I work for a huge advertising firm as an administrative assistant. I have been here 2 years in February.
After my year review, they told me that all raises are given at 2 times during the year: May and November.
So, I patiently waited until May and I was told that it wasn't going to happen for me, and that to wait until November. November came and went, and I have been in touch with my HR person to ask what the deal is.
At this point, I just want a 'no' or a 'yes', but I am getting nothing...this is not fair! I have a wedding to plan, and my financial future is a huge ? mark. Not to mention that I've been here a long time, gotten two rave reviews, and have gotten no compensation.
I really don't want to look for a new job right now because of the wedding...I just don't want to deal with it until I am back from my honeymoon.
How should I handle this? I spoke to my HR person on Monday and she said, 'we haven't forgotten you...I'm just waiting to hear back from someone' My boss told me, 'it's the industry, nobody gets raises' (BS!).
I am so frustrated - help! I assume it's bad form to chase after the HR people and ASK for a raise, but I feel like I deserve it.
lilacwine
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Re: I need your professional advice
A few things for you to consider: - if you just spoke with the HR person on Monday, don't bother her again this week. Increases can be effective in November, but not actually appear in checks for a few weeks. - You may want to make a detailed business case of what you've done that should be rewarded with a raise. What makes you better, stronger, faster than the other AAs? And, if you're doing 500% more, are you in the right job? - As support staff, you're eligible for OT and can earn more $ that way. Can you make a plan with your manager to work more hours? - If you're really not happy where you are, start looking NOW for a new job. Trust me, once you return to work after your HM, all the regular day-to-day problems resurface with a vengence after the wedding distraction is behind you. Just make it clear to your next job that you're getting married and need # weeks off.
good luck!!!
IrishBride-05
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Re: I need your professional advice
The only recommendation I have is that if your boss gave you the rave reviews, I would make them aware that you have yet to receive a raise. If it's such a large company the HR person may not be as conscious of your abilities.
Mrs. Powell
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Re: I need your professional advice
Posted by IrishBride-05
The only recommendation I have is that if your boss gave you the rave reviews, I would make them aware that you have yet to receive a raise. If it's such a large company the HR person may not be as conscious of your abilities.
I so agree. Just wait and see and if nothing happen by the end of this month then you need to speak with your boss and HR to find out what is going on. Good luck!!!!
nov04LIbride
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Re: I need your professional advice
Several of my friends started out as admin assistants for advertising firms (my best friend worked for Saatchi for 2 years), but all moved to other agencies because they didn't get raises at that level. My best friend was able to help out on some projects and then got hired for a large company that does in-house advertising. Her salary is so much better now, and she enjoys what she is doing more than when she was at the large firm.
If you want to wait til after the wedding, I would start tentatively looking around for other jobs now, and try to put together a portfolio of projects you've worked on to show when you interview. Good luck!
The mentality is that you are utterly replaceable. It $ucks, but there are enough people out there who want to work in advertising that they can just say we're not giving you more (or keep putting it off), and we'll replace you if that's not what you want to hear.
johnsae
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Re: I need your professional advice
Posted by nov04LIbride
Several of my friends started out as admin assistants for advertising firms (my best friend worked for Saatchi for 2 years), but all moved to other agencies because they didn't get raises at that level. My best friend was able to help out on some projects and then got hired for a large company that does in-house advertising. Her salary is so much better now, and she enjoys what she is doing more than when she was at the large firm.
If you want to wait til after the wedding, I would start tentatively looking around for other jobs now, and try to put together a portfolio of projects you've worked on to show when you interview. Good luck!
The mentality is that you are utterly replaceable. It $ucks, but there are enough people out there who want to work in advertising that they can just say we're not giving you more (or keep putting it off), and we'll replace you if that's not what you want to hear.
Thanks for all the responses. You're right....they do think I am replaceable...they can hire someone with less experience for much less $$$. That ***** that they have that mentality...there is so much turnover at this company I would think that they would WANT a few veterans around, but I guess they are willing to re-train and re-hire rather than give a freakin' raise.
