[Kateena]

Hi everyone,

So far internet searches have not yeilded a concise answer to my question, so I'm hoping you can answer some of this for me.

I have been employed at my currently company for nearly 18 months now. I started straight out of school as a Casual Christmas Temp, working 2-3 days a week.

Things have progressed since then, and I am now consistently working 5 days a week (at the request of my superiors, who were finding it difficult when I wasn't in the office).

I am virtually the only 'Administrative Assistant' for my company of 40 people, spread out all over Australia. (There are other people who dabble in my lower level of Admin, but generally they have much more Business orientated things to do.)
I'd like to ask to be made a full time employee, and for a slight raise.
According to my research, I am earning $5-10k less per annum than most people in the area, who also have my position with my amount of experience (>12 months).
I also do not currently have sick leave or annual leave.

My duties for the company include (but are not limited to):

• • Answering phones
  • Filing/Document Control
  • Maintaining Resources (stationery, etc)
  • Routinely updating our website
  • Inducting New Staff
  • Managing Departing Staff Process
  • Producing weekly newsletter
  • Arranging meetings and travel
  • Updating/reviewing data
  • Word Processing
  • Managing catering
  • Producing Training Packages for our company database
  • Among other things.

So, my question is, am I being unrealistic in asking for a raise? How should I go about asking? Is it simply not a good time (given the financial market) to be asking?

All input would be appreciated

[LisaOlsen]

Hi Kateena,
It's always very refreshing to see how an admin has thought through an issue and done her homework. And you certainly have! You didn't just ask, "I want a raise, should I ask for one?"

Based on your continued progress with the company and your contributions as you posted them, I don't think it's unrealistic to consider asking for a raise.(Assuming you know the current financial condition of your company) However, I would use your obvious good judgment in how you go about the process. Here a a few suggestions.


First, prepare a written document that has your original duties and the increased duties and responsibilities you have now.

Then, schedule some time with your boss to discuss your role. Begin the conversation by pointing out how much you have learned and gained. Express appreciation for their support and be specific about the aspects of your job you enjoy.

Then, explain how your duties have changed and how your responsibility has increased progressively. Considering the economic downturn (and not knowing exactly how it's affected you in Australia) be sensitive to that. You can ask for a raise, without exactly using those words. For example, you might say, "I value my role and what I contribute. It's important to me to be a strategic partner with you and contribute to the vision of the company. My goal is to be compensated within the current market range for admins doing similar tasks." That leaves the door open for your boss to ask you some questions. If he/she does, and asks you what you want to be compensated, be prepared with an answer. If he/she replies it's not possible at the present time, accept that and express your hope that in the near future, the issue can be readdressed.

If you enjoy your job, are contributing and adding value, my guess is they will recognize that and be willing to discuss it openly. The most important thing is to be prepared and confident in the back up information you prepare.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out!

[Kateena]

The result of this discussion (and other research) came to fruition this morning. I've signed a new employment contract as a full-time employee (since I've already been working full time all this year that wasn't too difficult to wrangle).

I also managed to get a nice raise that will be in effect as of January (+ my bonus on top of that).

Thank you very much for the advice, it was helpful.

My advice to anyone else who's in the same boat would be to prepare as much evidence as possible. PROVE what you're worth! And good luck