Is it okay to try and negotiate the salary for my promotion or just be happy with it? If so, how.?
Asked by nipsy3
I've been with my company for almost 5 years. It's a small , but rapidly growing military defense contractor, with about 100 people in our facility but corporate wide, we probably have a few thousand employees. It's the only place I've worked for since I graduated from a technical school, when I was hired as an assembler. In only a few months I was promoted to an electronic test and repair technician, and then became the assistant test manager not long after. 6 months ago, I applied for an opening as the contracts manager, which required a 4 year business degree and experience, which I didn't have. I only had my experience in reporting and helping to manage the test department. I got the job and have apparently done so well, that without even posting the position for other applicants, I've been asked to become a program manager for a new gov't contract we have. I'm sure it comes with a decent raise, but should I try to negotiate for more or just be happy with this rapid advancement? My only concern is that I have a great deal of respect for the people in my company, and obviously the feeling is mutual because of the opportunities they keep giving me. How can I ask without offending them or ticking them off? In my currentl position in contracts I also do pricing, so I know what most people's salaries are. Most program managers make about twice as much as I do now, but they're more senior to the position. I'd almost be a junior PM. I know the job is coming, but we haven't talked salary yet. How do I know what to ask for?

Best Answer:
If they promote you and you dont feel the raise is good enough, I wouldnt say anything just yet. You gotta prove yourself in the position first, then after a few months ask for a rasie! You cant negotiate for more money in a position you havent even proven yourself in yet ya know? So like I said, put your heart and soul in the position when you get it, prove yourself, THEN ask for one...GOOD LUCK =)
Im a manager for a big company who also advanced fast at a young age
Answered by crzyinluv

A couple of things to think about: 1-If you know the average salaries of the Jr PMs in your company then no one is going to be ticked if you ask for that range. 2-With the way the economy is going right now, most companies can't afford to give the kind of raises that they did a couple of years ago. Never be afraid to ask for a raise, just make sure that you have the back up to show that you deserve it. If you have a job description then you can list what you do beyond that to justify a raise. If you are doing the job within that description you'll have a harder time justifying more money. You might not get the raise, but it never hurts to ask and to share what your goals are with leadership. Not giving you the raise is nothing personal so don't take it that way, just be sure that you have the back up to prove the return on investment and you should be fine. Good Luck ej
Answered by EJ