Low salary as compared to my peers - Can I tell the HR that since I am on a low package I need more hike?

Hi all,

I have a query regarding my salary. Since I am posting for the first time, I am not sure if this is the correct thread. If not, I would request the moderator to move me or guide me to the right one. So here it goes.

I have a total industry experience of more than 8 years but have a very low salary compared to my peers. Now the problem is if I go for a new job interview and ask for a 30-40% hike, I still stay below par from the current industry trend. I should be getting a package of Rs 8 to 9 lakh (as being eligible for an assistant manager role) but due to some uncontrollable situations in the past, I am now drawing a salary of Rs 5 lakh. So you see what I am referring to.

Now, I want to understand how I can get to a salary of 8 lakh if not 9 lakh in my next interview. Can I tell the HR that since I am on a low package I need more hike and would they consider my point? Is that the correct approach, and if not, what are some ways I can negotiate so that I can be at par with the market? I don't really want to fake my salary and live with the fear of being caught.

Any and all suggestions would be highly appreciated. I look forward to a prompt response.

Thanks in advance.

Hi, you haven't mentioned which industry you worked in, but let me explain. Having 8 years of experience is good enough to be an assistant manager with a lot of exposure to the market. So, open your dynamic skills in front of your new interview (HR), prove yourself as an asset to the company, and then they will definitely pay you. Just discuss your expectations in the preliminary interview. If they agree, they will contact you, and everything will fall into place. Hope you can achieve what you want.

All the best.

Regards,
Jyothirmai

Dear Friend,

Please provide answers to the following questions:

1. In which industry are you serving?
2. How did you derive the pay package?
3. Have you compared your salary with others in your industry?
4. Have you compared your salary with those in similar roles in other industries?
5. What are the differences between your industry and other industries in the same field?
6. What ratings have you received in performance appraisals since the beginning? Where do you stand in the bell curve compared to your peers?
7. Have you considered your skill level and that of your counterparts when comparing salaries?
8. Have you worked in the same company throughout your career?
9. Have you attempted to switch industries or change companies? If so, what were the outcomes?

Please self-analyze the questions above and determine your answers. If you have any further doubts, feel free to ask, and our peers will help address your queries.

Additionally, strive to enhance your skills and knowledge to position yourself as a leader in your industry.

Dear Colleague,

From your narrations, it is felt that your company and team members are more amenable, and there is an environment for sharing and performing. The company must review salaries, promotions, and annual increments regularly. Take an appointment with your immediate reviewer, and during the scheduled meeting, discuss your issues one-on-one. Ask for guidance on how to improve for better career growth, promotions, and long-term success. This can be rewarding and lead to recognition. You may be advised to enhance your functional skills, such as acquiring new soft skills like preparing checklists, decision-making, communication, presentations, planning, execution, and team collaborations.

If your reviewer is not ready at that moment, provide a brief overview and request another meeting to engage them responsibly as your dependable support. Their guidance and mentoring will pave the way for your career advancement during these one-on-one sessions. Finally, at the end of the discussion, politely ask for support and guidance in transitioning to new functions and assignments to become self-sufficient as soon as possible. With faith and confidence, your problems will gradually be resolved in a timely manner within the same department.

All the best,

Thank you all for your valuable inputs. I work in a private sector professional services firm, and the peers I am comparing with may have less or the same experience or exposure as me. But the only difference is that they are manager's favorites. I have tried changing companies, but the only problem is I can't really ask for a package of 8 lacs as I feel awkward. I want to know, how can I best ask for a package of 8 lac. Also, can you give me some websites that can help me determine the packages of the profile I will be probably trying for.