How to secure a payrise
The new decade has arrived and you’ve no doubt made many resolutions about going to the gym, spending more time with the family or being better at planning your finances.
However, the one resolution that you really need to commit to is ensuring you are PAID the right amount for your job.
Talking about salary is an awkward conversation for many. Half of the UK workforce fear asking for a salary increase. However, if you want the remuneration you deserve this decade, it’s a conversation that must be had. There are plenty of things that can scupper your chances of a raise so here are our key tips:
- Do your homework
We don’t mean take your work home with you. We mean research the market for what others are earning for similar roles as yourself. See what salaries are being offered on job advertisements and have a look at salary surveys. Paramount publishes annual salary surveys within the Medical Communications and Genomics sector. The average salary for a senior medical writer was £44,170. If you’re paid less than the average for your job then collect the evidence to help your case
- Know your worth
Not in terms of what you’re paid – more in terms of the contribution that your work brings to your organisation. If your assigned clients are profitable, growing and love the work that you do, then giving you a pay rise would be an easy decision for your boss. Collect the positive feedback you receive from clients (or from co-workers).
- Don’t wait ‘til your review
Don’t wait to your scheduled annual review (if you have one). If you’re doing a good job and being paid under the market rate, have a quiet word with management and explore the opportunity for opening pay discussions when you think they’re merited. Timing can be key when discussing a raise and it is much better to do so when both you and your company are performing well (when you’ve secured a new client or delivered an excellent piece of work). Don’t ask during a difficult financial period as you’ll likely end up disappointed.
- Don’t be a diva
It may work for pop stars and footballers but being a diva drama queen doesn’t work in most businesses. Don’t go in all guns blazing, demanding a raise. You need to work well with your boss so you should calmly and professionally approach the situation, leaving emotion at the door in order to maintain that relationship, no matter what the outcome.
- Don’t just think about basic salary
Don’t focus just on basic salary. Think about bonuses based on you delivering a certain quality or level of work. These will be easier for your boss to justify and approve. Also think about benefits and rewards away from just salary, especially ones that support your work life balance such as remote working and flexible hours. You may be able to negotiate improved work conditions instead of a salary increase and they could be even more valuable to your wellbeing and lifestyle.
Hopefully these tips give you some ideas to help you secure the pay rise that you think you deserve.
If none of these works and you feel undervalued in your current role, perhaps it’s time to start looking around for a new opportunity.
Why not take a look at our salary surveys in the Healthcare Communications and Genomics industries. Here you will find lots of useful information on average salaries and what employers are looking for from candidates, future demand for skills in the sector and more.
Paramount Recruitment searches internationally to find the best talent for the Healthcare Communications, Pharmaceutical and Genomics industries. Click here to view our latest roles or get in touch where you can have an in-depth conversation about your next career move.
