When you consistently deliver value to your company, it’s reasonable to feel that you deserve a raise.
Not everyone delivers value on a regular basis, and you are an asset to a company when you strive to be your best at all times.
When you’ve finally made the decision to request a raise, an effective strategy is in order. Rather than using the ol’ threatening-to-leave-the-company approach, here are a few tips you can employ to leave a positive, lasting impression on your employer.
And get that raise you deserve!
1. Have a Figure in Mind
You must have a specific figure in mind when you talk with your employer. Your boss will likely toss it back to you, asking you how much you think your skill set is worth to the company. Whether it is $50 or $5,000 raise that you are requesting, be prepared to state it confidently.
2. Research Your Contributions
To build your confidence, make a list of your recent contributions. If you’ve helped boost sales for the past two years, then bring those numbers to your meeting. Did you settle the constant battles of two ‘opposing’ teams that now work together nicely, and show increased productivity? Find some data – or some feedback from others you can cite. Proof like this supports your case and increases your chances of success.
3. Link Your Contributions to Success of the Company
The next part is to discuss your contributions in the context of the company’s success. Talk about the ways that profits have increased for your company and how your increased sales have helped boost the profits. If the social media content you’re creating for your company has gone viral, received global attention, and helped the sales team nail some big accounts, be sure to connect your efforts to their successes.
4. Use the “Six Months” Rule
If your boss denies your request, ask what you can do over the next six months that would have her consider granting your raise the next time around. You might discover that her definition of what’s important for you to do is completely different than the things you would have focused on. Plus, she could be so impressed with your ambition that she grants a small raise in that moment.
5. Go to the Top
Be sure to meet or interact with the person who is ultimately responsible for deciding your salary. Your direct supervisor may not have the authority to influence this decision, so be prepared to make your case up the chain, when appropriate. If you get a meeting with the decision-maker, be sure to dress and appear professional. Presenting your case in a way that shows you care about the company as much as you care about your requested raise will help your case.
6. Be Calm and Confident
When you are presenting yourself, be calm and confident. Even if you are presented with a frustrating response or arguments, don’t become angry or tear up during the meeting. Keep your cool and be as professional as possible.
7. Pick a Quiet Time to Ask
Timing is everything, so choose a time to ask your boss when he is the least busy. You want to be certain she can devote full attention to your cause. It’s usually best to request a meeting (even an informal one) for this discussion. But you might consider creating an opportunity when you’re working together on a project that’s especially appreciated by your boss. It can’t hurt, right?
Try these tips when you’re seeking a raise. And be sure to let me know how it goes!
About the Author: Amanda Green is a online writer who normally writes about personal finance and business. She has been writing online for many different sites and publications over the years. Besides finance topics like how to find the best credit cards, Amanda likes to mix in topics like career, education and even some eco-friendly writing from time to time. You can read more from Amanda at paidtwice.com.
