Raising the stakes is one way of getting back at an incompetent or unhelpful manager who has let you down time and again. You could take on more responsibility in other areas; maybe find another job with better pay — or even consider quitting. Let’s explore how to ask for a raise in the best, most effective but also polite way.
But that doesn’t mean taking things into your own hands isn’t worth considering. Asking for a salary increase can be intimidating, especially if you’re worried about being rejected. But according to The Guardian, research shows asking directly may result in higher salaries than waiting around for someone else to notice. (Of course, there are always risks involved when doing anything outside of normal work channels.)
So what should you say? Do you need to prepare any sort of pitch first? If so, we’ve got some advice: Don’t go overboard trying to explain why you deserve your due. Your reasons shouldn’t come across as whiny. They should sound genuine, but also leave room for others’ doubts. According to Forbes contributor Kristin McGrath, “Be prepared to answer ‘no,’ but don’t feel bad about saying no.” Even if you get turned down, you’ll have gained the confidence needed to approach your boss next time.
If you’d rather avoid talking straight up about money until you know whether or not a raise will actually happen, here are some tips from Career Coach Jennifer Lee-Thorp on how to handle the conversation itself.
Know the rules before you start negotiating. This includes knowing your company policy regarding raises and bonuses, which typically happens once per year or less frequently. In addition, check out the Employee Benefits Center’s database of companies by industry and benefit type, such as healthcare coverage, paid vacation days, etc., so you can see what they offer their employees vs. competitors. To help determine your base salary, look at sites like Glassdoor or Payscale, too.
Don’t forget to factor in inflation. While this might seem obvious, keep track of cost of living increases. That means making sure you adjust your salary upward to account for rising costs every three years instead of just annually. And while many people use the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Forbes says using the Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI calculator makes calculating this easier. For example, when I worked retail, my hourly wage went up 3% after adjusting for inflation, whereas without adjusting for inflation, my wages would only increase 1%.
Talk numbers early on. It’s important to remember negotiation tactics and strategy. So, if possible, try to set a number during the initial interview process. Then, stick to those expectations through all future discussions. This tactic allows both parties to stay focused on the issue at hand — namely, agreeing upon compensation. Keep the focus where it belongs: How much does this position earn now, and what needs to change in order to reach agreement.
Be confident, yet humble. If you truly believe you deserve a raise, then show that belief via posture and tone. However, make sure you understand the policies of your employer and respect them. Also, refrain from bringing up past mistakes unless asked specifically. Instead, focus on showing good performance. Remember, most bosses want to reward success over effort.
Prepare yourself ahead of time. Be ready to talk specifics about hours and benefits, so you aren’t caught off guard when the discussion turns toward salary. After all, it’s often best to bring these topics up well in advance of meeting your boss, so he/she has adequate time to think everything over. Make sure you have copies of your resume and cover letter handy, too.
During your actual sitdown with your boss, limit your comments to facts. Avoid making excuses or complaining about unfairness. Speak positively about your accomplishments and contributions to the team. Focus on results, and speak in terms of dollars earned versus expenses incurred. Ask questions, too, such as, “What kind of budget do we currently fall under? Would you recommend increasing our budget?” Allowing your boss to respond honestly helps strengthen trust between you two.
Have a plan B. Know what you’ll do if your request gets denied. Maybe you’ll seek employment elsewhere, negotiate a new contract, or quit altogether. Whatever decision you end up choosing, having a backup plan gives you peace of mind.
Afterwards…
Once you’ve decided to pursue a raise, it’s time to follow up. Stay calm, positive, and professional throughout the entire process. Take notes and record the outcome of the meeting so you won’t miss crucial information. When scheduling the follow-up call(s) or emailing, keep in mind that your boss probably already knows you’re looking for something. He or she likely wants to move quickly and efficiently — allowing him/her enough time to pass judgment on your proposal. Besides, giving your boss ample opportunity to review your request gives him/her a chance to decide whether or not s/he wants to approve it. Therefore, don’t bombard your superior with multiple emails or calls within minutes of each other, nor send several texts.
While it’s tempting to beg or plead your case, resist the urge. Most managers simply aren’t interested in hearing anyone whine about his/hers poor management skills or lack thereof. Plus, whining rarely accomplishes anything productive. On top of that, when you’re begging, you give the appearance that you have nothing going for you. Sound desperate and weak? Not a winning combination.
The key takeaway here is timing. Just because you haven’t received a raise lately doesn’t necessarily mean it’s never coming. Give your boss enough time to evaluate your proposal. Wait long enough and your chances of succeeding improve significantly. But don’t wait forever! The sooner you act, the better. Employers tend to lower starting salaries as soon as hiring season begins, since many workers apply right away. Once the competition heats up, employers begin offering larger amounts to attract candidates faster. The longer you wait, the smaller your raise becomes.
Also, don’t expect to receive a huge boost overnight. Unless your company offers merit-based raises, it usually takes months to see significant changes to your paycheck. During that period, keep performing your duties exactly the same way to remain eligible for promotion consideration. Eventually, however, you’ll hopefully score a sizable bump in pay.
Finally, don’t worry about losing valuable opportunities. Negotiating a fair raise won’t stop your career dead in its tracks. Although you may experience temporary financial anxiety, you shouldn’t lose hope. Before long, you’ll reap the rewards of your efforts.
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