First Time Review, Ask For Raise 1

[Gymmeh]

I have searched this whole forum for someone with a similar situation and Failed...

So I have been working for a year and its time for reviews and hopefully more pay...
I started out with 42K+ 1.5(OT)- the average starting in this area is (40-45k) - working on a computer program to do basic designing of our product. The head engineer quit so I ended up being thrown in the "Design engineer" job title. After a busy 6 months and learning a ton I can keep people happy. BUT...

The project I was hired for is also 6 month beyond the management’s schedule. Mostly because the platform the program was written in did not even have basic math functions like Multi. Div. (I could write an article about the downfalls of the program). None of the reasons are directly my fault… I am waiting for other programmers. I believe my value to the company has greatly increased as a design engineer, but being the only engineer here there are many things that have to wait on me since I often need to learn the right way to do things, however I know a lot more so I am getting more efficient.

Profits are down, my original project is not doing what management wants; basically nothing really “looks” good… Obviously I want to get a nice raise. Would anyone have advice for getting a nice raise, even when nothing “looks” good?

 

[FiltrationEngineer]

I would clearly define your accomplishments and reasons for goals not being met. This is an opportunity to document to the managment the shortcomings that are out of your control. I would also offer solutions if possible.

Also, research what a design engineer in your industry makes. If this is your position, you should be earning close to that standard. The management at your company has seen fit to promote you, so they either think you are capable, or they're getting a bargain by not paying you what they would have to pay someone else. The latter is probably the case because they didn't offer you a raise when you were given a new title. If you're making 42 and a design engineer is making 60, bring that up (with some documentation) and ask to be compensated fairly.

If they refuse to pay you what a design engineer is worth, then learn everything you can and go get another job as soon as possible. This is very common for engineers getting out of school.

I started for 37k less than three years ago, and now I'm making 70k. I had to quit my first job because they wouldn't compensate me fairly, but I learned a whole that prepared me to get a good position elsewhere.

 

[KENAT]

Most of what Filtration says looks good (I must have taken the wrong type of Engineering as I've been working longer, work in a high cost area and don't make 70).

At the end of the day if profits are down they wont be looking at giving large, if any, raises. No matter how much more you're worth than you were a year ago, if there's no money in the bank they wont give you more.

Make your case but at the end of the day be willing to consider leaving if they can't meet your requirements for a pay increase.

I wouldn't tell them you'd consider leaving, just lay out your case and see what they say. If they say no then start looking.

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

 

[civilperson]

Different advice: First, look for another job with a higher pay scale. When the offer comes, compare with current company's offer and then decide.

 

[KENAT]

Civil has a point, start looking now, just in case.

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

 

[cvg]

Profits are down, my original project is not doing what management wants; basically nothing really “looks” good…

sounds like poor planning or management from above. regardless of the offer, it sounds like the company is not doing to well. Even if they offer a good raise, you may still want to begin looking around for greener pastures.

 

[MedicineEng]

Agreed, start looking.
If profits are down, unless you are earning a lot less than the average in the company, you shouldn't expect any "Christmas gift out of season".
Tipically the best raisese are obtained when you switch jobs.

 

[MintJulep]

Is the project you are working on the company's only project?

If there are other projects, how are they doing?

Ineffective management is often short-sighted. Remember that "explanation" and "excuse" both start with "e". Your management may not care to make a distinction.

 

[epoisses]

Don't whine! Managers don't like giving more money to whiners. Tell them what you accomplished and tell them what ideas you have to help improve a few other things. Then put on your most beautiful smile and mention you'd like to discuss "the" raise, since it is pretty customary to get one. Think of why you deserve it. Don't think of any reasons why you would not.

 

[Gymmeh]

Mint,
There are many projects here the have just been left hanging because upper management has many plans so things get started, but they dont want to pay for them so they just are left. It takes about 60% of my time just to keep up with production... so it leaves a very small amount of time for many other project...even my boss would like to hire an intern for continues improvement.

For more information, the company as a whole globally is doing very well. The branch I work in with, 15 people is doing well under budget.

The good thing is, for a number of reasons (mostly political), there will be work here for a long time. Kind of the black sheep in the family, they can get rid of us; The Upper management tries to forget about this branch. There has been little to NO investment into this operation for 10 years, which is part of the problem. This leaves a lot for the only engineer here to do/learn that will increase efficiently, but if they let me and I get paid accordingly is the issue me.

 

[PSE]

If the company does not present you with a increase proposal at the conclusion of your review, you will not receive one unless you ask. Be prepared to take the initiative and bring up the subject of a raise before concluding and signing off on the review. This is the time to reconcile how much you think you are worth to the company and how much they think you are worth to retain.

Regards,

 

[daveh55et]

If you are in a secluded backwater part of the company as you describe, consider moving on regardless of a raise.

 

[Gymmeh]

Well...

Thank you all for you advice! I made a log of everything I have done, which has been quit a bit, and also a log specifically for engineering related task in which I had to learn or use engineering for analysis of our product. And I have worked really hard to make headway on some of the crap projects, one I managed to finish. The other is in final testing.

The time came and I did the, “I feel my value to the company has increased because…(Bla bla bla and throw in a few supporting documents)… and there for I feel X raise would represent my value to the company well… bla bla bla ”

Well… I am glade I fixed up my resume last night… Anyone need a design engineer?

 

[AlmostPE]

And dont forget not to burn any bridges unless you have to.

 

[Gymmeh]

I am that type, I am and will still work right along.

"A man's character is his fate."
— Heraclitus

 

[ykee]

I do remember one particularly bad/good experience in asking for a raise. I was offered a raise during my annual review, but felt it was nowhere near sufficient. During the ensuing debate, I was asked to name a number, which I did. My boss actually went off to see if this was reasonable. It was a tense couple of weeks, but in the end, my boss came back with a raise slightly higher than I asked for...maybe a gesture of goodwill...I don't know. My boss did seem pleased with the outcome.

While things were tense, I regreted asking, but in the end, we were both happy. Hopefully your situation will work out as well.

 

[civilperson]

Ignored the order of my advice, first get the outside offer, then go to management! Call Nesco Resources.