Asking for a Raise the Right Way

Asking for a Raise the Right Way Image via Isorepublic.com Before you ask: Go above and beyond Before asking for a raise, think about what you can do to deserve that extra money. Remember: getting a raise is about proving to your boss that you are worth the increase in pay. You can’t simply do the same thing and expect an additional reward; you have to do something extra to deserve something extra. If you want to, you can even ask your boss up front, “What can I do to improve? Is there anything more I can do?” Then, follow through on those things. It might be hard, especially at first, but do it. Once you start working harder, you can show your boss the raise you want is well-earned. Another tip: if you accomplish something significant, make a note of this. You will use this information later when you make your case to your boss. Do your research Something else to do before asking for a raise is research. Researching beforehand is important because it’s best to have a specific figure in mind when you make your case to your boss. Don’t make yourself look greedy by asking for an unrealistic amount of money. Figure out how much your job is worth and compare it to what you are currently making. Are people in similar positions getting paid more? How much more can you reasonably negotiate? Knowing this information will help you decide how much money you will ask your boss for. Another tip: although it’s good to have a figure in your mind, don’t get your heart set on it. Be willing to accept whatever they offer you. To start your research, check out this article from The Balance on how to ask for a raise. Be prepared to hear “no” Even if you are a great employee, there is always a chance your employer will not grant you the raise you want. Be sure to mentally prepare yourself for that possibility when asking for a raise. When you ask: Do it at the right time One of the worst things you can do is ask for a raise at the wrong time. For example, if you know the company has been experiencing a financial decline, it is probably not the best time to ask for a raise. If you know that a lot of people are being let go, it is not the right time to ask for a raise. In these cases, you should stick it out and wait until the situation improves. Once the situation improves, you can make your case to your boss. Don’t complain When you are finally in front of your boss asking for a raise, try to keep the conversation positive. Don’t complain about the extra work you have been doing to earn this raise (you can mention you have been working extra hard lately, but do not complain when talking about it). Don’t mention that a co-worker is making more money than you. Don’t tell a sob story about how you need a raise due to a personal situation. Instead, focus on your accomplishments and how far above and beyond you have been going lately. Keep your conversation positive and achievement-oriented, and you are more likely to be granted that raise. Use examples (and numbers) This is when your research comes in handy. Use specific examples when explaining how much you deserve this raise. Chances are, your boss is so busy that they don’t remember the details of all your amazing accomplishments. Kindly and respectfully remind them. You can even use numbers! For example, “When I started doing X, our profits increased Y percent.” Show off all the extra work you’ve been putting in! Don’t threaten to leave The whole “If you don’t give me a raise, I’ll leave” trick is more ineffective than not. I discourage this tactic, but if you decide to use it, be prepared to follow through. Or else, your boss will see that you don’t mean what you say. This tactic will leave a bad impression on your current company. If you truly believe another company can offer you a better salary, leave a proper resignation letter at an appropriate time period before you plan to leave. We can all agree that asking for a raise is extremely intimidating. But if you are prepared, ask at the right time, and ask your boss respectfully, your chances are good. Good luck on asking for that raise!