Being offered a new salary next week - what if I don't agree?

[SideWinder]

@randomshenans - Tagging you.

Morning,

So it went 'ok' but I feel a bit disappointed, perhaps not properly utilised, I am not sure.

They said they were 'very' surprised and explained that the % increase, which we all know, is sizeable. And they felt it was a very generous offer. They also said they spoke to the recruiter that they found me through. They came back with some constructive feedback which to be honest, seemed a bit random and not truly accurate. Eg the first point was related to reporting where they mentioned a report I created but didn't action it but it was and the Director wanted to resolve it himself with the person. So we did agree communication should increase between us.

It was very open/honest and I explained that due to my experience, @dLockers point, regarding %, but they said I should have mentioned my full experience in the first interview/my salary expectations for the future then..and I am certain it was on my CV/profile from the recruiter as its 10 years in a customer operations team and 'managed the team'..I mean, I needed a job due to the pandemic (can't stress enough how much of an issue this was at the time ) so I don't think I could have argued too strongly in the open interview but perhaps I should have asked for an extra couple of K.

Since the last chat, the new title and responsibilities also changed. There was a 'manager' in the title and this has reduced to 'executive'. They explained that they needed to rethink the structure as they realised they were running before they could walk.

I stress it was a good chat and they felt that our relationship was stronger after our heart to heart and they provided more information on my responsibilities. The role itself isn't changing too much minus more 'authorised' spot checking/organising the team but it is a supervisor role essentially. I am still handling the phone line for the business which at 33, I feel a bit disappointed with as its almost like the amount of good work I have put into it to 'prove myself', has meant I am now doing it for longer.

They stressed they want to grow with me, develop me and provided accurate feedback on what they'd like me to look at so I am happy in that respect.

The salary is remaining the same but with promises of improvement. There is also a 2k living London wage to be added when I move back.

I feel a bit unsure of myself after the chat and starting to wonder if I really am 'that good' at what I do and now I am not even sure what it is I do - just looking throughout the years. I am fantastic with people, can gain rapport very easily, received many compliments about how I am with customers and people and I thought I was strong at team work too but yeah, I have ideas on what to do with the business next.

I stress again the meeting ended on a high point discussing our late Xmas meet-up.

I have learnt a lot from this.

 

[SideWinder]

@dirtychinchilla - I do want to stress it was very constructive and certainly something unique - credit to the management team. They said they would be able to review and did provide me specific feedback on this. This includes increasing my stature within the team and becoming a 'pillar' so to speak - which is a compliment. I feel like I'll know more in the next 6 months.

@Trig - Of course yeah..I need to keep reminding myself of this. but also

 

[SideWinder]

For me it sounds like they looked at reasons not to put the jump there because it didn't suit the business. i.e. the structure isn't there for you to be in the title and position you want. Using random report things from ages ago as a reason not to give you what you've asked for seems a real odd one to me. You have done a job like this and more for over 10yrs, you know your ****. It feels like your growth and the busineses growth are not currently aligned at the moment, hence them wanting you to do the phone answering and things like that. I get with small business/ startup types you have to get your hands a bit into everything. Hell, I know that, but it does feel in what you've said that they're trying to make it suit their needs over your growth.

Have faith in your ability. You know what you know. Setup some nice clear KPIs inline with the business outcomes and growth and show them you are helping to drive that growth with numbers. Be confident in yourself and ask for more data, more insight, to allow you to help them, and in turn help you.

My previous experience was managing and leading a team of 10 for an 'internal customer' team so around 300+ different 'users' across the week - if that makes sense. I then had a temp role at a different start up for external customers but I know how to handle/resolve tickets if that makes sense - you apologise for the issue, how you will resolve it, reassurance, solution etc.

Yeah I feel a bit more content with the direction they gave me and feel where I need to step in so that is a good thing too. Agreed/noted regarding 'getting stuck in' and of course, no harm in that. I have over 60 Trustpilot reviews in 8 months (all 5* related/caused/mentioning me specifically) which I presented along with quotes so they know I am very talented - along with my senior experience.

Thanks for the confidence boosting words too.

 

[SideWinder]

I cannot stress this enough if you decide to stay there. If they're making promises to look at your role in a timeframe make sure they give you proper measurable targets. Becoming a "pillar" for the team is wishy washy and could mean absolutely anything as is "increasing your stature"...

