Lateral job move- ask for a raise?

[froggy76]

A person in my company gave his 2-week notice a few days ago, and I expressed interest in taking his position. After some discussions, it seems everyone is on board. It's a lateral job move, which would not typically come with a raise. They already have someone in mind to fill my current position after I move.

I really want a raise but don't know how to ask for it. I suspect that both the guy I'm replacing and the guy who is replacing me have higher salaries than I do. This really bothers me since I am a top performer.

How do I make my case for a raise without sounding like I'm speculating about the other guys' salaries? This all happened very quickly and I don't know if they are even going to give me a formal offer letter or just consider it a re-organization. So, I'm not even sure when to ask, even if I come up with a good reason.

[MadamePresident]

You are learning new skills and bringing more value with your knowledge in both areas. I would ask. The worst they can say is no.

[ellipses84]

Focus on the new responsibilities, how you are a top performer and how your current role and experience will make you even better in the new role. I wouldn't necessarily mention having to learn the new role, because they could use that to justify why the old person earned more (they may have started out with lower pay). Good luck. The worst they can say is no raise, so it's always worth asking!

[noodleoo]

I have no advice, but let me know how it urns out! My H is making a lateral move and he asked, but they denied it since it was the same pay grade he's already at.