Asking for a Raise
17 September 2013
Read by 2813 persons
Remember how sweaty your palms were during your first interview for your current job? Well, get ready for a similar experience, because asking for a raise can make even the most confident person nervous.
Why? After all, you are very competent and your colleagues like you. Yet, asking for a raise puts you in the spotlight, especially if the request is made before your official performance review or if, during the review, you ask for a raise higher than what your boss has planned.
Suddenly, you feel like a deer caught in headlights. You feel vulnerable and wonder if every small mistake or slightly missed deadline will come back to haunt you.
Plan your request
You can improve your chances of getting the raise you think is fair by taking a strategic approach. Here are some simple steps you can follow:
• Make a list and check it twice
Gather evidence of your key achievements over the past twelve months. Did you help reduce expenses? Did you have a new idea that increased your team’s productivity? Note all the good things you’ve accomplished and gather samples of your work to prove you deserve more money.
• Get testimonials
Think references are only useful when looking for a job? In fact, they are also effective when it comes time to ask for a raise. Before proceeding, see if some colleagues or superiors would be willing to endorse you in writing.
• Consider your boss’s needs
Since your boss is likely the person who will approve (or reject) your request, it might be helpful to put yourself in their shoes. What might make them accept your request? For example, is there a day of the week when they are most willing to meet with you to listen to your special requests?
• Rehearse
Your spouse will probably tease you when they see you in front of the bathroom mirror rehearsing what you’ll say to your boss. But don’t let that stop you from practicing what you’ll say and how you’ll say it. This practice will help you master your delivery and reduce nervousness.
Ask for a raise as if you deserve it
When it comes time to make your request, you must do so confidently. After all, you are the most qualified person to prove your worth. Start the conversation positively, for example, by mentioning how well things have been going in recent weeks regarding the project you’re currently working on. Then subtly shift the conversation to the tireless efforts you’ve made over the past year. To confirm, mention one or two of your key achievements. If necessary, cite a few examples of your work to support your claims.
Now that you have your boss’s attention, make your request. Tell them exactly what percentage increase you think you deserve (or mention your target annual salary).
If possible, try to explain how your raise will benefit your boss. For example, that extra 3% will allow you to pay additional childcare costs so you can stay at work a little longer each day. Or the $2,700 salary increase will allow you to make a down payment on a car, so you can visit the employer’s clients more often during the day.
Know your answer in advance
Think in advance about what you will do if your boss accepts or refuses. Either way, don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by emotions. Once everything has been said, it’s nothing more than another business transaction. It is essential to remain professional from beginning to end.
If the answer is positive, congratulate yourself and treat yourself. But do it privately. Avoid showing off at work and bragging to your colleagues. The news will spread and the backlash could be negative.
And if the boss rejects your request, remember that you did everything you could to get a positive result. (...)
Posted September 17, 2013.
Monster.ca
Why? After all, you are very competent and your colleagues like you. Yet, asking for a raise puts you in the spotlight, especially if the request is made before your official performance review or if, during the review, you ask for a raise higher than what your boss has planned.
Suddenly, you feel like a deer caught in headlights. You feel vulnerable and wonder if every small mistake or slightly missed deadline will come back to haunt you.
Plan your request
You can improve your chances of getting the raise you think is fair by taking a strategic approach. Here are some simple steps you can follow:
• Make a list and check it twice
Gather evidence of your key achievements over the past twelve months. Did you help reduce expenses? Did you have a new idea that increased your team’s productivity? Note all the good things you’ve accomplished and gather samples of your work to prove you deserve more money.
• Get testimonials
Think references are only useful when looking for a job? In fact, they are also effective when it comes time to ask for a raise. Before proceeding, see if some colleagues or superiors would be willing to endorse you in writing.
• Consider your boss’s needs
Since your boss is likely the person who will approve (or reject) your request, it might be helpful to put yourself in their shoes. What might make them accept your request? For example, is there a day of the week when they are most willing to meet with you to listen to your special requests?
• Rehearse
Your spouse will probably tease you when they see you in front of the bathroom mirror rehearsing what you’ll say to your boss. But don’t let that stop you from practicing what you’ll say and how you’ll say it. This practice will help you master your delivery and reduce nervousness.
Ask for a raise as if you deserve it
When it comes time to make your request, you must do so confidently. After all, you are the most qualified person to prove your worth. Start the conversation positively, for example, by mentioning how well things have been going in recent weeks regarding the project you’re currently working on. Then subtly shift the conversation to the tireless efforts you’ve made over the past year. To confirm, mention one or two of your key achievements. If necessary, cite a few examples of your work to support your claims.
Now that you have your boss’s attention, make your request. Tell them exactly what percentage increase you think you deserve (or mention your target annual salary).
If possible, try to explain how your raise will benefit your boss. For example, that extra 3% will allow you to pay additional childcare costs so you can stay at work a little longer each day. Or the $2,700 salary increase will allow you to make a down payment on a car, so you can visit the employer’s clients more often during the day.
Know your answer in advance
Think in advance about what you will do if your boss accepts or refuses. Either way, don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by emotions. Once everything has been said, it’s nothing more than another business transaction. It is essential to remain professional from beginning to end.
If the answer is positive, congratulate yourself and treat yourself. But do it privately. Avoid showing off at work and bragging to your colleagues. The news will spread and the backlash could be negative.
And if the boss rejects your request, remember that you did everything you could to get a positive result. (...)
Posted September 17, 2013.
Monster.ca
