If you think you're doing really well at work, don't be afraid to ask for a raise. Many employees are reluctant to ask for a raise even though it is appropriate. They make excuses like, "The economy is in crisis right now" or "Now is not the right time." If you feel this way, then now is the time to act by making a plan to get a better paycheck. To know how to ask for a raise, follow these steps.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Gathering Information
Step 1. Make sure you have the right reasons
Getting a raise at most companies is hard to materialize unless you have the right reasons. For example getting a job offer at another company or having worked above and beyond your job description consistently, effectively and regularly.
- If you're a "star employee," a good company will immediately give you a bonus to keep you satisfied. Be aware that this is a fairly standard tactic to suggest that the company has spent more than its annual budget, and prevent you from asking for a raise. this means you must know your eligibility against objective criteria (see below) and must be persistent.
- If you've negotiated a salary agreement with your boss, it may now be harder to ask for more. Your boss thinks you're happy with your current salary, and the company's finances won't be burdened without good reason.
- Be careful using other job offers as excuses. Your boss may call you for this reason; the job offer must be real and you are willing to take it if your raise is rejected. Get ready to leave the company!
Step 2. Have realistic expectations
If the company is already "over budget" and is suffering from a recession, funding cuts, or some other reason, you're better off waiting until later. During a recession, some companies won't be able to give you a raise but it won't jeopardize your job. But that doesn't mean that this is a reason to put off asking for a raise indefinitely.
Step 3. Know the company policies
Read the employee manual (and the company intranet if you have one), or better yet, talk to the appropriate Human Resources staff. Here are a few things to know:
- Does the company need an annual performance review to determine salary?
- Is the salary increase according to a fixed schedule or according to rank?
- Who can make the decisions (or ask for a raise)?
Step 4. Know if you are worthy - objectively
It's easy to figure this out, especially if you feel like you've been working more than expected, but you have to show this objectively by assessing whether you're worth more than anyone else in the company. Many employers say they don't give a raise until the worker does 20% more work than he did when he started work. Here are a few things to assess yourself:
- Your job description
- Your responsibilities, including management or task leadership
- Years of experience and seniority in the workforce
- Your education level
- Your location
Step 5. Collect market data for the same position
Even if you did this when you first negotiated your salary, your roles and responsibilities may have expanded by now. Look to the same level in the company to see if other people are getting paid the same for the same job. Find out the salary range of those who do the same job as you in the area where you work. Obtaining market data for comparable positions can help your argument when negotiating with your boss. You can check for comparable positions on Salary.com, GenderGapApp, or Getraised.com.
While this information will be helpful as you prepare your arguments, don't use it as the main reason for a raise; this information only tells you the proper salary and not your boss
Method 2 of 4: Preparing the Arguments
Step 1. Prepare a list of your achievements
This list will remind you of your own values and provide an objective basis for your needs. Some people believe that writing achievements will be useful when presented to superiors, and others believe that achievements only need to be told verbally. This will depend on your boss's preferences, the dynamics of your relationship with your boss, and your comfort level with reading your own achievements.
- If you choose to convince your boss verbally, memorize the list of accomplishments.
- If you choose to present a written copy to your employer for reference, have someone proofread the copy first.
Step 2. Review your work history
Pay particular attention to the projects you worked on, the problems you helped solve, and how business operations and profits have improved since you started. It's more than just doing your job well, as you are expected to do, but about working above and beyond your job duties. Some questions to think about when building arguments between others:
- Did you complete or help complete a difficult project? And get a positive result from the problem?
- Are you going the extra mile or meeting an urgent deadline? Do you continue to commit to this?
- Have you ever taken the initiative? In terms of what?
- Are you going beyond the call of duty? In terms of what?
- Are you saving the company time or money?
- Are you developing systems or processes?
- Do you support or coach others? As Carolyn Kepcher put it, "One high tide can lift all ships," bosses want to hear that you're helping others.
Step 3. Think about your future value to the company
This will let your boss know that you are always one step ahead in thinking about the future of the company.
- Make sure you have long term goals and goals that will benefit the company in the future.
- Keeping employees happy will be easier than interviewing and hiring new employees. While you don't want to say this outright, emphasizing your future with the company is sure to impress your boss.
Step 4. Decide on the level of raise you want
It's important not to be greedy and stay realistic.
- The tactic of asking for a fantastic salary is not a good idea, because your boss will think your request is ridiculous.
- Break it down, so the number you're asking for doesn't sound too big; for example, ask for an extra 40 dollars a week instead of 2,080 dollars a year.