I say this from someone on the other side of the discussion. It is potentially really easy for both sides to go off with different expectations based on what you've said of it so far.

Thanks Pudney. I am recording everything I do (I did before) to provide evidence so we'll see. There will be more communication regarding expectations and they agreed this was lacking on their side.

 

[SideWinder]

It's never a
Being self-aware and not arrogant, overconfident or self-important is never bad thing, ever.
The fact that it appears to have been a very productive 2 way conversation bodes well.

Maybe being too tough on myself, not sure. I feel better today and kept making notes during the night on my phone with ideas so that is a good sign I am ready/up for the challenge.

And yes, all ok and certainly could have been very different...!

And once again, to you all, I thoroughly appreciate the advice and hope this has helped others too.

 

[SideWinder]

Sometimes voluminous reviews/feedback and specific/niche items can be a double-edged sword in that it can (rightly or wrongly) paint a picture of someone operating at too micro a level. By this I mean you have presumably helped a bunch of people but it could be that to have the job title and salary you crave you would need to spending more time on strategic stuff and the perception (potentially false) from management may be that you are thinking about stuff at a small scale, one of the boots on the ground as it were rather than providing overall direction for the CS operation (kind of inevitable in a small org of course but subconsciously you may be viewed as someone really good at just processing tickets).

Mm thats a fair assessment and a good point. I think, with the size of the business, it could be more 'we need him where he is' too. I was naive to think this could change anytime soon.

 

[SideWinder]

Apologies for the delay in replying and I am overwhelmed by the level of support, advice and replies regarding this so thank you so much.

It has really given me a lot to think about and admittedly my confidence has been knocked a lot. A lot of regrets about how I handled the original interview and my confidence was a bit low then as well so that is why I was scared to ask for any more than 24k.

@HangTime Mm seems so and yeah, in hindsight I wish I was firmer at the start.

@dowie Thank you again for the highly detailed replies, it is appreciated. They did offer a 2k London living wage for when I do move back so that is something. Honestly I was terrified about asking for anything extra because of the way the conversation was going...they were 'very' surprised and I was reading the way things were going..if I had said that it wouldn't have gone down very well at all. I will stick it out for the year at least and its fine for now but I am pondering what on earth do I do and even to the point that I am not even sure what I am good at..which is obviously daft as I do have good skills.

@datalol-jack The title is finalised - Customer Service Executive. It is a supervisor role so not a manager. I asked if there was scope to move towards the titles previously discussed and they said yes once there is growth/requirement for it. The courses is an interesting topic and I'd never thought of that before...unsure what I could do one in but something for me to ponder for sure.

I think I miss being in a 'larger' business in some ways where progression is clear whereas here its a bit muddled/start up vibes/doing everything of everything...but on the flip side, I am learning lots about different parts of the business. I don't know. I am going to have a think.

I do miss the work culture as there is zero here...half the team are abroad and technically I have 2 co-workers. Culture means a lot to me and sounds silly but work drinks, social events etc...so yeah, thats on my mind a lot.

 

[SideWinder]

@randomshenans - Indeed and noted on now properly smashing my work. I have started, already, to push harder and support the team further by offering my guidance and experience in any mini projects they'd like to work on. This in turn will be brought up in the team meetings...kinda feel a bit like saying, politely, 'this is who you have here, look at what I am achieving'.

Noted on the CV side of things too...certainly will be looking to update this.

I have also been typing up every single 'achievement' from this year so I can start to properly record it/use as a new batch of evidence but focusing on a broader/leadership related tasks.

 

[SideWinder]

Classic business lingo for "we've changed our mind, and we're going to low ball you / pass over you"

I hate to say it, but it reads to me like they found flaws in your CV because of the demand for higher wage, then knew you'd crumble if they fired in a low offer.

Get yourself on LinkedIn and start applying elsewhere. Be liberal with your experience, talk up yourself in interviews and "blag it" to a certain extent. Remember, perspective employers only hear what you tell them... if you tell them you're a big fish in a small pond and they want someone with experience in a larger pond (so to speak), they'll pass over you. If I asked you this, how would you answer:

What could you have done differently? Did you undermine yourself?

Best of luck on the new job search.

Thanks for the feedback.

No offence taken at all and appreciate the words - fear you may be right with some of this.

I don't think I undermined myself but feel that perhaps there was a few things I could have tackled a bit differently...especially my initial interview.

Watch out for a new thread as I may require a bit of advice about the big wide world...