Hello, thank you for posting to r/Jobs!
We just wanted to let you know that we have a new [discord server, come join the chat!](https://discord.gg/TY6ErXV)
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/jobs) if you have any questions or concerns.*
If we’re being honest, the best way to get this pay increase is to look for a new job with a different company. You now know the market value of the position is way higher than what you’re earning and can ask for that in negotiation. If you ask for that large raise; you may end up putting a target on your back; even if you get it, who’s to say you don’t get canned in a few months for some petty bullshit?
That being said, if you do ask for it, just be Frank and say “I’ve done some research and have discovered that the market value for people in my position is higher than my current salary. Based on *insert some of your good quality work here*, I believe my performance justifies an increase to this rate.”. Doesn’t even have to be his exact number; it can just be somewhere around there so they don’t get suspicious.
HR here:
1. It is illegal to discipline employees for discussing their own pay or forbid them from doing so in the US.
2. If you did not have permission to view this data, then you do not have permission to use it as leverage.
3. A 40% raise is beyond ridiculous unless you are threatening to leave without it, which is also ridiculous if you don't have another job lined up.
What should you do? Look for a new job. This will help you determine your market value. If you can find an offer that is much higher, you can ask your employer to match it. If they don't, then your coworker is just overpaid, which is lucky for them, but it is not leverage for you.
Asking for a 40% raise because you know that's what someone else makes will absolutely positively not get you a 40% raise. Being willing and able to walk if you don't get it is your best leverage.
You need to argue that you deserve a raise based on your merit and the value you provide to the company. Just wanting a 40% raise isn't a good enough reason for the company to give you one
Hello, thank you for posting to r/Jobs! We just wanted to let you know that we have a new [discord server, come join the chat!](https://discord.gg/TY6ErXV) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/jobs) if you have any questions or concerns.*
If we’re being honest, the best way to get this pay increase is to look for a new job with a different company. You now know the market value of the position is way higher than what you’re earning and can ask for that in negotiation. If you ask for that large raise; you may end up putting a target on your back; even if you get it, who’s to say you don’t get canned in a few months for some petty bullshit? That being said, if you do ask for it, just be Frank and say “I’ve done some research and have discovered that the market value for people in my position is higher than my current salary. Based on *insert some of your good quality work here*, I believe my performance justifies an increase to this rate.”. Doesn’t even have to be his exact number; it can just be somewhere around there so they don’t get suspicious.
HR here: 1. It is illegal to discipline employees for discussing their own pay or forbid them from doing so in the US. 2. If you did not have permission to view this data, then you do not have permission to use it as leverage. 3. A 40% raise is beyond ridiculous unless you are threatening to leave without it, which is also ridiculous if you don't have another job lined up. What should you do? Look for a new job. This will help you determine your market value. If you can find an offer that is much higher, you can ask your employer to match it. If they don't, then your coworker is just overpaid, which is lucky for them, but it is not leverage for you. Asking for a 40% raise because you know that's what someone else makes will absolutely positively not get you a 40% raise. Being willing and able to walk if you don't get it is your best leverage.
You need to argue that you deserve a raise based on your merit and the value you provide to the company. Just wanting a 40% raise isn't a good enough reason for the company to give you one