Questions 15

READING PASSAGE 2

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 15-27, which are based on Reading Passage 2 below.

Section 1 (Questions 15 - 20)

Asking for a Raise

If you are thinking about asking for a raise in salary, there are several things to keep in mind. First, consider whether you deserve a higher salary. [Crack IELTS with Rob] You probably do, but you should be able to explain exactly why to your boss. Sit down and make a list of your job accomplishments. Be as specific as possible. For example, think about important projects you have worked on, things you have done to improve the organization of work in your department, or how your efforts have brought more money to the company. Also, include any professional development opportunities you have taken advantage of recently and be ready to explain how they have improved your performance on the job. By going through the process of list ing your accomplishments, not only will you be better prepared when you meet with your boss, but you will also feel more confident that you deserve what you are asking for.

Bear in mind that salary levels are based not only on performance but also on the market for your particular skills. Before you ask for a raise, you will need to do some research. [Crack IELTS with Rob] You should investigate the industry standards for salaries for people in similar positions with similar levels of experience. This will help you determine what would be a reasonable amount of money to ask for. Your initial request should actually be slightly higher than the amount you want in order to leave some room for negotiation. Then, if you have to go lower than this amount, you still end up with something close to what you want.

A crucial point is the timing of your request. If you have recently been given new responsibilities, it makes sense to ask for a higher level of compensation. [Crack IELTS with Rob] On the other hand, if the company is going through financial difficulties, a request for more money will probably not be met with a favorable2 response. It would be better to wait until the company is in a better financial position. Finally, there is one thing you should never do: Never give personal reasons for wanting a higher salary. You need to pay your child’s college tuition or buy a bigger house is of no concern to your boss. Your salary level should be based on professional considerations alone, and that is where you need to keep the conversation.

Section 2 (Questions 21 – 27)

Chapter V: Employee Benefits

Leave

All full-time employees are entitled to a minimum of two weeks of annual leave time. Employees who have completed five years at Hanson are entitled to three weeks of annual leave. [Crack IELTS with Rob] After completing ten years at Hanson, employees may have four weeks of annual leave. In order to take advantage of annual leave time, the employee must complete the Request for Annual Leave Form and submit it to his or her supervisor a minimum of thirty days in advance. The super visor has the final decision about whether to grant the leave as requested. Any annual leave days not used in a calendar year may be rolled over and added to the leave days for the following year. In addition to annual leave, all full-time employees are entitled to ten personal leave days per year. Personal leave days must be used within the calendar year, or they will be forfeited. Part-time employees are entitled to five personal leave days per year.

Health Insurance

Employees may choose to sign up for a company-sponsored health plan. Complete information on the available plans can be requested from the Human Resources Department. [Crack IELTS with Rob] Health benefits are also provided for the employee’s spouse and children. The company pays 50 per cent of the monthly premiums, with the other 50 per cent being deducted from each paycheck. Part-time employees are also eligible for company-sponsored health plans; the company pays 25 per cent of the premiums.

Retirement

Employees may determine how much they wish to contribute to the company retirement fund, up to 5 per cent of their salary. Contributions will be deducted from each paycheck. [Crack IELTS with Rob] The company will contribute an equal amount to each employee’s retirement fund. This benefit is available to both full-time and part-time employees.