- You can also negotiate for more than just a raise. You can ask for other things in exchange for money, such as stock or stock in the company, clothing allowances, rent allowances, or even promotions. Ask for a company car, or better. If appropriate, discuss benefits, rank, and changes to your responsibilities, management, or duties.
- Be prepared to compromise and haggle. Even if you haven't provided an unrealistic figure, you can still expect a bargain if your boss accepts the request.
Step 5. Don't be afraid to ask questions
Even though it can be difficult to get a raise, it's better than thinking about not asking for a raise.
- In particular, women are more often afraid to ask for a raise because there is no pressure to sue or coerce. See this as an opportunity to show that you care enough about developing a career trajectory that benefits your workplace as well as your own.
- Negotiation is a learned skill. If you're afraid to negotiate, take the time to learn and practice doing it on a variety of occasions before approaching your boss.
Step 6. Choose the right time
The reason the request was granted was the right time. What have you done so far that made you more valuable to the company or organization? It doesn't make sense to ask for a raise when you haven't shown satisfactory results for the company - regardless of how long you've been there.
- The right time is when your value is clearly high to the company. This means asking for a raise is after you have demonstrated excellent success, e.g. holding a very successful conference, getting fantastic feedback, securing a contract for a large client, producing outstanding work that is praised by outsiders, etc.
- Don't ask for a raise when the company has just suffered a major loss.
- Asking for a raise based on "long time with you" is dangerous, because you'll be seen as a timekeeper rather than an employee interested in company developments. Never say to your boss: "I've been here for a year and deserve a raise." your boss will tend to say, "So?"
Method 3 of 4: Requesting a Raise
Step 1. Make an appointment to talk to your boss
Spare your time. If you suddenly talk about a raise, you'll look unprepared -- and look like you don't deserve it. You don't have to give too much notice, but find a boss time that you know won't be disturbed. For example, when you start going to work in the morning, say to your boss: "Before you leave the office, there is something I want to discuss."
- Remember, face-to-face requests are much harder to refuse than letters or emails.
- Avoid Monday, which is the day to get a million things done, or Friday, when your boss has a lot to think about outside the office.
Step 2. Present yourself well
Be confident, don't be arrogant, and stay positive. Speak politely and clearly to calm down. And finally, remember that it's not hard to muster up the courage to ask for a raise! When talking to your boss, lean slightly if you're sitting down. This will help build confidence.
- Start by saying how much you enjoy your job. Being friendly will help create a relationship with your boss.
- Continue by discussing your accomplishments. This will show you why a raise is important to you.
Step 3. Ask for a raise in a specific way and then wait for a response from your boss
Don't just say, "I want a raise." Tell your boss how much money you want to earn as a percentage, for example you want to earn 10% more. You can also talk in terms of how much your annual salary would like to increase. Whatever you say, be as specific as possible, so the boss will see that you've thought it through. Here are things that can happen:
- If the boss immediately says "no," see the next section.
- If the boss responds "Let me think about it first," ask next time to reopen this discussion.
- If your boss agrees right away, say something like, "Are you serious?" to strengthen his mind, then proceed with "collecting the boss's promise" (see below).
Step 4. Thank your boss for your time
This is important regardless of the answer you receive. You can even go "more" by giving your boss more than he expected, such as a thank you card or a lunch invitation to say thank you. You can also send a thank-you email, even if you've already said a lot of thanks.
Step 5. Bill your boss's promise
If the answer is yes, the last obstacle is not receiving a raise. It's possible that your boss forgot. Do not immediately conclude that a salary increase is in progress and will happen. Something went wrong: the boss might face rejection from the higher-ups or face budget issues, etc..
- Make your boss feel bad for breaking a promise (for example, telling your friend that he asked for a raise but his boss broke it). This should be done gently and wisely.
- Ask when your boss will implement a raise. A subtle way to do this is to ask if there's anything you need to sign in order to get a raise right away.
- Take further action and tell your boss: "I think everything will be arranged at the end of the month after you approve the paperwork," etc.; this is a follow-up.
Method 4 of 4: Coping With Rejection
Step 1. Don't be offended
If this rejection affects your job, your boss will feel like you made the right decision. If you give the impression that you have a bad attitude or don't want to be rejected, your boss will be less likely to raise your salary. After your boss makes the final decision, stay friendly. Don't just walk out of the room and slam the door.
