Securing a Better Salary: Tips for IT ProsSecuring a Better Salary: Tips for IT Pros
IT pros can secure raises by aligning contributions with company goals by showcasing measurable impact through KPIs — including cost savings and productivity.
Negotiating a higher salary or better benefits can be daunting, but IT professionals can strengthen their case by aligning their contributions with organizational goals and adopting strategic approaches.
The key to securing a raise lies in preparation, communication, and demonstrating measurable value to higher-ups. Quantifiable metrics are crucial during salary discussions, as they provide clear evidence of your impact. Key performance indicators (KPIs) to highlight include revenue generation, cost savings, productivity improvements, customer satisfaction, and security or risk mitigation.
Demonstrating how your contributions align with these metrics makes a compelling case for your value to the organization.
Scott Wheeler, cloud practice lead at Asperitas, says it's important to start raise negotiation preparations by understanding the organization's strategic and tactical goals.
Taking on projects that are both impactful and achievable shows alignment with the company's priorities. "Identify work that aligns with those goals and has reasonable delivery timelines, preferably under a year," Wheeler says.
He adds that building a productive rapport with managers is another cornerstone of effective salary negotiations. "Understand what your manager values and what they will be evaluated on," Wheeler says. "Align your work with their goals and share progress on your projects regularly."
He says establishing a personal connection with higher-ups can also help. "Knowing what your manager values, both in and outside of work, creates a better partnership and makes communication easier," Wheeler explains.
Megan Smith, head of HR at SAP North America, says she agrees the more an employee can master the art of communicating proactively with their manager, the greater the trust they can build.
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