10 months ago
July 18, 2023

Looking for a Pay Raise? Why You May Need to Switch Sales Jobs to Get It

Considering the current economic situation and the impact inflation is having on our daily lives, you may be looking for a bump in your salary. Many sales professionals are in…

sales recruiter Liz Vixner
Elizabeth Vixner

Considering the current economic situation and the impact inflation is having on our daily lives, you may be looking for a bump in your salary. Many sales professionals are in the same situation as you. However, with some market uncertainty and the looming threat of a recession or at least an economic slowdown, some companies are tightening budgets. For some people, this means minimal pay raises. If you are in this situation, it may be time to switch sales jobs to get the raise you want.

Even if you enjoy working for your current employer, if you are not getting paid what you expect, it may be time to move on. Here are some top reasons our sales recruiters commonly hear for why you may need to switch sales jobs to get a raise:

1. The pay raise isn’t enough

Getting a raise is always a good thing, but if it doesn’t keep up with inflation, you may have trouble keeping up. You may be stuck with minimal raises depending on your company’s current pay structure and how they determine compensation.

2. You’re underpaid compared to other sales professionals in similar roles

Doing a little research where you will find yourself on the industry pay scale. If you are at the lower end of the list, you may need to start looking for employers that offer higher compensation. At the very least, you can approach your current employer and request a raise. If they can’t accommodate you, it may be time to switch companies.

3. There were changes to the commission or bonus structure

Sales organizations can change commission structure from time to time. Sometimes they will work in your favour. But in others, they could actually reduce your earning potential. If this is the case for you, you may need to look for opportunities with other companies.

4. You’re already at the top of the pay scale

This is a very common reason for sales professionals to start looking outside the organization. Once you cap out at the top rate, there is little or no room for you to make more money. If you have been with the same company for a significant period and have not seen substantial salary growth, changing jobs may be necessary to secure a pay raise. Moving to a new organization can provide an opportunity to negotiate a higher starting salary that reflects your experience, skills, and market value.

5. Your employer has financial constraints

If your current employer is facing financial difficulties or budget constraints, it may hinder your chances of receiving a substantial pay raise. Changing jobs can allow one to join a financially stable organization that can offer better compensation and growth prospects.

Remember, changing jobs solely for a pay raise should be considered as part of a broader evaluation of your career goals, professional development, and work-life balance. While salary is an essential factor, it is equally important to assess other aspects such as job satisfaction, growth opportunities, company culture, and work-life integration when making a career transition.

Read More About Sales Salaries By Our Recruitment Team

How to Pay Salespeople to Maximize Sales Success

4 Ways to Maximize Your Salary Negotiation for Sales Jobs

How to Get a Sales Job That Pays More – 4 Job Hunting Tips

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sales recruiter Liz Vixner

Elizabeth Vixner

Elizabeth is a sales recruiter that has led and developed multiple top sales teams in Canada in the Automotive, Retail, and Sports Industries. With 6+ years of corporate sales experience, she knows what separates a good salesperson from a great salesperson. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a Specialization in Marketing and Accounting with Honours from the Schulich School of Business at York University.

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