| Question: I work for a medium-sized company and | | | | company for a longer time and have been placed |
| have been relatively happy with my pay. The other | | | | higher on the salary grid. You may even find that the |
| day, however, I overheard two co-workers - who | | | | figures they mentioned include overtime, even |
| have similar responsibilities to me - talking about their | | | | bonuses, which may not be available to you. |
| salaries. They earn more than me. What should I do? | | | | If you're still sufficiently curious to investigate you |
| You say you've been relatively happy with your | | | | should start with your boss. Make an appointment |
| salary, but now you want a raise, right? Be a little | | | | and present the facts, as you see them; avoid |
| cautious with what you heard. Your co-workers may | | | | emotion and appeals based on your financial needs, |
| be making more than you but they also could have | | | | but instead focus strictly on your positive |
| been "rounding up" the amount or even inflating their | | | | contributions to the company. If you intend to ask |
| salaries as a way to makes themselves feel | | | | for a raise, be frank about it. Have a figure in mind |
| important. | | | | and provide the research necessary to make the |
| Remember, if one employee reveals a salary figure, it | | | | case. |
| is quite possible that the other may match it. But - | | | | Don't mention the conversation the conversation you |
| let's assume these two are, in fact, making more | | | | heard, and be sure to have your appeal made in |
| than you. Are their similar responsibilities, as you put | | | | written form in order that it can be reviewed by |
| it, virtually identical to yours or are there are some | | | | others. Be a good listener and don't argue or |
| key differences? | | | | threaten in any way. Making a successful case for a |
| Do they have a higher level of education which | | | | raise requires that you exercise skills of diplomacy |
| equips them to capably perform their tasks for the | | | | and persuasion. |
| company? Perhaps they've both been with the | | | | |