When Is It Time For Your First Raise?

When Is It Time For Your First Raise?

You started your first job some time ago and are wondering when you may bring up the topic of salary increases for the first time? Or should you even bring it up? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but in this post you’ll find some case studies to help you make sure you don’t miss the right time.

Sometimes The First Salary Increase Is Automatically Settled

In many large companies and also in the public sector, you don’t even need to ask when the first salary increase is due. In most cases, the allowances are adjusted after the probationary period and the jump to the next higher salary level is more or less automatic. This can be the case after 12 months or after 18 months. Individually, you can contribute to a first salary increase yourself if you can convince with your work performance in the regular performance appraisals. You can find out about the details in the collective bargaining agreements for your respective industry. But note that this doesn’t automatically go on forever. After a certain level, no more major improvements are planned. There are then only the regular increases from the collective bargaining. If you want more, you have to take the appropriate career steps yourself.

If It Is Not Automatically Regulated: Probationary Period

There are differing opinions on when is the right time for the first salary increase. However, it is undisputed that the end of the probationary period is a good time for an initial review and exploration. This is all the more true if something appropriate was already hinted at or agreed upon during the job interview.

The probationary period is the first probationary phase in a company and if you have quickly found your feet and can already handle many tasks – even of a more complex nature – independently, then you can certainly appear confident in such an interview. Ideally, you will receive your first (small) salary increase. However, your minimum goal should be to at least get a perspective on when the first salary increase might happen and what your boss expects from it.

When Is The First Salary Increase After One Year Reasonable?

Employers do not necessarily expect new employees to perform at their maximum level after just a few weeks. Particularly in the case of key specialists, they are aware that a long learning phase is involved, which is not yet complete even after the probationary period. In many companies, specialized knowledge specific to the company is required, which must be developed through learning on the job, various training courses and continuing education. Companies invest in their employees in this way.

Good bosses praise a lot during this time and encourage motivation. If you are praised a lot, however, this does not automatically mean that you are performing above average. It’s about developing a sense of what value you already have for your company after the short time of one year. If you come to the conclusion that, based on your activities and successes, your value is already considerable, you can tackle the topic of your first salary increase even after one year.

After Two Years At The Latest It Should Be So Far

In some companies, two years is considered the first reasonable time to negotiate the first salary increase. From your point of view, that is, the employee’s point of view, two years is rather the latest possible time. In the past, many employees spent their entire working life with one company. Nowadays, it can be observed that a significant proportion of new employees reorient themselves after just two or two and a half years and look for job alternatives. Today it is quite normal to test your market value after a period of two years and either change jobs or go into the due salary negotiations with confidence. After two years, you have enough experience and also bring a certain value to other companies.

When Is The First Salary Increase Announced, Regardless Of Any Deadlines?

• Your scope of duties is not as described in the interview.
• Your scope of duties or responsibilities has expanded.
• Your job description and your job requirements have diverged.

Does your situation meet any of these points? Then you should talk about your first salary increase. However, don’t jump at the chance, but show for a few months that you are up to the demands and prove yourself. Then you have very good arguments for your first salary increase.