Posted on 23 Jan, 2020

There comes a time for many of us when we start to feel that we are not being sufficiently compensated for the work we do. Many of us find asking for a pay rise an awkward affair, preferring to go with the flow rather than rock the boat.

 It needn’t be that way however. If you believe you deserve to be paid more, here are a few tips to help you negotiate one with your manager:

1. Be prepared

Check out the salaries for other jobs that match your current role to see where your salary falls. Put together examples of how your work has contributed to the performance of your team, or the bottom line of  your company. Make a note of your recent achievements, added responsibilities that you have taken on and more that you now feel ready to face. Whatever you do, don’t go in there expecting to just wing the conversation.

2. A question of time

When asking for a pay rise, you need to time your request well. Have you already had a pay rise in the last 12 months? Unless your role is substantively different, asking for another pay rise will seem greedy. On the other hand, if you’re reaching the peak of six months’ solid improvement in your current position, working beyond your job description, now could be the ideal time to strike.

3. Sell yourself

This can be the hardest part for many people. Just think of any other design jobs you’ve worked on. You will have had to present and sell projects or designs to a client before now, emphasising its positive aspects. This is the same principle, only the project is you. Take a deep breath, look them in the eye and show confidence in your reasoning and request.

4. It’s not all about the money

An increase in pay is great, but not always possible. However good your performance, budget restrictions may prevent you from getting that raise that you’re after. Why not negotiate for something else? Extra annual leave, a company car, a parking space – there are plenty of benefits that make your job more rewarding, even if cold, hard cash isn’t on the table.

If however after all this, you feel it may be the time to leave your current job then give Careers in Design a call on 01920 486125. One of our consultants would be happy to have a chat about other possibilities out there whether it be within the interior, furniture or product design sectors. 

Posted in: Designers