Dear Coach, I’ve learned that an outside contractor for my company who does the same job I do makes far more than I do–and I didn’t even get a cost of living increase. My boss says I’m at the top of my pay range and can’t get more money unless I get promoted. I want to ask my boss how he can justify paying a contract worker so much but don’t know if I can without threatening my job security.
Carol Kleiman: Bringing up what a contract worker makes–and how did you get that information?–is very tricky. Unless you have union protection, you’re much safer, instead of making comparisons, to emphasize your own worth. Ask for a six-month review of your salary. And ask how you can get a promotion.
Dear Coach, I have given notice to my present employer and have found out he’s been saying some very negative things about me to my colleagues. I know I did a good job but want to move on. However, I’m concerned he will give me a bad reference. My former boss, the one who hired me, is no longer with the company, but I know he would say good things about me. Do I have to give the name of someone I know will do me in?
CK: No, you don’t. Don’t give his name. Give the name of your former boss–but call him first and tell him you’re doing so.
Dear Coach, Why do small, independent American business owners feel it’s unnecessary to pay fairly and offer benefits to a part-time employee who is doing work that the owner needs done? Do you see something wrong in this picture?
CK: Very few companies pay part-timers well or offer benefits, as you well know. That’s the reason they hire part-timers in the first place: to save money. I’ve heard recently of some large firms that are beginning to pay a little better and to offer benefits on a pro-rated basis. I wish they all would.
15-SECOND DRILL: Phone or e-mail your former colleagues and supervisors at your last job, even if you hated to work there. They may be important contacts for you.
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Carol Kleiman’s columns also appear in Tuesday’s and Thursday’s Business sections. Hear her on WBBM-AM 780 at 6:21 p.m. and 10:22 p.m. each Monday and at 11:20 a.m. each Saturday. Watch her “Career Coach” segments on CLTV. Send e-mail to [email protected].