 Get More Money in your Career
How to Ask for a Raise
You're Worth More!
You’re worth more than you're getting at this stage of your career. You could certainly use the extra money. And you deserve a raise! Many prominent celebrities have a publicist to do this PR work for them. Sports figures all have agents who sit with them at the bargaining table. And look how well it works for them. You must be your own publicist.
Prepare for the Salary Interview
You know you deserve a raise. But does your boss know it? Before you talk about money, prepare a list of accomplishments and responsibilities. Show how you have cut costs, increased revenues or productivity, improved safety or supported others. Your boss may not know all the tasks you’ve put your shoulder to, especially if you also work for other people in the company. Keep track of how much unpaid overtime you’ve worked, which certainly does justify your request for a raise. Does anyone know how you’ve gone above and beyond the original job expectations? Does anyone know that you volunteered for additional work, did troubleshooting, resolved problems, collaborated on solutions? Do they remember your good ideas that had positive results? Remind the boss in your memo. Have you improved your abilities lately with studies, course work or certifications? Have you directed new customers to the company? Have other employees given you praise or thanks? Include these comments in your report.
A good time to ask for a raise is when you’ve taken on additional responsibilities. Or when the company has been profitable, or when your skills are in high demand in the labor market. Or it’s time for your performance review. Check out the rates for comparable work in your area to see where you fall. This will also support your request for a raise. Then pick the dollar amount of the raise you feel you deserve.
Make Your Boss Your Ally
Bosses, like all of us, are susceptible to flattery. They may have big egos, or they may feel inadequate and under-appreciated. Use flattery to gratify their egos whenever you can. They want you to acknowledge how exceptional they are. Develop rapport and comradeship with your boss at work. In your memo, stroke those egos whenever possible. If your memo reflects favorably on your boss, it may be forwarded on to the higher-ups, because your boss, too, is looking for a raise. Other people at the company may read your memo, and be reminded of your merits. A little honey will catch more flies than vinegar.
Negotiate for a Raise
In these days of tight budgets, you can expect your first request to be denied and rebutted. Figure out in advance why your request might be rejected and rehearse your responses. Your boss will mention his budget limitations. The boss may discuss downsizing and outsourcing and employee buyouts, all the strategies that make your job less and less secure. Then it’s time for you to take the initiative and start negotiating. Mention that you’ve proven yourself to be an asset to the company and now you want to discuss your career potential there. Remind your boss that it’s difficult for an employer to recruit, train and invest in a new person. Speak up for yourself. Ask what consideration is made for exceptional employees. Ask how they reward strong performance. Ask if it’s possible for them to revisit the question of your raise.
If you are able to get another job offer with a better salary, this fact will be significant help in making your case with your boss. You needn’t disclose the amount of money or the name of the firm. Say that you prefer to remain with your present employer, but you will require a substantial increase in your pay rate to continue here. Ask if they are willing to discuss such an increase. If you feel comfortable with the decision to resign, you can indicate that additional money is a make-it or break-it item. But you may have to follow through with a resignation if you threaten it, so be certain of the new job offer before you walk out on the old job.
Other Options Beside Cash
Another way to justify a raise is to ask for a promotion, a new position and a new title, which could go along with higher pay. You can negotiate for more money in this case because you’re taking on additional responsibilities. Discuss why you are a good candidate for promotion. Ask what additional training the company can offer you, to put you on track for promotion. Ask that the company keep your request in mind the next time a position becomes vacant.
If management’s final offer is not in line with your expectations, you still have strategies available. Perhaps you use your personal car on company business, to the extent that it needs to be replaced. In lieu of a raise, you might ask for the use of a company car if one is available. You may want to negotiate for a better title, instead of a raise at this time. A strong job title on your resume may open the door to a better job somewhere else. Ask if you can have “comp” time off to compensate you for some of the unpaid overtime. Ask if you can have additional vacation time, which will have no direct cost to the company.
Whatever your strategy, keep your interview calm and relaxed. This is not the time or place for confrontations. Don’t take refusal personally. You may in fact have the best arguments and be the smartest person at the negotiating table, but your boss has the support of the company.
If you are not satisfied with management's response, ask what specific results you need to show to merit a raise or a bonus. Ask when you can expect to be considered for a raise. Ask when you can expect another review and schedule a meeting for the boss to reevaluate your performance and pay.
I hope these strategies give you a boost up on the pay scale. You deserve a raise!
I wish you a very happy day.
----- Surfer Sam
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