Asking for a Raise – Slumping Car Industry Jobs

Tough Questions in a Down Economy – are You Still Entitled?

Dec 12, 2008

In a down or tight economy, can you still ask for and expect a raise? What about the slumping car industry - is it time to jump ships, or cars, or careers?

Readers are asking tough questions on how to handle sensitive issues in a down or tight economy. Is it okay to ask for a salary raise? Can you expect a raise in these tight economic times? What about the slumping car industry –is it time to change careers and get out of the auto industry?

Should or Can an Employee Ask For and Expect a Salary Raise in Today's Economic Downturn

Q.I have a question regarding a salary raise. I have been working at an advertising agency for a year and half. I have received no review nor a pay raise. I am concerned, as a coworker of mine has said she received a raise/promotion every year until 2008. I know that the economy is suffering, as many businesses are feeling the effect. However, I have seen people in management positions move up. This is my first job outside of college and I don't know how to handle the situation. I feel that I deserve a raise. My boss has told me that I am profitable, has given me more responsibilities, and continuously tells me about how good my work is, and that people appreciate data I have been giving them.

Also, my company does not conduct formal reviews (which I find odd) and another co-worker of mine asked for one from our Boss and she still never received it.

Employees are Still Entitled to ask and Expect: Try Thinking Outside the Box for Compensation

A. YES, you should ask for a raise – but first, be prepared to tell them why. Start off by mentioning you have been at the company for over a year and a half, and the company seems pleased with you. You mentioned your boss has given you extra responsibilities, and tells you how good you are. Write that down, and write that due to the extra responsibilities the company obviously believes in you. Also, that you do understand the economic crisis, however, others are rising to other positions. Be creative – what about a small increase for the next 3 months, and then another increase after that? Is there something else the company can offer you? Extra paid vacation?

If there is no Personnel or Human Resource Department to ask questions about formal review, ask for a meeting with your boss. Have everything you want to say also written out in a formal letter or document (ie – benefits you have provided to the company, compliments received, etc.) that you can always hand to your boss after the meeting IF s/he wants.

Car Industry Slump - Time to Change Careers?

Q.I work in the car trade and have done for 4 years . problem is I dont see a furture anymore. All I seem to do now is tydy. Irelieze tidying is part of the process BUT THAT SEEMS TO BE MY JOB TITLE NOW. NO offence to cleaners but thats not the way I see my life going. I love the motor trade but dont know what else to do. Any ideas.

Transferrable Skills Will Help in a Job Search

A. Times are tight, and the auto industry has been hit particularly hard. Are you paid salary or a mix of salary and commission, or straight commission? Obviously, if commission, then you might want to consider other sales positions, if you find yourself in financial difficulty. If you are salary, then start looking now for another position but keep your job: there's unfortunately a good chance you will be laid off due to lack of overall sales for the company. Note this assumes you are in the sales part; much depends on what part of the auto industry you work in. If reception or service, again, start looking. Decide if you want to work for a small company or larger one. Your skills, no matter what job you do, are transferrable to other industries – you are very fortunate that way. The car industry is changing dramatically; you may want to try and ride it out, or go for a change in career now. Only you can decide.

**Note - all letters are reprinted as received (typos and grammatical) but names and other identifying details are deleted.

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