Advice for yearly review pls

Today my boss came in & said we could take my yearly review (finally!), but I didn't feel prepared today, so having it tomorrow.

I've never had one before as this is my first job. Any advice?

As the company is not really making any profit yet, we keep being told we most likely won't get much of a raise, but I still want to argue for my case.

What should I think about? How shall I put things to my boss? What other benefits might I be able to negotiate?

Claire wrote in post #2399319
Today my boss came in & said we could take my yearly review (finally!), but I didn't feel prepared today, so having it tomorrow.

I've never had one before as this is my first job. Any advice?

As the company is not really making any profit yet, we keep being told we most likely won't get much of a raise, but I still want to argue for my case.

What should I think about? How shall I put things to my boss? What other benefits might I be able to negotiate?

Whatever you do, make sure you've got the initiative, go aggressive on him. The best way to start such a performance appraisal is to demand a pay raise even before he has a chance to open his mouth. You need to put it rather firmly, like "I want a major salary increase immediately or I shall quit today !"

PetKal wrote in post #2399947
Whatever you do, make sure you've got the initiative, go aggressive on him. The best way to start such a performance appraisal is to demand a pay raise even before he has a chance to open his mouth. You need to put it rather firmly, like "I want a major salary increase immediately or I shall quit today !"

Ok, so that's our little Pal Nouna unemployed this weekend

First you need to know if your role has developed beyond your original job description, whether you are doing a different level of work than originally, or whether you have added significant value beyond what you should do day to day and will continue to do so. Otherwise, if there is no good business case for your argument then I would just say you accepted the contract originally so that's that! Is your role comparable to similar roles in other companies? If so, then check salaries they offer.

I want my people to be open, honest, committed, positive and self critical and with ability to come up with solutions to challenges and not just moan. This is your chance to show all the right qualities. Know your case for a rise. If you don't then you won't get one. If you do then you still may not get one. In the latter case you either lump it or leave for something else.

PetKal wrote in post #2399947
Whatever you do, make sure you've got the initiative, go aggressive on him. The best way to start such a performance appraisal is to demand a pay raise even before he has a chance to open his mouth. You need to put it rather firmly, like "I want a major salary increase immediately or I shall quit today !"

Eh, that last part I'm not sure about, but I do feel like I have to be pretty firm. It's just that I know I'll get the usual "We're not making any profit yet, so we have to be tight about money speech". How do I fight back on that?

Claire wrote in post #2399984
Eh, that last part I'm not sure about, but I do feel like I have to be pretty firm. It's just that I know I'll get the usual "We're not making any profit yet, so we have to be tight about money speech". How do I fight back on that?

(1) They may not make any profit, but if you quit, they will start making losses.
(2) If the payroll $ amount is frozen, request that he cuts pay elsewhere (an idle loser should be sacrificed there) in order to transfer the said amount to your pay.

Claire wrote in post #2399984
Eh, that last part I'm not sure about, but I do feel like I have to be pretty firm. It's just that I know I'll get the usual "We're not making any profit yet, so we have to be tight about money speech". How do I fight back on that?

It all comes down to supply and demand! If the demand for your skills' is high where you live, IE lots of companies are looking to hire people with those skills it would make good business sense for your current employer to keep your salary in pace with what other companies are paying for the same skill and experience level. If on the other hand the can find someone to replace you tomorrow or if they feel they can simple shift your work to other employee's making demands might cause them they simply takes steps to make you want to leave and then hire some else who's willing to work for less.

Mike

Well Claire, I have to disagree with our esteemed friend. I've seen too many instances where people think they are invaluable and make such a stand...only to see them replaced. (yes, a rock causes ripples in a pond but eventually those ripples are gone and the rock is never to be seen again) IMO, you should talk up all the benefits you've been to the company...how you've increased their business...what you've done to progess their future. But I wouldn't use the "I'll walk"...not unless you've got another job lined up..

condyk wrote in post #2399980
Ok, so that's our little Pal Nouna unemployed this weekend

First you need to know if your role has developed beyond your original job description, whether you are doing a different level of work than originally, or whether you have added significant value beyond what you should do day to day and will continue to do so. Otherwise, if there is no good business case for your argument then I would just say you accepted the contract originally so that's that! Is your role comparable to similar roles in other companies? If so, then check salaries they offer.

I hardly had a job description when starting out! My contract only states "Build a network of journalists". I'm nowadays in charge of building a network, commissioning journalists, proofing, editing, updating, researching, some photo sourcing, overall responsible for all guide content, quality, in charge of sending for translations, in charge of ordering maps & all admin relating to the journalists & guides.

I've also done various copywriting & written various guide content/and a full guide. I'm pretty much expected to be available 24hrs, even on weekends/holidays/vaca​tion/at home sick.

I don't get paid overtime.

The company that did guides before for my company did app. 40 guides in say, a year. I've commissioned over 200 in a year. In one year I've built up a network of app. 70 journalists. Also, all proofing & editing is being done in a 2nd language, compared to the previous publishers who hired Swedish journalists & proofed in Swedish.

I know I can improve some of the admin work that I have to do, so that's an area I can improve on more. I also need to find out the best way to get hold of journalists in Asia, so that's a further challenge.

