What do you do if your request for a raise as a system administrator is denied?

1 Assess Feedback

Once you receive feedback on your denied raise request, take time to assess it critically. Determine whether the reasons are based on company performance, budget constraints, or your individual performance. If it's the latter, identify areas where you can improve and make a plan to address them. If the reasons are financial or organizational, understanding them will help you gauge the likelihood of a raise in the future and may influence your decision on whether to stay with the company or look for opportunities elsewhere.

2 Set New Goals

After understanding why your raise was denied, set new, achievable goals that align with the feedback you received. If your employer cited specific skills or certifications that could warrant a raise, consider pursuing those. For example, obtaining a certification in a sought-after technology like cloud services or cybersecurity could make you more valuable to your employer. By setting clear goals and sharing them with your manager, you're demonstrating commitment to your role and to the company's success.

3 Improve Skills

Improving your technical skills and staying current with system administration trends is crucial. You might want to focus on areas such as network security, scripting with languages like Python or PowerShell, or learning about new operating systems and server technologies. Investing time in professional development not only benefits your current role but also enhances your resume. Consider joining professional groups, attending workshops, or taking online courses to further your expertise.

4 Consider Timing

Timing can be everything when it comes to asking for a raise. Reflect on whether external factors like economic downturns or internal factors such as recent company layoffs might have influenced the decision. Plan to revisit the conversation during a more favorable time, such as after a successful project completion or during annual performance reviews. Keeping an eye on the company's financial health and industry salary trends can help you choose an opportune moment to negotiate.

5 Explore Options

If improving your skills and waiting for better timing don't lead to the desired outcome, it may be time to explore other options. This could mean looking for a new system administration role elsewhere that offers better compensation or growth opportunities. Before making any decisions, research the job market to understand what your skills are worth. Sometimes the prospect of losing a skilled system administrator can also prompt an employer to reconsider their position on your raise.