Step 2. Ask your boss what you could have done differently
This shows your willingness to take your boss's opinion into account. Perhaps the two of you can agree on increased responsibilities and activities over a period of time, which will gradually lead to a new job title and a raise. It will also show commitment to your work and your ability to work hard. Your boss will see you as a hard worker and will remember you when it's time for a pay raise.
If you're a stellar employee, keep up the good work and ask again in the next few months
Step 3. Send a follow-up email thanking you
This provides a written date note that you can remind yourself of in future negotiations, as well as to remind your boss that you are grateful for the conversation that took place and to show that you will follow up.
Step 4. Be persistent
Your desire for a raise is now known and your boss must be thinking about the possibility that you might be looking for work elsewhere. Set a time when you will request a return. Until then, make sure to stick with the work. Don't slack off just because you're disappointed you haven't gotten a raise.
Step 5. Consider looking for another job if the situation doesn't change
You should not be satisfied when what you deserve is less. If you're applying for a higher salary than the company can afford, you may be better off applying for a different, higher-paying position - either at your current company or another. Think about this possibility carefully; don't act rashly just because your conversation with your boss didn't go well.
It's better to accept the decision of the discussion and do your job very well so that you deserve a raise. But if a few months have passed and you haven't gotten the recognition you deserve despite your hard work, don't feel bad about considering offers from other companies
Tips
- You can't justify a request for a raise simply by stating, "I need money." It is much better to prove that you are worthy by emphasizing your value to the company. Documenting achievements is a good way to do this. For example, include all of your accomplishments in a "presentation" to show your boss, a referral "cheat" when negotiating a raise, or a letter asking for a meeting to discuss it. Be specific and use existing examples.
- Before asking for a raise or a benefit increase, make sure that you are done with any and all projects, jobs, and issues. Asking for a raise in the middle of something you're working on rarely works. Remember that time is important!
- Expect a raise, and don't demand it. For example, you could ask your boss what you can do to increase your salary or hourly wage in the near future instead of insisting on a raise for past accomplishments.
- Have reasonable numbers (for example, from salary surveys) and be prepared to negotiate. Friendly but firm when negotiating, and not emotional. (Remember that this is a work matter, not a personal one.) If your employer doesn't give you a satisfactory raise, negotiate benefits such as a performance-based bonus, or overtime, extra benefits or other benefits. Whatever outcome you manage to negotiate, ask for it in writing with an authorization signature.
- Improve your qualifications, if possible. You don't have to wait long or wait for seniority. Better qualifications mean you can offer more to employers. Take a class, certification or license, or learn a new skill that is useful in the workplace. Use these achievements to show that you now deserve more than you used to.
- Look at your current job responsibilities and expectations. Make sure that you do all of this to the fullest without having to be reminded or much help from other employees. From here, identify areas that could be addressed more effectively by modifying, systematizing or changing procedures. Remember that managers see a raise as a reward for excellence in work, not for time to do it to a minimal standard.
- Consider asking for more responsibility to justify a raise. This will be better than just asking for more money, especially if your current responsibilities don't require you to have multiple calls of duty and your boss thinks your paycheck is decent.
- Follow the chain of command when asking for a raise. For example, if your immediate supervisor is a supervisor, don't go directly to the department manager. Instead, approach your direct supervisor first and let him or her tell you the next steps.
- Refer to the employee policy manual (or similar document) for information related to requesting a raise. If there is a salary increase procedure listed, then follow that procedure. But if there's an unconditional policy stating that your employer can't grant an out-of-cycle raise, you're better off sticking around until the next review and asking for a better-than-usual raise. Asking the raise procedure is probably better than going against the system.
- Many companies subscribe to industry salary surveys. Ask your boss for this information when determining your new compensation, especially if you think your current salary is significantly less than your peers. This will give credence to a careful comparison.
Warning
- Focus the discussion on your work and values. Don't bring personal problems, including financial or other issues, as reasons you need a raise. Showing personal weakness at work is not something your boss wants to know about. Discuss the value of your service.
- Don't threaten to quit if you don't get a raise. This rarely works. No matter how valuable you are to the company, don't feel that you are indispensable. Many others are still eager to learn about your work for less money. If you decide to quit your job without a raise, don't include this as a reason in your resignation letter.
- Know that your boss has deadlines and budgets to keep in mind.
- Bosses have far more negotiation experience. An employee's biggest mistake is not being prepared to negotiate.
- Stay positive. Don't use this time to complain about management, coworkers, working conditions, or anything else. And don't drag other coworkers into the pay comparison. It will cost you, even if you compliment them. If you have to raise an issue, speak politely and offer suggestions for the matter at a different time than asking for a raise.
