20 Apr Support Staff Salary Reviews
Support Staff, it’s time to prepare for your salary reviews!
It’s coming into that time of year when firms start preparing and gathering data for salary reviews! And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want a pay rise, especially with the cost of living going through the roof?! While the data is still being gathered (wage growth numbers are usually released in May), the growth rate is expected to remain the same as in 2022 at 3.0%.
The good news is that the legal secretary market remains tight and strong legal secretaries at all levels are hard to find. So while we won’t see the blowout salaries of mid-2022 this year, there are some great opportunities available with competitive salaries. But for those who are keen to stay where they are, how do you get more $$ than just the growth increase in your next review? Here are some tips to help you prepare for a constructive conversation about why you deserve more:
- Market info Do your research! Are you paid within the banding for your level? Which banding does your firm fall into? Not all firms have the same bandings, so knowing where your firm sits in comparison to others helps you gauge what increase is realistic. If you are at the higher level of the banding, what is required to move into the next band? (If you require help answering this question, feel free to contact your favourite Monty recruiter!!!)
- Think back to your last review of the feedback you were given. Were you asked to focus on, or develop skills in a particular area? Put some thought towards the changes you implemented and be prepared to discuss in detail the improvements you have made.
- Review your own year Take some time to try and review your own performance and commitment last year. Did you thrive and deliver at the top of your game, or was it a year when you were just doing your best to stay afloat? This isn’t a time for being critical of yourself, but be aware of the standard of work you produced. Things like your attention to detail, meeting deadlines, time management, and don’t forget the other important factors of your presence (be it physical or virtual.) What is the state of your professional relationships? Are you an active positive team member? Ask yourself, was your contribution above and beyond your role, or did it remain consistent?
- Going above and beyond your job description is always a convincing argument to ask for a salary increase. Things like supporting more people than is the standard allocation in the firm, taking on extra duties, assisting with projects outside your remit, training/mentoring team members, and doing extensive overtime (90+ mins, regularly) are all strong arguments when it comes to salary negotiations. To prepare for the meeting, create a concise and detailed list of all the extras you’ve done over the past 12 months and/or specific examples of when you have worked consistently over time and why it was required.
- Attitude counts. Don’t underestimate the power of being a positive, helpful, and happy team member who people enjoy working with.
If you have your ducks in a row, your salary review can hopefully be a positive and constructive conversation with a great outcome! And remember if you don’t ask you don’t get it!
If you would like to have a confidential conversation about the current legal secretary market, current or projected salary bandings, and/or your specific situation, you can reach Sommer on 0407 062 845.
