What can I expect for a raise?
Asked by JT
I have been an assistant manager with a franchise of a national restaurant chain for a year and I have learned every position that an assistant manager can hold in that year. I also hold a position normally reserved for assistants that have been with the company for at least a year. I am doing food cost, I am responsible for hiring, training, giving reviews, and scheduling to name the largest of my responsibilities. My GM and DM both think I am doing an excellent job. Any thoughts on what I can expect % wise for my review and raise? I should mention week to week our store is surpassing last years sales. As a franchise we are doing good.

Best Answer:
Well, if you're not getting at least 3 to 5 percent increase, I'd be pretty annoyed. The annual rate of inflation averages 3 percent when times are good, and now that times suck for everybody, some indicators are making it much more like 5 or 6 percent the last couple years (all except for housing prices, anyway). Tell them you'd at least like to keep up with inflation. I'd also make it a point to tell them your help has been instrumental in helping the store achieve success over last year's business levels, beating expectations. Tell them that on top of the standard "inflation" wage increase of 3 percent, it'd be nice to get an extra kicker for the improved performance you've helped the store achieve. I caution you that you might not get anything but a pat on the head and a "sorry" from your boss(es). Times are tough right now, and just about every firm I know of (even those doing well financially) are using it as excuse not to give out raises this year. If they won't give you a raise, continue building experience and start seeing if there's a way you can document the performance increases you're seeing-- this information, if you're able to copy and store it for later, will help your resume when you try to land management positions in the future. And if you don't get a raise for more than a couple of years in a row, I'd think you'll definitely want to be looking for another job where you'll actually be rewarded for your expertise.
Life experience.
Answered by Banger