The 2017 Robert Walters Global Salary Survey predicted earlier this year that PAs would be some of the most likely professionals to benefit from a pay rise this year. But if your boss hasn’t approached you yet, that doesn’t mean you can’t raise the topic. In fact, after surveying 100 chief financial officers, international recruitment firm Robert Half has revealed that the best time to ask the big question is during a performance review (37 per cent) or at the start of a new project (27 per cent).
And, with the Hays: What Workers Want Report 2017 recently revealing that PAs are the most ambitious of all the office support professionals, there’s no reason not to bite the bullet!
Megan Alexander, general manager at Robert Half, shares her top tips for preparing to ask the big question:
- How’s the market performing? Take a look at your company’s industry – if it’s doing well and your skill set is in demand, use these factors to your advantage. If it’s not looking so favourable, change your approach: how about asking for non-financial rewards, like annual leave or flexible working?
- Understand your value: consider what you’ve done to add value, and be prepared to say how you can further improve.
- Look at PA-related salary surveys: assess what you’re earning compared to your peers.
- Don’t ambush your boss: give your manager a few days notice of the meeting, and say that it’s to discuss your career. This will allow them time to evaluate your performance ahead of the chat.
- Be honest and realistic: when looking at your personal assessment, consider it from the CEO’s perspective. Can the company afford it? What will they get in return? Are you too valuable for them to refuse? Thinking about challenging questions ahead of time makes you more likely to satisfy the boss’ concerns.
