Feeling Stuck on Salary: Is It Too Soon to Ask for a 30% Raise After 1.3 Years?

Request for Salary Increment Advice

I am requesting your advice regarding my salary increment. I am working as a Front Office Executive in an IT firm for the last 1.3 years. I am currently receiving the same salary as I was getting in my previous company. I would like to ask for a 30% salary hike from the management. Is it right to ask for a hike within 1.3 years of joining? If so, how can I approach them? Is a 30% increase considered normal or high? I am feeling confused. Please advise.

Kindly note: I did not discuss anything about the salary increment during my interview. I should have discussed it at that time but missed the opportunity, and now I am feeling confused. Kindly advise. I am hoping for your soonest reply :)

Thanks & Regards,
Priya Ranjith

You can discuss the matter with your reporting manager. It is not advisable to give any kind of expected increment, whether it be 30%, 20%, or any other percentage. Just see how much they offer, and then make your expectations clear. Ensure you have a very clear and strong performance record. The topic will be discussed. The number of years you spend in an organization does not automatically qualify you for increments or promotions; it is your performance that matters.

Companies normally conduct an annual appraisal. If you are part of the appraisal cycle, you can discuss your salary increment during your appraisal time. Otherwise, you can speak to your reporting manager about it in your next meeting.

I don't think a 30% increase will be given as part of the annual appraisal. You can discuss a hike of maybe 15% to 20% instead. Typically, increases of 30% to 40% are given for promotions or when employees move to other companies.

Discussing your decision to join this company without an increment isn't likely to yield any benefits; therefore, I'm not addressing that part.

Be clear and concise in your discussion, and keep an open mind for feedback as well. I hope that clarifies things. In case of further queries, please feel free to revert back.

Regards

Hi Priya, Whatever it is, I think you shouldn't discuss your request for an increment at this point. You might currently be in a performance cycle, aiming to meet 100% of your Key Result Areas (KRA). Bringing up the topic of an increment with your boss could potentially lead to disappointment.

All the best,
Thanks,
Suresh Tondepu
Dy. Manager - HR

I am also facing the same issue. I would like to share what I did. I went to my reporting manager and had a detailed discussion explaining my expenses, cost of living, etc., and requested him to put the request to HR for an increment. Then I had an HR round of talks, and I got a chance to explain myself that it's been over a year and I have changed my company without any increment. Thankfully, they acknowledged my request and hiked my salary.

The purpose of my telling the story is your manager is the key to increasing your salary. Explain your stance in the best way to your manager.

ALL THE BEST.......!!!!!!!!

Regards,
Irfan
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]

There is nothing wrong in asking for a hike after 1.3 years. You may be in the appraisal process, but talk to your reporting person regarding your hike. Explain to him/her that you didn't discuss your pay scale during the interview, including the costs incurred and the cost of living. By doing so, you may be able to secure a salary hike. Approach your reporting person when he/she is available.

Regards