I don't mind working extra hours, but it'd be nice to know that your hard work will be appreciated, both from the management as well as in the paycheck.

That is a good case kid ...

So, talk calmly rather than with indignation and expectation. Don't say you'll leave. Lay out the above stuff in simple bullet point style and present it in a way that is easy to read quickly and that starts with what the original expectation was for the job. Talk him through it. Ask if he feels you have exceeded that original expectation. Outline the challenges and how you want to tackle them. Give a firm figure that you feel the job is worth (and factor in what you believe they can afford). Gool luck and stay cool. If it looks like he won't decide positively there and then ask him to consider it rather than push for an answer. Some people like to reflect a while and don't like being pushed.

Claire wrote in post #2400074
I hardly had a job description when starting out! My contract only states "Build a network of journalists". I'm nowadays in charge of building a network, commissioning journalists, proofing, editing, updating, researching, some photo sourcing, overall responsible for all guide content, quality, in charge of sending for translations, in charge of ordering maps & all admin relating to the journalists & guides.

I've also done various copywriting & written various guide content/and a full guide. I'm pretty much expected to be available 24hrs, even on weekends/holidays/vaca​tion/at home sick.

I don't get paid overtime.

The company that did guides before for my company did app. 40 guides in say, a year. I've commissioned over 200 in a year. In one year I've built up a network of app. 70 journalists. Also, all proofing & editing is being done in a 2nd language, compared to the previous publishers who hired Swedish journalists & proofed in Swedish.

I know I can improve some of the admin work that I have to do, so that's an area I can improve on more. I also need to find out the best way to get hold of journalists in Asia, so that's a further challenge.

I don't mind working extra hours, but it'd be nice to know that your hard work will be appreciated, both from the management as well as in the paycheck.

Well this sounds well thought out Claire. It's been a while since I've been in the corporate world though...but it does sound like you are aware of your strengths and weaknesses...so I'd capitalize on the strengths, be enthusiastic but definitely businesslike in your presentation and make them think they need you! I hope you are successful!

PetKal wrote in post #2399947
Whatever you do, make sure you've got the initiative, go aggressive on him. The best way to start such a performance appraisal is to demand a pay raise even before he has a chance to open his mouth. You need to put it rather firmly, like "I want a major salary increase immediately or I shall quit today !"

I will never go that far. What if the boss doesn't increase your salary? Do you quit? If not, then he knows you have no leverlage and you'll never get a raise in the future. If you quit, you have to find another job and go through the same thing again.

First, you have to understand how important are you to your boss. Then, you know what kind of leverlage you get. An employee only care about money is not the management's priority. If there are 2 employees with equal quality, I bet the manager will keep the one care about the job and company than the one only care about salary. So, the one work with passion will be paid accordingly and the "money" guy will be let go.

The problem in a way is that the boss has only worked here for 4.5 months. I'm also a bit of a quiet person at times, so he might not be fully aware of what I've done, but hopefully he'll have some view.

He knows I'm not only in it for the money, l've told him before when I've focused on telling him how we in the company also want to feel overall appreciated. Heck, I even told him that it's not nice to hear (from my old boss), that "what you do isn't rocket science, I can hire someone from the street to take your job". It's not the way to motivate ppl in the office by putting them down & partly threatening or general making them feel not worth much as everyone's replaceable (which we all are - incl. our bosses).

But with the workload & expectations we all have, it'd be nice with an incentive for all the hours & dedication.

You could always ask for something in return - instead of a raise, ask for stock in the company, more vacation, or maybe a training class or two. Or if the company isn't doing too hot, get something small, then ask for another review in 6 months.

staciecd wrote in post #2400315
You could always ask for something in return - instead of a raise, ask for stock in the company, more vacation, or maybe a training class or two. Or if the company isn't doing too hot, get something small, then ask for another review in 6 months.

I think we're all getting a new review in 6 months, as he has said he hopes we'll be making some cash by then. He's not a bad guy, he says he'd like to give us all proper raises in time for summer.

We've already brought up the stock thing & so far the owner hasn't been up to it (he's...economical...*​cough cough*).

I've been thinking, what other things can I ask for apart from a raise?

Claire wrote in post #2399319
Today my boss came in & said we could take my yearly review (finally!), but I didn't feel prepared today, so having it tomorrow.

I've never had one before as this is my first job. Any advice?

As the company is not really making any profit yet, we keep being told we most likely won't get much of a raise, but I still want to argue for my case.

What should I think about? How shall I put things to my boss? What other benefits might I be able to negotiate?

Say you want to do the photography for the guides you make


Ohh this time of the year. Nothing has been scheduled yet but I expect our reviews to be done soon too. But one day notice is not a lot. In my previous job we used a special review form which was used as a guideline on what to talk about. And the review was on both the employee and the employer. Last year my in new job we also used a form like that.

Some of the things covered in the reviews I have been through are:

- followup on last years goal (obviously not possible on the first review)
- evaluation of personal capacities such as workquality, initiative, communicationskills, overview, flexibilities, commitment, efficiency and a whole lot other things.
- evaluation of technical skills
- setting new goals
- plan for achieving the goals
- conclusion