the career plan is, and having worked here for some time, you'd like to know what the next 3 or 5 years look like.

If things escalate, maybe ask him what his position looks like, does he get a raise from time to time? Don't say this in comparison to you, just to get a better idea of what long-term careers at this company look like. Framing is key, I think, and I'm just basing everything on imaginary situations here. You'll have a better feel.

MOST IMPORTANTLY THOUGH: Don't just demand more money. Make sure you do so with reason. You don't have to be extraordinary to deserve a raise. Your money is worth less every single year, your rent and food costs you more every single year (simply by inflation), so your company actually pays you less if they don't step your salary up with it. Mention all the things you are proud of, abuse this social phenomenon that your boss probably can't say much against it, as that would make it personal (I think I did a great job on this one project.... "no you didn't" isn't what he's going to say, is he). He may think nothing of you, but if he can't say it out loud, you'll have a chance at the upper hand. He'll say his budget is limited, people above him control the situation, etc. — just say: "what can I do, to help you get me on a career path that involves a progression of my salary?"

Re: Ask HN: How to ask for a raise?

#7

A 10% raise brings you to 35k, that very likely may be your roof for this year. A 5% raise only takes it up to to 33.5k, which doesn't really make that much of a difference unless you actually put away EUR 100 a month, which leaves you with 1.2k in the bank next year. Many people instantly spend the money once they have a bit more room to breathe, so that may not help much. Regardless, I would definitely ask for a ra…

A nice explaination of a raise negotiation strategy you've written there. I like it very much.

Re: Ask HN: How to ask for a raise?

#9
In france salaries depend heavily on your years of experience (Junior, confirmé, senior...) so if you are just starting your career there is a tiny chance your boss will accept giving you a rise, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try and ask.

Seeing your colleagues doing same work and being paid more is definitely not a healthy aspect to live by. I was there.

You have two options: Ask for a rise, if you get it then continue working for the same company until you gain more experience.

If you didn't get it then change employer. Changing employer allowed me a rise of 20%

Re: Ask HN: How to ask for a raise?

#10
I recommend both of these:

3 minutes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HqvbdOWpc8

5 minutes (see from minute 1:20 - 4:30) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKVK5rTrOlg

In short, figure out if you're an agreeable or disagreeable person and how that might play out when asking for a raise. Then when you ask for a raise, do it from a position of strength, which is to say, go into negotiations with solid reasons and a competing offer from another company.

Post reply on HN