Ask Capita: How to successfully negotiate a raise in the current tight budget climate.

Ask Capita.Advice

Mar 24

“I work as a digital marketer for a distribution company, managing all artist campaigns across social media and streaming platforms. I’ve been here for four years without a significant raise, even though our campaigns consistently hit their targets. When I brought up compensation during my last review, my manager cited the industry-wide low margins and the "tight budget." I love the job, but I’m ready to leave if I can’t get paid fairly. How do I build a case for a raise that overcomes the "low margins" excuse, focusing on my value instead of just my tenure?” — Underpaid Marketer

This week’s response was prepared by Queer Capita Board Member, Evangeline Elder.

Hi Underpaid Marketer,

Feeling stagnant in your current job can be frustrating, with many variables to consider. Sometimes you have to leave a situation and jump to a higher-paying role that immediately understands your value from the beginning. In this scenario, I believe it's best to find a new job as four years is a long time to fight for a raise in my experience, and it sounds like there’s very little upward mobility.

I typically give it 2 years at a role without getting a raise. I encourage you to have ONE more conversation with your boss and provide a few more stats on how you're performing a marketing role that typically requires two to three people at similar distribution companies. It doesn’t feel the best to have to convince or persuade someone to increase your pay, but I’d give the conversation one more try and approach it from all angles (including cost of living).

If your boss/company cannot give you a raise now and repeats this in the conversation, ask for a detailed timeline on when you can expect a raise.

If the conversation isn’t well-received overall, you should begin your search. The job market is tough right now, and if you don’t feel comfortable resigning before having a new role locked in, it’s more than reasonable to continue working there until a better opportunity comes along.

I would also consider picking up a few contracts for artist projects and/or consulting contracts elsewhere to supplement income and start planting seeds.

GOOD LUCK! You got this.

— Evangeline Elder