What % salary increase would you expect to see (approximately) when going from trainee to NQ? Working for a small regional firm so wasn't expecting a huge figure but a 15% increase has been proposed and this seems on the low side to me based on online research. Looks as though across the board 30% - 40% increases are the norm.
Not trying to be greedy but with a house purchase and wedding on the horizon money tends to be at the forefront at the moment. However, very reluctant to bite the hand that feeds and risk annoying the Partners if the general consensus is that the offer is reasonable.
Anybody fancy sharing their experience and/or wisdom?
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It depends on so many factors that you probably won't get an answer. Any idea what other trainees at firms in the same town are getting when they qualify? Is there much competition for newly qualified jobs in the area?
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It's down on the South Coast so a fair bit of competition and lots of paralegals clawing for training contracts so there are always new people coming up through the ranks.
Having spoken to other people in the area at similar firms they have said that the offer is a bit low in their opinion. Most places appear to be offering £4k-£5k more.
I'm tempted to not kick up a fuss at the moment and raise it at a pay review in 6 months time when I have the evidence to back up any request for an increase.
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I'd save it for when you've been qualified for a while, have done some work and can show you've achieved targets, etc.
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Thanks - very sage advice and in line with my preferred option! :)
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Where on the south coast?
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When I qualified I went from £19k to £20k. It was pretty wild.
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On a serious note, unless you have a good offer elsewhere, I’d take what you’re given, crack on for 6 months then make a business case a couple of months before your first pay review as to how your target is £X, your billings are £X+ and you would very much like to be earning at least Y% of your target per annum.
It’s rare for you to be fired or otherwise sanctioned for asking for a pay rise (unless your boss is a c*nt) - people tend to be let go in that situation if they’re needlessly confrontational about it, eg. “Give me a minimum raise of _____ or I’ll walk.”
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Yes as an NQ you're still in the position of taking the pay you're offered and being grateful for it rather than being in a position to name your price. Make yourself a valued member of the posse and you get to the point where you can ask for more.
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