Is it time you asked for a raise? Or, are you waiting for someone to notice your efforts and offer a raise to you? Why? You are in charge of moving your career forward. You don’t have to sit back and wait for your boss or someone in leadership to make decisions that affect your life and work.
Asking for more money can be intimidating. Here are five tips to boost your courage as you ask for a raise:
1. Be prepared to hear “no.” Sometimes bosses need to percolate on a new idea, like a raise. You have been thinking about asking for several months but your request is brand new information to them.
2. Know your strategy if you are turned down. For instance, you might say, “I appreciate your point of view or the financial state of the company right now. What do I need to do to earn consideration for a raise or promotion in the future?” Then, work on any areas identified and show your progress.
3. Assess what you bring to the organization. Showing up and doing your job is expected. Evaluate how you add to the organization’s bottom line, improve processes or reduce cost. Reminder: Don’t be a jerk. Make sure you aren’t seen as a negative presence. Your boss knows that complainers and whiners cost the company time and money – as I discuss in this brief video below.
4. Look forward. Help your boss see the value you can add in the future. You already were paid for the work you did in the past. Focus on solutions you can bring in the upcoming year. Remember to give supporting information to help your boss “sell” or justify increasing your pay to his or her boss, human resources and other leaders
5. ASK. Be prepared, take a deep breath and ASK. Don’t stop yourself because you think you might be turned down or you don’t have the perfect words. Your boss may think you’re content with the money you’re making. You have to let him or her know you want more compensation and you are willing to work for the increase.
Check out these additional tips for a raise in a Recruiter.com article I was interviewed for recently and this FOX 4 Dallas segment:
About Linda: A recognized authority on negotiations, workplace issues and strategic communication, Linda Byars Swindling, JD, CSP is an author, media expert, a “recovering” employment attorney, and a professional speaker.