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How
to Ask Your Boss for a Raise.
Feeling
overworked and underpaid? If you’re starting to
feel like you deserve a raise, here are eight DO’s
and DON’Ts to build your confidence and tact (and
what to avoid!) in asking for the salary you feel you
deserve.
DO
1.
Devise a “Plan of Action”. First and foremost,
get a strategy together. Make a note of the specific
projects you’ve undertaken and the results you’ve
accomplished. List all of your job skills and the features
that make you an asset to this company. Find out what
a typical raise is for someone with your experience
in your area of occupation. Know the facts and be realistic
in your request.
2.
Ask for an amount that’s slightly higher than one
you would be happy with. If you would be happy with
a 5% raise, ask for one a couple of points above it.
That way, if your boss starts to negotiate, you won’t
feel as if your worth has been diluted any by getting
less than what you feel you deserve.
3.
Remember, your boss shouldn’t be the only one negotiating.
If your company is going through a slow period or the
economy is down, try to be flexible and know how to
respond if your boss suggests a lower amount than what
you may have been expecting. Consider other ways of
getting a raise too, such as additional vacation time,
employee perks or more time off. All of these can be
just as good (if not better!) than an actual amount
of money.
4.
Choose a specific day and time to meet with your supervisor
about your raise request. Avoid choosing a Monday or
Friday when bosses are at their busiest. Studies have
actually shown that people are more receptive on a Tuesday
or Wednesday after lunch. That way, they’re not
thinking about the weekend or their stomachs while you’re
getting up the nerve to ask about a raise! If you’re
afraid of being interrupted during your request, ask
to speak to your supervisor for a few minutes after
hours.
DON’T
1.
Raise your tone of voice if your boss objects to your
raise at first. Remember, he or she is paying you to
do a certain job, and you’re asking for more money
to do the same job. Be professional and polite at all
times, and listen more than demand. Chances are, if
your supervisor doesn’t award you a raise, they
might hint at what else could be done to earn it. If
they don’t, don’t be afraid to ask what steps
would be necessary to “prove yourself”.
2.
Threaten with quitting if you don’t get the raise
or telling your boss you have another job offer unless
you actually do. He may just call your bluff and let
you go!
3.
Stumble or beat around the bush with your request. Be
straightforward and confident. You are a valuable member
of a team and the supervisor hired you because they
obviously thought you were the best qualified. If you
have “Thank You” notes from customers or letters
from the company praising you for a job well done, bring
those to your meeting as well, as they’ll help
to cement your request and remind your supervisor of
your role within the company and its progress.
4.
Compare yourself to, or talk negatively about your coworkers
or others in a position higher than you. You may think
that this will put you in a positive light when it comes
to a promotion or a raise, but to your boss, it shows
that if you have a poor attitude toward your colleagues,
you’ll keep the same poor attitude if you are promoted.
Remember,
be confident, professional and tactful. If the boss
says “no” or wants to “think about it”,
open his mind to further consideration by volunteering
to do more at the office. Stay an extra hour or help
another team on a critical project. This demonstrates
that you’re willing to “tow the mark”
rather than giving your boss the impression of “gimme
the money first and THEN I’ll work”. Good
luck!
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