Are you being underpaid?

Are you being underpaid?

Addressing the topic of salary during a job search can be challenging, requiring a delicate balance between avoiding appearing greedy and ensuring fair compensation. In this article, we will explore a different angle by highlighting key signs that suggest you might be underpaid in your current role. Instead of relying solely on potentially unreliable online salary calculators or recruiter guides, we will provide you with insightful indicators to help you make a more accurate assessment. Remember, while these signs are helpful, it is crucial to employ common sense and consider various factors when evaluating your salary.

Lack of Raises:

If you've been with your employer for over a year without receiving a raise or even a discussion about your growth and potential raise options, it's a clear sign that you might be edging towards being underpaid.

Consider how much you've grown in terms of skills, experience, and knowledge of your employer over the past year. Most companies conduct pay reviews around the 12-month mark, so the absence of a raise should raise concerns about your compensation.

Marginal Raises:

If you did manage to secure a raise, the next step is to assess the percentage of the increase. Online resources often highlight how switching jobs can lead to substantial salary increases, such as 5%, 10%, or even more. Therefore, if your raise in your current role was only a marginal 2-4%, it might be worth exploring other opportunities to ensure fair compensation.

Increased Responsibilities without Salary Adjustment:

It's quite common to find yourself taking on more responsibilities, either by transitioning to a leadership role or supporting the team, without a corresponding increase in salary. Some companies may use this approach as a trial period before confirming a salary adjustment, while others may take advantage of your willingness to step up. While learning opportunities can be valuable, be cautious about how long this situation persists to avoid being underpaid for an extended period.

Financial Health of Your Employer:

If your employer is experiencing financial success, as evidenced by significant investments or funding announcements, but you're not seeing the benefits translated into your compensation or that of your colleagues, it raises questions. Hard work, loyalty, and commitment to a company should be rewarded, especially during prosperous times. If you feel undervalued despite the company's success, it may be worth considering other companies that prioritize fair compensation.

Failure to Ask:

Sometimes, the simplest solution is to ask. While salary calculators and recruiters can provide insights, they are limited in their accuracy. To gain a clearer understanding of where you stand in terms of market offerings, reach out to your network and seek advice from peers in similar roles and at similar levels. Although discussing salaries with colleagues is generally discouraged, it can be instrumental in helping you assess whether you're being underpaid or not.

Discussions about money can be uncomfortable, and many individuals find themselves being taken advantage of or grossly underpaid due to a lack of knowledge or reluctance to address the issue. As next-generation recruiters, we believe it's our responsibility to share this information and encourage fair compensation practices from employers.

If you find yourself questioning your current situation, don't hesitate to reach out for further discussion and guidance on the steps you can take. By sharing this article, we can collectively simplify the chaos of recruitment and advocate for fair compensation.