If you feel like you’re working too much and getting paid too little, it can be a problem. On the one hand, you’ll immediately give up and lose the desire to invest in work tasks. On the other hand, you’ll wonder if your expectations are too high. Let’s figure out how to tell if your salary is too low and doesn’t match your skills.
Make sure my responsibilities match the job description
A job description is a document that explains what an employee must do. Not all companies have one, as the employer is not required by law to draw one up.
In addition to the instructions, the employee’s tasks are described in his employment contract. After signing the contract, one copy remains with you, the other with the employer. If you lose the contract, your company’s HR department can make a copy of it for free.
Reread your contract and, if you have one, your job description. Think about what duties you perform and what you don’t. You can also look at the requirements that employers write in job postings and compare them with your current tasks.
Check whether the terms of the employment contract are being met
Overtime work is initiated and paid for by the manager. What does overtime work look like? For example, you take on additional projects, train new employees, or you are asked to work for a partner because he is sick. When overtime is formalized in writing, there should be additional payment for it. If the manager violates the rules of overtime work, then you can contact the state labor inspectorate and the court.
An employment contract is an agreement between an employer and an employee, according to which the employer provides work and pays wages for it. In return, the employee undertakes to work conscientiously, comply with the rules of the work schedule and not shift his responsibilities to other people.
Compare your salary with the market average
To assess the fairness of your salary, look for vacancies similar to yours. Specify your level of education, work experience, type of employment, schedule. Please note that on HH.ru, vacancies have a note specifying what amount the employer means: salary before taxes or cash “in hand”; you can also use the service Skolkopoluchatel : it shows a salary range for different specialties, based on the vacancy database on the site. Monitor a couple of times a month and track the dynamics – the total number of vacancies and salary offers.
Keep in mind that the salary in vacancies shows how much the employer is willing to pay a new employee in the company. Therefore, the salary of current employees and entry-level specialists may differ.
When comparing your salary with the market average, don’t forget about additional bonuses. Perhaps your current job pays you extra for your voluntary health insurance policy, education, or sports activities. A good social package can cover a small difference in salary and be more profitable for you.
Talk to colleagues who have similar experience and education
The reasons why an employee receives a higher salary can be completely different: perhaps he was able to negotiate such a salary during an interview or he exceeds the plan every month, for which he receives bonuses.
Talk to people you know in similar positions at other companies about their responsibilities, ask what their typical workday is like and what they manage to get done. Don’t be shy about talking about money if you think it’s appropriate. Find out where they are in their career and what their starting salary was.
You can also discuss this issue with the company’s recruiter; he will not give you the exact data, as it may be under NDA, but he will indicate an approximate range.
NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) — a non-disclosure agreement to protect confidential information. Can be concluded between individuals and legal entities. Prevents leakage or unauthorized use of confidential information.
What to do if your salary doesn’t match your skills
Talk to your manager about a salary increase
Don’t perceive your boss as your enemy. Try to have a constructive and polite dialogue that is based on facts. If you have checked the market and see that your job is worth more, but you do not want to change the company due to specific circumstances, explain this.
In a situation where a salary increase is refused, ask the reasons. If it is impossible to increase the salary right now, then find out when such an opportunity will appear.
Consider the option of upgrading your qualifications
Perhaps HR or a manager will directly tell you that you lack certain skills to increase your salary. Find the relevant courses and look at their programs so that you can definitely get the necessary knowledge there. It is better to first take free lessons to understand whether the training is right for you – this is a great opportunity not only to learn something new, but also to add to your portfolio.
Soft skills can indirectly affect the salary level; with the advent of artificial intelligence, the demand for creativity and communication has grown. To develop soft skills, you need to get acquainted with different teams and tasks even within the same company, devote time to developing non-standard thinking to solve problems, and learn to negotiate with other people.
Consult with a career counselor
There are career consultants who can analyze your experience and offer career development options. They have a good understanding of the labor market situation and will advise whether it is worth changing jobs right now or if this is not the best decision. It is important to understand that a career consultant cannot arrange for you to get another job through connections or guarantee employment. But he will help you create a bright and attractive resume, which will increase your chances of success.
Working with a consultant will consist of 2-3 calls, analysis of your responses to vacancies, recommendations to undergo additional training or the involvement of a practicing expert in a relevant field.
Choose a job search strategy
Search without quitting. You can search for a job without quitting your old one. Go to online interviews, do test tasks in your free time, find a suitable company, get an offer and only then write a letter of resignation.
Prepare and quit with a financial cushion. Calculate how much money you need per month for a comfortable life. Keep in mind that finding a job can take several months. Gradually accumulate a safety cushion, and then you can quit and devote all your time to responding to suitable vacancies.