Been in my current role about a year, new to the company. Have worked hard and done well (based on direct feedback from above and sideways). Was hired for a more junior role and have been functioning in a more senior role and have demonstrated that I have the skillset to do it. I've set up a discussion with my manager.

How do I have the discussion? I plan on being fact-based:
bring job description I was hired for and speak to it
bring some of the company's current job openings that are more senior that I am a good fit for just to demonstrate that I have the skillset
research salary and have a number in mind (approx. 20% bump)

Do I ask for a 30% raise hoping they counter with at least 20%?
To complicate things, my old company wants to interview me for a slightly more senior role. This was not initially driving my wanting to have the discussion with my boss. I do not want to leverage one against the other, play games or accept any counter offers.

TL;DR
Doing a more senior role, how do I ask for a raise and how do I manage an opportunity at my old company while doing so?

Just lay it out there to your boss in a professional manner.

If it doesn't go the way you want, it sounds like you have options. Wouldn't bring up said options though.

Yes, sorry, I'm asking for a promotion

Agreed, thanks

I had a team member approach me on that as his two up manager.

1. I wouldn't bring the 2 job descriptions. Just say you've evaluated both (and more SR roles at the company) and these are the two - three points that stick out.
2. Give examples where you've demonstrated those 2-3 points to refresh his / her memory (depending on how much you work with them).
3. Ask if you've been considered for a promotion? Give them time to respond (even if it's awkward) or ask how you can be considered for a promotion.

All this being said, you have been with them approx one year. Make sure you understand when the time for consideration is (if one exists) and make sure your not coming across as impatient. Sometimes, employers have more leverage if an employee has an offer in their hands and they can elevate much easier to give a bump. With that said, you can only use that card 1, maybe 2 times, at an employer before they say this person is going to leave sooner or later. Just my thoughts.

This reminds me a bit of the SNL skit on sexual harassment with Tom Brady. The gist being, if you are awesome then you can do no wrong here. If you are a dud then it will blow up in your face. While that is a bit of hyperbole in this situation; I think the general idea applies. I'd take a good stock on my own weaknesses and areas of leadership I could better (which you may have already done) before going into it.

If the company really values you, they will see standing up and imitative of wanting more responsibility as a good sign (even if it doesn't lead to an immediate promotion). If they think you are just getting your job done they will just bide their time and do little platitudes to keep you happy. If you aren't very good then that would spell bad news for your long term employment.

Thanks all, I took a more junior role as I needed a job during the covid downturn. Trying to figure out how to get my compensation up.

Dill-Ag13 said:

---

Thanks all, I took a more junior role as I needed a job during the covid downturn. Trying to figure out how to get my compensation up.

---

You are pragmatic to think about how to approach and plan it prior to having the conversation. When people don't and just declare they should be making more money without seeking a plan out to do it then the talk is way more difficult both for you and the one you are discussing it with.

My boss is a great manager, I just need to sell it. Has a track record of fighting for his people (me included) in meetings, behind closed doors, etc

never split hte difference is a great book on negotiation and has a chapter on thsi

Best of luck to you. We have been dealing with a similar situation with Mr.Diesel and his review is a few weeks out and there needs to be a serious salary adjustment after proving himself the past year. We have just been going over points and accomplishments and numbers for him to go over when it comes time. He also lost a job during Covid and had to enter into a new industry at a lower salary so it's been an adjustment.

Just my 2 cents. Since you've set up this discussion, I'd begin by asking your boss how he/she thinks you are doing. If he gives you a glowing assessment, it is the perfect opening to ask for what you want. If not, then you have a pretty good idea of what the response to your request will be. And you don't have to make a fool of yourself by going overboard.

If, god forbid, you don't get the feedback that you want, you can have a frank discussion about your goals and what you need to do to achieve them.

WRT the raise, you shouldn't have the discussion (just my 2 cents again) until you have a very good understanding of market compensation for someone with your experience level and skill set. Rest assured, your boss and/or HR. Department do. And then you shouldn't feel the slightest compunction about asking for it. If you've honestly evaluated yourself, they will know that you can get it elsewhere. And they will know that they have to pay that amount to replace you.

Good luck!